In the realm of music, what might appear as a solo endeavor is, in fact, a collaborative effort. Although music seems tailor-made for individualistic personalities, every successful musician is backed by a team that collaborates to shape the artist’s image and maintain their prominence in the industry.
One such example is the partnership between Khutso Steven Kgatle, better known as King Monada, and his manager, Albert Makwela. Their bond extends beyond music, resembling that of a father and son. The origin of their connection traces back around a decade when Makwela first encountered King Monada during a community outreach program in Tzaneen. This initial introduction marked the beginning of their journey together.
At the outset of an artist’s career, a manager might not be a necessity. Often, managers wait for artists to establish their brand and have a clear long-term vision before coming on board. While the process of finding a manager varies, artists typically need to release several successful tracks or projects before finding the right match. Notably, the right manager might not be a well-established figure at a major company.
However, King Monada’s story took a different route. His manager took a leap of faith by signing him up early on. The pivotal moment came after King Monada’s performance at a community event, where his talent and passion for music became evident. This prompted Makwela to allocate resources and kickstart King Monada’s music journey, marking the birth of his career.
Popular Musician king Monada was spotted with his Famous manager and producer Khutso Steven Kgatle.
A manager’s primary role revolves around handling an artist’s day-to-day business affairs. As an artist’s popularity grows, managing the business aspects might encroach on personal life. A proficient manager opens doors to opportunities and revenue generation. This was the role Makwela played until 2013 when he reached out to other recording labels due to personal commitments.
After a brief stint with another recording company, King Monada returned under Makwela’s guidance. Makwela’s aim was for King Monada to be self-sufficient. He encouraged King Monada to establish his own company, King Monada Music. This transition to entrepreneurship marked a turning point, as King Monada became a brand in his own right, with a record label and a cutting-edge studio. Their relationship evolved beyond business, with King Monada valuing Makwela’s advice and input.