“Amapiano will continue to influence mainstream music trends and solidify its place on the global music stage.” – Mark Mac.
By Emmanuel Daraloye
The first time I encountered Amapiano was late in 2020, during a night out at a club in Ondo town. While the audience was ecstatic, I found myself intrigued by the unfamiliar sound. It wasn’t until weeks later that I learned the name of the genre.
As a keen follower of House and a curious observer of the Amapiano scene, I’ve been eager to understand the key industry players who have brought this sound to global recognition. One such individual is Mark Mac, a former Universal Music staff member who is now pioneering his new path through DC Talent Agency, which manages talents like Pheelz, Uncle Waffles, amongst others.
In this exclusive Afrocritik interview, Mac discusses, amongst other things, his journey, the challenges of talent management, and the current and future state of Amapiano.
Please, take us through your journey in the music industry. How did it all start for you?
My journey in the music industry started around 2016/2017 with 2 Live Entertainment, where we brought international artistes to Africa for performances. My first major gig was with T-Pain in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We organised major shows in South Africa with artistes like Migos, French Montana, and Meek Mill. This experience was my introduction to the music business. We eventually expanded to concerts and tours outside of Africa, including Dubai. It was there that I met Camillo, and shortly after, we decided to launch DC Talent Agency. Alongside building DC Talent, I also joined Universal Music as their Head of International (Touring).
How do you think your time at Universal Music has helped in shaping you for your current job at this agency?
My time at Universal Music was invaluable in shaping my current role at DC Talent Agency. It provided me with a deep understanding of the global music industry, insight into international touring, and the experience of working with diverse talent. It also taught me the importance of strategic planning, networking, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the music business. These skills have been crucial in building and managing a successful talent agency.
I know you have worked with some of the brightest stars in Africa. How has it been working with them considering their egos and other problems associated with them?
Working with some of Africa’s brightest stars has been both rewarding and challenging. Managing egos and various challenges is part of the job. It requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to mediate and resolve conflicts effectively. Building trust and maintaining a professional yet supportive relationship with the artistes is key. Despite the challenges, the experience of helping them achieve their goals and seeing their success makes it all worthwhile.
I discovered Amapiano in 2020. I knew the world was in for some great times. When did you discover the genre and how did it make you feel?
I discovered Amapiano a bit earlier, around 2018. The first time I heard it, I was captivated by its unique sound and infectious energy. It felt like a breath of fresh air and I knew it had the potential to make a significant impact on the global music scene. It was exciting to witness its evolution and to play a part in bringing it to a wider audience.
The growth of Amapiano is incomplete without taking into cognisance your contributions. How do you feel about the current growth of the genre?
I feel incredibly proud and excited about the current growth of Amapiano. It’s amazing to see how far the genre has come and how it’s being embraced globally. Seeing Amapiano artistes headlining shows and being featured on major festival lineups is a testament to the hard work and talent within the community. However, there’s still much work to be done, and I’m committed to continuing to support and promote Amapiano artistes.
Here in Nigeria, there are a lot of talents that do not reach their full potential. Beyond talent, what else do you think an artiste needs to possess?
Beyond talent, an artiste needs a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience. They must be willing to put in the hard work, even when faced with challenges. Having a clear vision for their career, good networking skills and the ability to connect with their audience are also crucial. Additionally, they need to be adaptable and open to learning and evolving continuously.
What does the future hold for Amapiano?
The future for Amapiano is incredibly bright. I see it continuing to grow and evolve, with more artistes from the genre gaining international recognition. There will likely be more collaborations with artistes from other genres, further blending and innovating the sound. Amapiano will continue to influence mainstream music trends and solidify its place on the global music stage.
Africans have a lot of talent. For those who might be interested in your company, how can they reach out?
We welcome talented artistes who are passionate and dedicated. Artistes or creators can reach out to us through our website or social media channels. We’re always on the lookout for new talent and are excited to hear from artistes or creators who share our vision and drive.
Listed twice by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of the top 5 Music Journalists in Nigeria, Emmanuel Daraloye has over 600 album reviews in his archive.