Trailblazers is MBW’s interview series focusing on music entrepreneurs who have the potential to become future global business powerhouses. This time, we speak to Mark Mac and Camillo Doregos, co-founders of DC Talent Agency, a management and booking company based in Lagos. Trail Blazers are powered by TuneCore.
Some of the most interesting statistics released in IFPI’s latest Global Music Report concern Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The SSA region became the world’s fastest-growing recorded music region for the second year in a row in 2023, and the only region in the world to surpass 20% grow.
Recorded music revenue increases in SSA Annual increase of 24.7% 2023, Revenue growth was driven primarily by premium streaming revenue An increase of 24.5% compared with the same period last year.
As consumption of recorded music on streaming services grows within Africa, music created by artists from Africa continues to make a significant impact on the global stage beyond the continent.
Evidence of the global influence of African music in recent months includes Grammy Award-winning South African-born Amapiano star Tyla has a top 10 hit in the U.S. in 2023 water.
Meanwhile, Nigerian superstar Rema’s hit song has been viewed more than 1 billion times clam down mix (Mavin / Jonzing World / Virgin Music) Featuring Selena Gomez, it marks the first time a track led by an African artist has reached 1 billion streams on the service.
Additionally, Afrobeats stars Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Tems performed on the Pyramid and Other stage at Glastonbury Festival in the UK last month.
“The explosive growth of Amapiano and Afrobeats is phenomenal,” says DC Talent Agency co-founder Camilo Dorregos. “Today, Afrobeat artists are selling out stadiums and arenas around the world, while Appiano artists are headlining shows and appearing on major festival line-ups.
“Both genres have brought cultures together and influenced mainstream trends outside of music, which is evident in TikTok dances, EDM remixes and guest features.”
“The explosion of Appiano and Afrobeats was amazing.”
Camillo Doregos, DC Talent Agency
Dorregos added: “These genres have also created opportunities for African artists to participate in global events such as the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week. This is just the beginning; there’s still a lot of potential for both genres in the coming years.
Camillo Doregos co-founded Lagos-based DC Talent Agency in 2019 with co-founder Mark Mac to bridge the gap between emerging African artists and the global msuic business.
Doregos is known for working with Afrobeat stars mr eds In the early stages of his career, between 2016 and 2020.
The executive’s music career began in 2010 while he was pursuing a degree in pharmacy at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He began promoting parties and booking artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Sean Tizzle, Sarkodie and R2Bees. He subsequently expanded into artist management, establishing DC Talent Agency in 2019 with co-founder Mark Mac.
“At one of the gatherings, I connected with Mr. Eazi and we started collaborating on events,” explains Doregos. “In 2016, I became Mr. Eazi’s manager, and we traveled the world together with his debut album. During one of Mr. Eazi’s tours, I met Mark, and after several conversations, we decided to set up DC Talent Agency .
Meanwhile, Mark Mac, co-founder of Johannesburg-based DC Talent Agency, switched from engineering to the music industry in 2016.
At 2 Live Entertainment, he worked with artists such as T-Pain, Gunna, Migos, French Montana, Meek Mill, Chris Brown and Janet Jackson.
In 2019, he co-founded DC Talent Agency with Doregos and assumed the role of Head of International (Tour) for Universal Music in early 2022 while continuing to work at DC Talent.
“I started getting involved in the music industry around 2016/2017 through 2 Live Entertainment, which brought international artists to Africa to perform,” Mark Mac tells us.
He said his first big gig was with T-Pain in the Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by performances in South Africa with artists such as Migos, French Montana and Meek Mill.
“This was my introduction to the music industry,” he said. “We eventually expanded to concerts and tours outside of Africa, including Dubai. There I met Camilo and booked a show for Mr. Eze. Shortly after, we launched DC Talent Agency.
Here, the co-founders of DC Talent Agency discuss the company’s origins, predictions for the future of African music, and more…
Can you tell us about the origins of DC Talent Agency and your ambitions when you started the company?
Camilo Dorregos: We established the agency to bridge the gap between African artists, promoters, brands, talent buyers and the global music industry. Our goal has always been to provide a platform where talented artists and creators can thrive, gain international recognition, and receive the best resources and career guidance.
Mark Mac: Our goal is to bring African talent to the world. Our motto is “Africa to the World”. Our strategy is to establish artists in Africa first and then expand globally. For example, during the 2020 industry shutdown, our Amapiano customers were still able to make a living.
Can you tell us about some recent and upcoming highlights?
