Madida joins Sony
South African musician, actress, producer and media personality Nandi Madida is officially joining the Sony Music Entertainment Africa Family.
Managing director of Sony Music Entertainment Africa Sean Watson commented: “It makes us proud that someone as multitalented as Nandi has trusted us with being her partner in her music career. Hopefully we can do her choice justice and together we can create something special.”
Madida said: “Sony Music has the greatest legacy ever. Sony has two of the greatest people that I have ever experienced – Michael Jackson and Beyoncé – and locally they have Joyous Celebration, Shekhinah, Zonke, AKA, Kwesta and a lot more incredible acts.
“What I love mostly about Sony is that their business model has always been that they do not sign anyone. When they sign you it’s because they want you to be a part of a family and they really invest in you.
“So it was really important for me to find a family where you get that attention, and you can see it with all their artists. It’s such an honour to be part of Sony, it’s a dream come true. Very exciting times.”
This year, the talented vocalist joined a bevy of African film and TV talent and musicians as
Nala on Beyoncé’s Disney film, Black Is King. The visual album was released a year after the theatrical release of Disney’s live-action remake of the 1994 animated classic The Lion King. “Black Is King gave me, as a lead, such amazing global recognition and you’ll be seeing more of that in 2021,” she said.
Disney and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment said: “Black Is King is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and black excellence.” Madida was in the spotlight from an early age, beginning with winning Miss Junior South Africa and continuing with numerous wins at regional and national dancing and singing talent shows into her early teens. She landed her first television show at the age of 15 as a presenter on SABC2’s kids show Bling!.
Madida has featured in various chart topping singles such as Tonight by DJ Franky in 2011, her debut single Goodtimes in 2012, Dance with Zakes Bantwini in 2015, mega hit Skhanda Love with KO in 2015 and SA Music Award-winning song Say U Will with KO last year.
She dropped her new single Organic on digital platforms last Friday. She said: “I want African women to feel good about themselves. We are always being challenged for being who we are naturally but we never get credit for the fact that we actually inspire the world.
“Organic was inspired by the late Sara Baartman and the abuse she endured; and yet her body is so relevant and popular in mainstream culture around the world.
“What I am saying to African women is that we are organically beautiful.
“We have been blessed with natural curves and people pay to get what we have naturally. Yes we get appropriated, but we should appreciate what we have even if the world does not.”