Universal Music South Africa, through Universal Music Group’s Task Force for Meaningful Change (TFMC), today announced a partnership with South Africa’s National School of the Arts (NSA) that will save the iconic school from closure due to economic pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of South Africa’s foremost arts education institutions, NSA is a co-educational public school located in the heart of Braamfontein, Johannesburg. It has produced some of South Africa’s finest talent across the fields of art, dance, drama and music. Present at the announcement ceremony on NSA’s Braamfontein campus were several students, parents, teachers and alumni.
The landmark partnership will include the newly renamed “Universal Music Department,” which caters for 165 learners from Uganda, Zimbabwe, DRC and South Africa, as well as hands-on support from the global music company in the form of resources, classes, industry participation and internships.
“For more than 50 years the NSA has helped to train South Africa’s arts community; it is a jewel that must be saved. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the NSA to ensure that future generations of young artists can continue to train here and I look forward to building future programs that will provide new opportunities in the years to come,” said Sipho Dlamini, Managing Director Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa and UMG TFMC Global Committee lead.
Jeff Harleston, General Counsel and EVP of Business & Legal Affairs, UMG and Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group, who serve as Co-Heads of UMG’s Task Force for Meaningful Change said, “It’s an honour to work with Sipho to help support South Africa’s next generation of artists, songwriters and musicians. We are incredibly proud to partner with the National School of the Arts and work with them to continue to educate and support young artists in South Africa.”
Brenda Sakellarides, Artistic Director of the NSA said, “UMG is home to some of the most exciting music artists today so we’re thrilled to partner with a company that puts artistry first. We’re excited to work with the Universal Music South Africa team to continue educating our students, providing them resources and a foundation to explore, create and pursue their dreams.”
