Boiler Room partnered with Ballantine’s and hosted the third instalment of the True Music Studios series in South Africa. The dubbed female boss of the Yanos, DBN Gogo, showed off the best of Mzansi’s music at this carefully-curated, back-to-back experience of live and globally streamed performances, educational talks, community events and masterclasses.

The opening night saw leading female voices within the music space – DBN Gogo, Busiswa, and Ayanda Mhlongo – talk about the rise of South African music. Hosted by radio and TV personality, Lamiez Holworthy, the discussion covered topics such as the impact that Amapiano has had on the music industry, the inequality that women still face within the industry and how record labels need to adapt more with all the changes happening within the industry.

The next few days were dedicated to showcasing different DJs and acts within the Amapiano space. Jarrel Mathebula’s Indigenous Dance Academy presented a dance workshop that saw different dancers come together and learn how to dance to Amapiano. Pretty Girls Love Amapiano closed off the night with performances from some of the hottest acts, including DaliWonga, Kabza De Small and Maphorisa. The night also featured a heartfelt dedication by Kwesta for the late music icon and multi-disciplinary creative Riky Rick.

The first Broadcast Party set the bar for the rest of the event with the likes of Young Stunna, Boohle and Uncle Waffles performing live and DJ Stokie and Kyotic creating magic on the decks.

Two community parties were featured, the first was hosted by Same Sex Saturdays with an all femme line-up and the second by Lawk Fest. Both parties kept the dance floor pumping with acts such as DBN Gogo, Desiree, Phatstoki, Banques and Mas Musiq keeping everyone on their feet. The True Music Fund recipients, Ebumnandini and Prime also took over the True Music Studio stage and featured Boiler Room returnees, DJ Lag and Lelowhatsgood.

Those that wanted to know more about the South African music industry, from building a brand, to securing bookings, to speaking to record labels, and to understanding the legalities around the music industry, were treated to an in-depth masterclass by Lawk Communications founder Thuli Keupilwe and her team.

Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios wrapped up with an unforgettable broadcast party with hot performances by Lady Du, Amaroto and Musa Keys. DJs Kelvin Momo, Que DJ and Ms Party brought the house down on the decks. DBN Gogo closed off the night with tunes that had people asking for more.