Dada Does The Things!

Archie Dada Basile is a gent from Kagiso, West of Johannesburg who has made it his mission to recognise and grow potential talent into stardom. He currently sits as the record executive & talent manager for one of the most successful names in the amapiano genre.

Archie manages 2 of the biggest names in South Africa, Reece Madlisa and Zuma. Known greatly for their debut EP 'Amaroto' which became one of the biggest releases of it's time, charting on the biggest music platforms from the day that it dropped.

The talent manager started his journey as an artist himself but when he struggled to find a manager who understood his craft he decided to be the manager for others that he couldn't find for myself. He started his career as the manager for Kea Leburu who plays Bontle on the SABC 1 show, Skeem Saam.

Managing such immense talent is inarguably a large task,especially artists that brokethrough during a global pandemic but it has also taught this team resilience, creativity and how to push passed the boundaries of their craft. Archie explains that the task of managing, protecting and growing the brand that is Reece Madlisa & Zuma / Amaroto is no easy feat but having seen how much the duo respects their craft and manages to keep cool heads through it all, they have forged great relationships amongst each other and consider them as brothers more than anything.

The conversation about whether amapiano will ever die out, seeing as it has been dominating so vigorously since it became mainstream, has been at the tip of everyone's tongue, Archie's take on it is; "The amapino genre is connected to the street culture which is truly South African. Which means it resonates with the masses. All genres of music never really “die” but rather evolves. There will always be a new wave."

Dada notes successfully commercialising Amaroto and Pabi Cooper as one of his biggest achievement to date as a talent manger and has the dream to own a media house that will focus on brand development and brand endorsement, at the top of his bucket list.

To new and aspiring artists and managers, Archie advices to follow your passion, don’t rush to sign anything before reading and understanding it, be patient and educate yourself about the industry you want to get into and Seek advice from people that are more knowledgeable before you can act.