Soul Candi Institute launches national recruitment drive in SA

The campaign began earlier this month and will run until the second week of February 2026. It targets prospective musicians, producers, DJs, vocalists, songwriters and music entrepreneurs across the country.

Soul Candi, based in Rosebank, has produced graduates who have gone on to work across various areas of the music and creative industries. Its alumni include artists such as Shimza, DJ Zinhle, J’Something and DWSON, alongside graduates working in music production, audio engineering, songwriting, artist management and related fields.

As part of its 2026 training offering, the institute has introduced the Live DJ School, an eight-week DJ and live performance programme. The course focuses on practical skills including mixing, beat matching and live performance using Ableton Live. It is delivered through in-person training at Soul Candi’s upgraded, soundproofed DJ studios in Rosebank.

According to the institute, the programme is designed to reflect current performance environments and prepare students for club, festival and live-stage settings.

Sergio Botelho, co-founder of the Soul Candi Institute of Music & Record Label, said the campaign aims to attract individuals seeking long-term careers in the music industry.

“At Soul Candi, we don’t just teach music, we prepare students for the realities of the global music industry,” Botelho said. “This national campaign is about opening doors for talented individuals who are serious about building long-term careers in music, whether as artists, producers, sound engineers, or creative entrepreneurs.”

During the campaign period, prospective students will be introduced to programmes in music production, DJ performance, vocal training, songwriting, sound engineering, music business and digital music technologies. The institute’s training model combines academic instruction with industry exposure, including project-based work, collaboration with professional artists and opportunities for live performance.

The recruitment drive also includes early registration incentives and limited-period offers, which the institute says are intended to broaden access to music education.

Soul Candi said its curriculum is structured to respond to changes in the music industry driven by technology, streaming and digital platforms, with an emphasis on both creative and business skills.

Applications for the upcoming academic cycle are open during the campaign period. Programme information is available through the institute’s official website and social media platforms.