Music Business MA student Thando Zulu becomes one of the first recipients of the inaugural MMF Student Trailblazer Award and we couldn’t be more proud. We caught up with him to see how he’s taken the news and ask him his thoughts on what he thinks it takes to be a Trailblazer.
Thando, big big big news! Not only did you win it, but you’re one of the first ever to receive the MMF Student Trailblazer Award. When did you find out and how did it all come about?
Ah thank you so much – so I’m a big fan of the MMF and I joined an online masterclass they did with Tileyard and during that session they mentioned this award. I immediately thought “I would LOVE to get that…but not sure if I will..”. Then a friend from Music Business MA – Alex aka Madu aka Legend!!! messaged me saying I should apply and that he thought I would get it…that gave me the courage to go for it…so I sent my application in and then a couple of months later got the good news email saying I’d be successful!!
We imagine it’s still coming as quite a shock to you, how do you feel about it all? What’s the response been like from those around you?
Yeah completely, I think especially early on as manager it’s difficult to know if you’re doing a good job or if any success is a fluke, so it feels amazing to have this external recognition. And for me one of the first steps I took in learning more about being a manager and taking myself in this role more seriously, was to join the MMF, so to have the team at the MMF congratulate me in this way is really special.
People around me have been incredible too, I’ve been properly celebrated – which I find a bit awkward, but good awkward…but yeah, people have been super kind and supportive.
What do you think it was about your work with Jerub, BEKA and Joel Baker that made the panel over at MMF sit up and take note?
That’s a great question…I wouldn’t be able to say to be honest…Maybe it’s that it has all flowed from a genuine place of friendship and a desire to see my friends do well?
I think part of what I want my management company to embody is a sense of authenticity and friendship within business…it seems counterintuitive but friendship leads to trust and trust is everything in management I think. Trust in each other and each other’s abilities whether as a manager or an artist, trust in the music…not sure if I’ve answered the question but that’s what comes to mind!
You’re just coming up to your final term at Tileyard Education, what do you think you’ve learnt over the last half a year that informed some of the management decisions you’ve made? And in what other ways has being part of the wider Tileyard community helped?
YES 1000% – Tileyard has been amazing for me as a manager – even during the pandemic! The lecture content has been great and has given me a good understanding of the industry landscape but in addition to that, being part of the community at Tileyard has been epic. Steve on the academic team was SO supportive with this MMF Student Trailblazer award process, my Mentors; Charlie and Matthew have been invaluable – Louise on the marketing side of things is so kind and supportive too… Trina and Andrew at Electric Pineapple have worked with JERUB, Graham at Tileyard Music has set up a couple of sessions for BEKA and Joel’s live agent is at 13artists who are based at Tileyard…the list could go on!
Obviously it’s funny to ask someone still making their own path, but you’re obviously doing all the right things! What advice do you have to new managers out there just embarking on their careers?
Ah thank you so much! Join the MMF and do the MA in Music Business at Tileyard? But seriously that would be a good place to start…And then secondly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to people for a meeting or to ask for an opportunity, the worst that could happen is a no, but it could also turn into something epic. I’m definitely in the starting-out stage of my journey and plan to stay humble (ask questions) hungry (passionate about my artists doing well) and hard working…and hopefully it will continue to go well!
We know the life of a manager is very hush hush, but do you have any upcoming news you can share with us?
Oooo that’s a good question to finish on…new music is on the way from all of my artists this year AND debut headline shows (fingers cross on government guidelines)…but for now check them out on socials @bekaontoast @jerubmusic @joelbakermusic and look out for the date MAY 7th 😉
