Defected partners with Bridges For Music, launches new Afro House imprint, Sondela
Defected will sponsor five students per term at Bridges Academy, a non-profit organisation based in Langa, South Africa.
Defected have also launched a new label Sondela in collaboration with Sef Kombo, with all profits and proceeds going to Bridges For Music.
READ: Bridges for Music launches Sho Madjozi Scholarship
Bridges For Music
Bridges For Music is a non-profit organisation uniting the music industry for social impact, harnessing the power of music and creative education to empower the future creative leaders and change-makers in underserved communities.
Bridges For Music has been working extensively over the last 8 years in South African townships connecting these communities with the global music community, building educational programs and opportunities for local talent.
Defected
As Defected today has unprecedented engagement with millions of fans worldwide, the label team feels a greater responsibility to raise awareness and take action on issues that need attention.
While the music industry and electronic music especially is going global and expanding into developing countries, there is an opportunity to lead meaningful change through the power of music.
“This is a great commitment from Defected to help bridge social gaps through education and support young talent and creative leaders in the most underserved communities.
“We are honoured to welcome Defected as a patron and we are looking forward to working with their global community in furthering the impact of this program, especially in these times of hardship. ” – Valentino Barrioseta, Bridges for Music.
The partnership
As of 1st July, Defected’s patronage for Bridges For Music will incorporate sponsorship of five students every six months at the Bridges Academy in the township of Langa (Cape Town, South Africa).
The Academy, which was opened in 2019, aims to empower future creative leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds through “a pioneering model that combines mindfulness, entrepreneurship and 21st-century skills, utilising music and art as the connecting thread of the community”.
Sondela Records
At the same time, Defected will be launching Sondela Records, a new member of the Defected label family.
An Afro House imprint, Sondela has been 18 months in the making, with Defected founder Simon Dunmore’s son Louie Dunmore working with Sef Kombo to develop the label’s ethos and style.
Sef Kombo will act as joint A&R and non-executive Director of the label alongside Louie Dunmore, while he completes the final year of his studies at Newcastle University.
Aligning the patronage and the new label project, all profits and proceeds from Sondela will be going directly to Bridges For Music.
“I’ve been really happy being part of Sondela, I’ve always wanted to be a part of shining the light on the amazing talents from my home continent and bridging the worlds together to new listeners and also to release amazing future classic records.
“Even at this early stage in my A&R journey, I’ve learnt so much and so keen to learn more at Sondela.” – Sef Kombo
“Africa has always influenced and been deeply rooted in dance music across the globe. We wanted to invest in future talent, right at the very source of this creativity.
“We have a long term relationship with Bridges For Music and are excited to be able to support such an incredible initiative.” – Simon Dunmore
“I am so excited to begin my journey with Sondela Records and to be working alongside Sef Kombo.
“Aligning with Bridges For Music will help me in my own personal development while providing an excellent opportunity to discover creative talent and dig deep to source new music.” – Louie Dunmore
To apply for the Defected Scholarship program at the Bridges Academy:
ww.bridges-academy.org
