BBC features SA record label

The programme gives an in-depth look at the economic trends shaping the African continent, with interviews, discussions and informative features about different business topics in Africa.

The programme was presented by BBC's Kopano Gumbi and featured music by Vth Season artists AKA, Ami Faku, Benny Afroe and Manu WorldStar. Gumbi spoke to Vth Season co-founder and COO Ninel Musson about how the company has adapted to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s great to be identified by a global news network that recognises the work that we’re doing on the continent and the impact that we’re making despite the global pandemic,” Musson said.

“We’ve created a mobile studio set up for our artists that sends them the tools to record music at home in a safe environment. The lockdown has affected creativity and moods in different ways and musicians can be inspired by all types of situations – even lockdown, or the coronavirus pandemic.”

Since the announcement of the lockdown by the SA government in March, Vth Season artists have released over 30 singles. Some of the released songs include ‘Energy’ and ‘Monuments’ by AKA as well as Ami Faku’s ‘Cross My Heart’ and ‘Ubuhle Bakho’.

Vth Season said many labels and musicians slowed down production due to the pandemic. The music company added that it used its agility as a boutique label to release more music than usual.

Vth Season started off the year on a good note with 10 singles by its artists featured on Radiomonitor's South Africa Top 100 chart. ‘F.R.E.E’ by AKA featuring Riky Rick and DJ Tira was at No 1. Other songs featured in the Top 100 include Ami Faku's 'Inde Lendlela', 'Ubuhle Bakho', 'Imali', 'Love Drunk', 'Into Ingawe', 'Ndiyeke' and 'Ungowam' as well as 'Rent' by Manu WorldStar.

Vth Season also received recognition from the Recording Industry of South Africa when Ami Faku was awarded gold and platinum plaques for two of her songs.