Bridges For Music Podcasts

Tune into the world of legendary DJ, producer, and 20/20 Vision label founder  Ralf Lawson  in our latest podcast episode. Join us as we dive into Ralf’s journey from pioneering UK club culture to shaping underground house music for over three decades. From his early days at  Back to Basics —one of the longest-running club nights in the world—to his influence as a tastemaker and mentor, Ralf share...

Tune into the sonic world of @ame_innervisions on our latest podcast episode. Join us as we explore the evolution of the iconic German duo, Kristian Beyer & Frank Wiedemann, from their early days in Karlsruhe to their groundbreaking work with Innervisions. 🌍✨ Discover how their passion for reshaping dance music keeps them at the forefront of the scene, crafting hits like "Rej" and...

In this episode, we're honored to host Jeroen Verheij, better known as Secret Cinema, a pioneering force in the Dutch techno scene since 1991. From his early hit "Sonar System" under the alias Meng Syndicate to timeless tracks like "Timeless Altitude" and "Mary Go Wild," Secret Cinema has continually shaped the electronic music landscape. ADE Join us as we explore:  His journey from the early rave...

 Immerse yourself in this captivating episode featuring the extraordinary Kitty Amor, a trailblazer in the Afro House scene, and hosted by our very own alum, Hluma Shoko. From her early days in Nottingham’s underground clubs to gracing the global stage alongside Mixmag cover stars, Kitty’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and profound self-discovery. In this deeply personal conversation, she...

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest podcast episode, featuring the amazing Kususa. In this episode, they sit down with our alumni to share their journey as one of South Africa's top Afro-House duos and offer valuable tips on navigating the complex music industry. Since 2012, Pioneer has been a key supporter of Bridges For Music’s mission, connecting underprivileged communities...

In the latest Bridges For Music podcast, we’re joined by  Keinemusic s  Rampa and &me who take us on a deep dive into industry insights during their visit to connect with co-creators at Bridges Academy. Since 2012,  Pioneer DJ has played a pivotal role in supporting Bridges For Music’s mission, uniting underprivileged communities with the global music stage.

The latest Bridges For Music podcast episode features House music legend Ralf Gum He joins us for a conversation on his career and his profound connection to music, which spans multiple countries across two decades.

We're excited to announce the release of our latest podcast episode, featuring none other than the incredible Bonobo and the talented Msaki. This special episode captures the magic of Bonobo's visit to our Academy during his Fragments Tour. In this episode, we delve into the heart of our mission, exploring how technology, collaboration, and mentorship empower emerging artists and contribut...

Concluding South Africa's Women's Month, Thandi Draai, celebrated as a music producer, DJ, vocalist, and songwriter, joins us on this podcast. With an impactful 8-year influence on Afro Tech and House music, her collaborations with global labels and artists define her as a trailblazer. The podcast not only illuminates her journey but also salutes women's achievements, closing the month...

Dive into this dynamic episode now and submerge in the realm of music with the extraordinary Grammy-winning artist and longtime supporter of BFM, Zakes Bantwini, at Bridges Academy. Zakes Bantwini's spirit is intricately woven into our journey, and witnessing him ignite the flames of inspiration within the upcoming generation is genuinely heartening. 🌟 His tale of triumph stands as a living t...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Bridges For Music podcast featuring a very special guest, Freddie Fellowes, the brilliant mind behind the legendary Secret Garden Party! Join us as Freddie takes us on a captivating journey, unveiling the secrets behind the creation of this extraordinary festival and sharing his vision for its future plans. Don't miss out on this incredible episode! Listen...

Join Adam Beyer & the @bridges.academy co-creators as he explores the vital significance of the Academy during its formative years 🌱 Recorded during his visit to Ultra Music Festival this year, Adam Beyer explores a topic close to his heart in this podcast episode. Since 2012 Pioneer DJ has supported Bridges For Music’s goal of bridging the gap between musicians from under-resourced communiti...

