The Sauce caught up with the music business guru for a chat on his new role, thoughts on the music business and what his new job will entail.
1. Congratulations on your new role as Harmonize’s International Manager.
How did this new position come about? This position came as a result of my vast knowledge in the music business, talent management, talent development, networking and relationship building . Having worked with Harmonize as an Executive Producer and A&R specialist on one of his biggest hit songs “Single Again”, I have more to offer in the areas of international strategy for Harmonize career, so I accept his invitation to fully support the positioning of his brand on internation level.
2. As the new International Manager, what will your work with Harmonize entail?
As an international artist manager, I will be playing a crucial role in strategising, guiding his team on the global vision and managing the career of Harmonize on a global scale.
3. Harmonize is one of the biggest Tanzanian music exports. How do you plan on taking his career to the next level?
This will be a strategic plan with global partnerships and teams that would be looking out for opportunities that would maintain the presence of Harmonize from one of the biggest Tanzanian music export to one of Africa’s music export.
4. Given that you’re based in another country while he’s based in Tanzania, what will that working dynamic look like?
As the role implies, an international manager needs to be present in the international space building relationships and creating opportunities for the benefit of the Artist. I was invited to support his local team move his career to international competitions which I am familiar with, this experience and network is what he needs to build the bridge for international crossover. I will be visiting Tanzania to align with his team on ground so everyone is working towards the bigger picture for the artist.
5. Have you worked with other African artistes in this exact capacity before? Whoare they?
Yes I have worked with Burna Boy and used this relationship to develop the careers of Mozambique’s international artists like DJ Tarico and Yaba Buluku Boyz.
6. You’ve managed the careers of different African stars. What criteria do you use to decide who to work with and who not to?
I work with people with a vision that supports the culture and empowers talented people. People that are passionate about growing and establishing a successful career in the music and entertainment business. If your vision is for just you and yourself, then count me out but if your success would bring greatness to your country and promote pan-Africanism, then count me in. It’s all about the turning talent to business and maintaining the legacy of African music and culture.
7. Your understanding of the music business is quite remarkable. Other than your academic background obviously, what else shape your chops in this field?
The Passion for greatness and sustainability shapes my drive for excellence. As popularly known, my slogan is “passion done professionally” the motive is to build from passion to profit. This is the Geobek Standard.
8. Were you always keen on working with Tanzanian stars ? Which other names from TZ would be hellbent on working with?
I’m also keen in working with Artists who have something to bring to the table of greatness, I have worked with the following Tanzanian artists in different musical projects. Artists such as Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, Jux, Ibraah and Marioo. For now the focus is to export the TZ culture to a bigger audience.
9. What qualities make for a top A&R and shrewd music executive?
Some of the qualities of a top A&R (Artists and Repertoire) is a mix of creative instincts, industry experience and great relationships, a strong ear for talent, creative vision for the business of talent, understanding and spotting trends before they go viral, strong network of power players in the industry, producers, songwriters, instrumentalists, Artists, sound engineers and studio managers. A music executive must have deep industry knowledge, business negotiating skills
10. Which Kenyan music stars are currently on your radar?
I’m currently putting my ears down on the entire East African sound and with time I will see who catches my attention for international management.
11. What are your overall future prospects?
My future prospects entail breaking into new and bigger markets from Africa to the World. Strengthen our Ecosystem for upcoming artists to flourish and preserve the culture.