Camilo Dorregos: Our artists have performed at major international festivals and sold out headline shows across Africa, the UK and the US. For example, Uncle Waffles recently sold out a 2,500-person venue. We also booked MLB DJs at the Pioneer Plays Festival in Malta. We are currently on a number of tours in Europe and North America. There are also upcoming brand partnerships.
Mark Mac: Some of our clients, such as Musa Keys and Daliwonga, performed in BAL Season 4 this year. I went to Paris with some clients for Paris Fashion Week and it was special to see all the Africans playing different roles there, even though we didn’t do a lot of bookings.
Who is currently on your roster?
Camilo Dorregos: We manage Pheelz and Kah-Lo. For bookings we work with artists and DJs such as TxC, Scorpion Kings (Kabza and Maphorisa), Focalistic and Major League DJs. In addition to musical talent, we look for artists with a strong work ethic, a clear vision for their career, and the ability to connect and tell stories with their audiences. Creativity, authenticity and a unique approach are our key factors.
“Creativity, authenticity and a unique approach are key factors for us.”
Mark Mac: We also work closely with Pearl Suchi, Yumbs, TDK Macassette, TENOCEANS, Skyla Tylaa and Pcee & Justin. We look for artists who are willing to put in the work and believe in themselves. It’s a combination of hard work, belief in their craft, and a gut feeling that tells us they have the potential to succeed.
What business and creative trends are you seeing in the market that we should be aware of?
Camilo Dorregos: There is an increase in collaborations between African and international artists across a variety of genres, including Latin, hip-hop, drill, EDM and R&B. Digital and social platforms are also investing more in African markets, with streaming platforms, record labels, distribution companies and global talent agencies all tapping into the potential here. On the creative front, there has been a proliferation of fusions of African sounds with other genres, resulting in innovative music that appeals to global audiences.
“There has been an increase in collaborations between African and international artists from different genres, including Latin, hip-hop, drill, EDM and R&B.”
Mark Mac: The role of social media remains important as creatives continue to find new and surprising ways to use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote songs, challenges and personal brands.
What are your predictions for the wider music scene in Africa and the positioning of African artists on the global stage in the coming years?
Camilo Dorregos: The African music industry will continue to grow, and streaming services play a vital role in helping African artists reach global audiences. We’ve seen this in hits like Rema clam down and CKay’s aianwanditi. Global collaborations will also strengthen the position of African artists.
“Global collaboration will also strengthen the position of African artists.”
Mark Mac: I predict that in the coming years South African house music will merge with global genres such as rap, R&B and Latin.
Where are the biggest growth opportunities for the wider music industry in Africa today?
Camilo Dorregos: The biggest opportunities lie in brand collaborations, live performances, distribution and merchandising. E-commerce platforms that allow African artists to easily sell their goods across the continent are crucial. Investing in venues and arenas is another important opportunity.
Global brands are increasingly looking to connect with African consumers through their favorite artists and use music to reach new markets. We have been working closely with boohooMAN for the past five years, inviting African artists from around the world to serve as ambassadors, and we have also promoted the concept of pop-up parties to brands.
Mark Mac: Another opportunity is to focus on niche areas and provide these services to artists of different genres, even beyond Africa. Think of music startups, software and products that solve problems for talent managers, labels and artists.
What are the biggest challenges facing the wider African music industry today?
Camilo Dorregos: Key challenges include limited financial resources, lack of space, and weak distribution networks. Getting financial backing for the project was difficult, as was convincing global brands of the market’s potential. Pioneers like Warner Music have benefited from investing in the market before their competitors.
“Some festivals use Appiano shows to sell tickets but don’t put them on big stages.”
Mark Mack: Many film festivals do not understand the value of African artists, resulting in unfair remuneration. Some festivals use Appiano shows to sell tickets but don’t put them on a big stage.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Camilo Dorregos: Stay resilient and adaptable. The music industry is constantly evolving, so be open to new ideas and prioritize quality. Effectively build good relationships and connections. At DC Talent we say we are in the relationship business, not just the music business.
Mark Mac: Work hard, know your goals, write them down, and measure your progress. Educate yourself using the resources available and learn from experts and those who have achieved success in the field.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Camilo Dorregos: Providing fair compensation to producers, artists, and writers, especially emerging producers, artists, and writers. They often struggle with unfair contracts and low streaming payouts. Better income distribution between labels, distribution companies and management will create a more sustainable industry that rewards everyone equitably.
Mark Mac: I would like to see more unity between artists, executives, platforms and publications. People tend to achieve success by beating others, but if we work together we can achieve much more. Let us help each other instead of tearing each other down.
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