In this episode, we have Dope Saint Jude, a rapper, singer, and music producer from one of Cape Town's most dangerous neighbourhoods. In this podcast, she speaks about her upbringing in one of the most dangerous communities in South Africa. She also speaks about her role in empowering women in the entertainment industry. As a touring artist and member of our board, she has escaped the reality...

Langa South Africa marked the debut of Defected and Sondela together. While they were in South Africa, Simon Dunmore, Louie Dunmore, @Sef Kombo, and DJ Kitty Amor participated in a workshop at Bridges Academy discussing electronic music and artist development. It demonstrates how industry key players are working to foster talent while it is still young and in the development phase. 📍 Live from Br...

In the latest episode we have a South African house music legend, Head of A&R at Defected Records and Founder of Stay True Sounds and STAY TRU BTS Kid Fonque tells his story of how he developed a taste for high-quality sounds.  He also talks about his label, Stay True Sounds, which has been instrumental in the careers of a number of talented South African house artists including China Charmeleon,...

This episode features our guest Sio visiting Bridges Academy in Langa and talking about her well-structured career in the entertainment industry and how she stays on her toes. In such a short time, she has achieved a great deal of recognition and accomplishments that speak volumes of what she will achieve in the future. Sio describes her journey in her own words.

In this podcast we have Berlin DJ and producer Alex Ridha, better known as BOYS NOIZE who establishes himself as one of the world’s preeminent wizards behind the decks, not only technically but also as a showman. Also running his own label, Boysnoize Records (BNR), which he founded in 2005. Originally started to retain his full artistic freedom and in order to release his own music under BOYS NOIZ...

In this episode iconic master of programmed music dabbling between techno and African inspired elements, Cioz continues to create globally leading sounds that best depict afroteih and where it is progressing to. After doing a tour of the academy and meeting our co-creators, Cioz experienced a heartfelt welcome and was eager to start a track with the entire class showing them his process and tips o...

We have a brand new episode with the legendary Carl Craig in conversation with Jackie, Msaki and Fosta DJ celebrating Black History Month at Conhill in Johannesburg. In honour of the importance of African music to electronic music, All Black Digital African was created. As Carl Craig and the panel discuss the importance of education around African music, they track back to the roots and generation...

In this episode, we have one of South Africa's best vocalists who is also our board member. As a prolific composer and singer-songwriter from East London, @msaki_za has the capacity to touch anyone's heart with her vocal poise and talent. It is her belief that the arts hold the power to empower individuals to re-imagine themselves; she asserts that every story possesses its own validity. She is al...

In this last episode, recorded last year 2021, we are delighted to bring you music promoter Shaun Duvet, the man responsible for Ultra South Africa - who passionately shares how he rose from working in the family business and developed one of the country's biggest music festivals.

While on his tour of South Africa in 2019, Ed Sheeran dropped by the Bridges Academy to discuss how he discovered music from a young age, getting signed and his take on South African culture.

On Episode 3 of the Bridges For Music podcasts, we have DJs Richie Hawtin and Black Label at the very first workshop Bridges for Music held in 2013 in the township of Kliptown in Johannesburg. They discuss the role music plays in the local community, the scenes that defined and inspired them and reminisce about their first shows in South Africa.

Inspired by Burning Man festival in the US, AfrikaBurn sees over 14,000 people descend into the 1,436 km2 national park each year, and in doing so unites a collective of creatives to share art, ideas and passions. In episode two of Bridges For Music’s podcast series, we’re joined by Monique Schiess, the founder of AfrikaBurn, who discusses the inspiration, philosophy and logistics behind South Afr...

Recorded in the Langa Township in Cape Town, just a stone’s throw away from the Bridges Academy, the latest episode of Bridges For Music’s podcast series features world-renowned DJ Luciano and South African house legend Vinny Da Vinci. The two artists discuss why they got into DJing, producing records and the House music explosion in South Africa in the late 1990s.