#137 - #Herstory - Getting to know Velile Sithole

In this episode I am in conversation with Velile Sithole, founder of Native Rhythms. 

In the conversation we cover quite a bit. Her ability to reinvent herself,  the origins of Native rhythms, the plight of artists, generosity, business, money, her marriage to the iconic and equally versatile Sipho Sithole and turning 50. 

Velile Sithole holds a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from University of Port Elizabeth and an Honours degree in Labour Relations from Rand Afrikaans University.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Has worked as a business management consultant for Omega Scientific Research for 5 years advising companies such as MTN, Ericson South Africa on human resources issue.

• Joined her husband in 2003 to co- own Native Rhythms Records, a 100% black owned independent music record label and production company formed in 1998.

• A member of the supervisory committee for The South African Music Awards and a RISA member who is credited for her artist marketing and management.

• Her company Native Rhythms Records has identified, recoded and produced music talent that has won multi music awards in South African and abroad.

• She has worked with artists such as Siphokazi, The Soil, Zuluboy, Zakwe, Camagwini, Gloria Bosman, Zamajobe, Zonke, Nkulee Dube (The daughter of the late Lucky Dube), Tribute Birdie Mbowen, Isabel Novella from Mozambique and Jobie Clarke

Through her company, Native Rhythms Productions, Velile Sithole has produced Live concerts such as:

• Simphiwe Dana Live DVD concert staging and recording, African Hip-Hop Summit and Concert ,

• Coordinated and Produced for KZN premier’s office the 100 year Bhambatha Centenary Commemorations in 2006

• The Shanghai expo 2010- South African Arts, culture and entertainment programme where she coordinated and management all artistic elements on behalf of The South African Department of Arts and Culture to be presented through out the Shanghai Expo 2010.

• Produced and coordinated The Gospel In Me concert which has resulted into three series of Live music DVDs and Audio CDs retailing in music shops in South Africa.

• Produced entertainment and coordinated the Marketing of the first International Consumer Electronic Expo 2017 which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa

GlOBAL PROJECTS

• Velile was selected by the Chinese Musicians Association to represent South Africa as one of the two female delegates to participate in a three weeks cultural exchange program between SA and China as well as a guest judge

at the Golden Globe awards 2013 in China.

• In collaboration with International promoters, Velile has
staged and marketed all of The Soil Tours in the UK,
USA and East Africa

• Velile currently does public speaking and workshops on
music business and her contribution in the music industry continues to grow and attracting business partnership with companies in South Africa and abroad.

CONTACT 

Native Rhythms Productions

Tel: +27114475199 
Email: Velile@nativerhythms.co.za 
Instagram: @velilebosslady