Alumni
Ban-T (born Baanthata Mokgwathi) is a hip hop artist from Botswana. Ban-T’s journey to musical fame began with the video of his first single, ‘Whyso faded Anthem’, which was released in 2015. In 2016, he released ‘Naomi’, which earned him 4 awards at the 2016 Yarona FM Music Awards, popularly known as the “YAMAs”. Since then, he has produced hit after hit, with his songs gaining airplay across multiple music stations in Botswana and South Africa.
Kyle is the guitarist for Zaan Sonnekus and Francois van Coke’s Die Gevaar.
Rap and hip-hop are infused with RichDepressedKids. South African songwriter and musician K1llbrady showcases his immense talent and audience-connecting skills. The vocals are clear and the lyrics and production were of high-quality standards. Twin. Smoke, Babylos, Lilnosebleedd, and Blxckie collaborated on this studio collection. This album went number 1 in Botswana.
Samantha was Die Kontrak Seisoen 2 winner and performed at Afrikaans is Groot 2022. She has since performed on big stages all around the country, including at Innibos 2023. Samantha has also been nominated for an Aitsa Afrikaanse Musiek award.
Shamiso is making serious waves in the world of Electronic Dance Music. As a proudly African EDM DJ, she’s carved out her own space in the industry, and 2025 is already proving to be a standout year! She performed on one of the biggest stages internationally at Ultra South Africa and has taken her sound global, travelling to Ibiza and earning a prestigious award nomination for her work.
Warren is a South African drummer who sessions for local and international artists on a regular basis. Warren also plays drums for Bernice West regularly.
Judah is the Founder, Director & CEO at The Judah Music Factory. Judah has been involved with some great productions over the last few years, with the latest being with Khaya Mthethwa at the Sunbet Arena.
Amy worked as Music Director onboard cruise ships in Australia for 2 years and also spent time touring in the Middle East. Amy broke into the Cape Town Scene in August 2016 with the release of her debut EP, titled “Average Jane” – a collection of country / folk pop songs written in her years whilst studying music. Following this release, many doors opened to her, as she became recognized for both her song-writing skills and performance skills as a guitar player and vocalist. Amy was a top 10 finalist in the Voice SA Season 2 and has released various singles.
“I Want To” First Solo single. YFM and Metro FM – Peaked at number 1 on the Emerging SA Chart / “In Your Life” follow-up, on most Radio Stations and music video on all platforms. It peaked at Number 1 on the 5FM SA Top 30 Chart / “Wave G’Bye” the 3rd single launched on all platforms on the 15th of July and for radio, it EXCLUSIVELY launched on the “Forbes And Fix” show on 5FM. / “Another Way” Featuring ‘Mapped Out Squad’ this was a song done for Coke Studio South Africa. The episode where the song was created aired on ETV 30th of October 2016. “In Your Life”(Strange Loving Remix) Released on Germany’s giant Katermukke Records on 27 January Worldwide. / “Fan Girl” – 2017.
Berita, aka Gugulethu Khumalo, is a household name in the music industry in the southern part of Africa, particularly South Africa and Zimbabwe. Berita has tremendously grown as a millennial singer and songwriter that has been gracing our screens with her melodious voice and great stage performances. Berita songs that became very popular: Thandolwethu Tell Me You Love Me Sukundishesha Notyatyambo. She has also released five albums.
Bassist for multiple-award winner Jo Black, as well as for “Kinky Robot” with Martin Bester.
2018 SAMA Nominee
International songwriter and performer Singles:
If I Ever Saw Heaven & Whiskey to my Soul
Darlington “Young DLC” Chikwewo, 2 times Coke Studio Africa inhouse producer. Co-Produced opening sequence for a BET production( Series name to be updated when it launches later this year). Co-Produced Mlindo’s Nge Thanda Wena, on the SAMA Award, Winning best selling Album- Emakhaya, together with DJ Maphorisa. Produced for former Idols SA contestants, Bevin Samuels-Must Be Love and Diamara’s Impilo. Has worked on Mnet’s The VoiceSA 2019 under Thatch Music.
Performed on the Potch Jool Main Stage / New Years Eve show with Francois van Coke / Playing festivals with favourite Afrikaans artists like Park Acoustics, Lentedag, and Wildsfees / Had singles at number 1 on some local radio stations.
Xivonaki “THEBLVCKGUY” Manzini is a 26-year-old Drummer/Producer from The Cousins. He is a charismatic and hardworking South African musician who started studying music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and then further continued at the Campus of Performing Arts in South Africa. He’s worked with the likes of Israel Houghton, Sinach, Riky Rick, AKA, & Sjava, and many more. THEBLVCKGUY’s more notable work has been on “Coca Cola’s 2020 AMA2000” Global Campaign, “Shoprite/Checker’s 2019 Champion Wors” Campaign as well as Grammy Nominated “The Lion King: The Gift By Beyoncé”.
Erick Gerber is a guitarist, singer and music composer who has been working in the industry for more than 11 years. Some of his career highlights include performing live at the Miss South Africa 2019 event in front of millions of viewers, and performing at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, attended by over 75 000 people. He is currently the guitarist for international singer-songwriter and platinum-selling success, Jesse Clegg. He also founded (and is still a part of) a nationally successful Metal band called Red Helen.
Louis R. Malherbe II
Louis has worked with various artists and bands in the industry, namely, APPEL, Dominic Neill, The Motherland, Charlie Finch and Made for Broadway. Currently, his main project is performing with Platinum Selling artist Jesse Clegg, son of the late Johnny Clegg, initially alongside COPA alumni Regardt Scheepers and now Erick Gerber. Performing at large scale events such as the Miss South Africa 2019 pageant as well as alongside Daughtry on their South African tour have been some of the biggest highlights during his time with Jesse. Apart from an active gigging and teaching career, Louis also co-owns SA DRUMMER and maintains the South African platform and publication. A community, built for SA Drummers by SA Drummers.
From meeting some of the best musicians and friends at COPA, touring Europe and playing at Wacken festival in Germany (the biggest Metal Music festival in the world), I’ve had some great experiences and lessons over the years as a drummer. My band also recently signed to a label, Out Of Line (EU) which we are so excited to be working with
