Defected will sponsor five students per term at Bridges Academy, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, while launching new label Sondela Records in collaboration with Sef Kombo, with all profits and proceeds going to Bridges For Music.
Bridges For Music is a non-profit organisation gathering key players of the music industry to support responsible progress in developing countries, making a positive impact in disadvantaged communities and helping to raise global awareness about local issues through music. Bridges For Music believes electronic music is a universal language that can be used to break down socio-economic boundaries, connecting artists and students to help bridge the extensive gap that exists between the rich and the poor as well as between races in developing countries.
Here at Defected we feel we have a 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 are opportunities we would like to take 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, Founder & CEO at Bridges For Music
As of 1st July, our 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”.
At the same time, we will be launching Sondela Records, a new member of the Defected label family. An Afro House imprint, Sondela Records 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, A&R at Sondela Records
“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, Founder at Defected Records
“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, A&R at Sondela Records
