Shaping Stars: Raphael Benza’s Exclusive & Transformative Masterclass at AUMEX 2024

In the world of African music, few had managed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape with the finesse and impact of Raphael Benza, founder of the renowned music entertainment agency Vth Season. 

Since launching his career over a decade ago, Benza became a cornerstone of the industry, guiding iconic talents like AKA, Ami Faku, TRESOR, Focalistic, Heavy-K, Manu WorldStar, and Mr Eazi. 

As part of the AUMEX ’24 program, his masterclass, “The Art of Artist Management,” held yesterday at Protea Hotel, provided an exclusive look into the world of managing talent, building sustainable careers, and overcoming the challenges faced by artists in the African music scene.

In his masterclass, Benza covered core principles that defined his approach, including:

● Talent Development: How to identify unique potential and nurture it into star quality.

● Sustainable Career Building: Strategies to create longevity in the industry beyond viral moments.

● Navigating Industry Challenges: Practical advice for overcoming the hurdles that African artists face, from limited resources to global competition.

Benza’s contributions have garnered multiple accolades, including awards from the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), and nominations from BET Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs). Known for his work with Spotify’s highest-streamed African hip-hop artist and his A&R contributions to two of the top 10 most popular Amapiano tracks, Benza’s perspective proved invaluable to those seeking to master the craft of artist management.

Benza’s insights came at a pivotal moment as AUMEX continued to bring together industry leaders, creators, and innovators for an extraordinary event this weekend on 22nd & 23rd November; AUMEX 2024. His masterclass served as the perfect prelude to the conference, equipping attendees with foundational knowledge that amplified their experience at AUMEX 2024. 

With international delegates from DITTO, Sony Music, Boomplay, Virgin Music, Sheer Publishing, The Orchard, and Mdundo in attendance, AUMEX 2024 will offer  a prime opportunity for networking, partnership building, and firsthand insights into the global music industry.