Close Menu
    • Live Nation has already sold 100m tickets in 2025 so far – compared to 98m sold in all of 2019
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-15
    • Court should reject Drake’s ‘dangerous’ assumption that rap lyrics are factual in case against UMG, scholars argue
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-15
    • Reservoir subsidiary PopIndia strikes its first catalog deal with Musicraft Entertainment acquisition
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-15
    • Producer Poo Bear launches TTIKR content monetization platform
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-15
    • Universal Music expands iconic Blue Note and Deutsche Grammophon jazz and classical labels into China
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-15
    • Maarten Steinkamp appointed Interim President of Armada Music Group
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Rob Stevenson, Matt Signore launch new label ALTER, backed by Firebird
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Sony generated $2.54bn from recorded music and publishing in calendar Q1 2025; Sony Music Group predicted to grow profit by ‘high single digits’ over next 12 months
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • UK artists generated more than $1bn on Spotify in 2024, up 8% from a year earlier
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • SoundCloud ‘fixes’ AI policy following backlash; CEO Eliah Seton says ‘AI should support artists, not replace them’
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Did Anthropic’s own AI generate a ‘hallucination’ in legal defense against song lyrics copyright case?
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Spotify expands AI DJ feature with voice-based music requests for Premium users
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Bill Ackman resigns from Universal Music Group’s board of directors
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-14
    • Music publishers file amended lawsuit against AI firm Anthropic, which they say ‘bolsters the case’ over company’s ‘unauthorized use of song lyrics’
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-13
    • Jeremy Sirota to exit as Merlin CEO at end of 2025
      Source: Music Business Worldwide Published on 2025-05-13
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    EscopiaEscopia
    Subscribe
    • Home
    • Latest

      Nomfundo Yekani Pens Down An Open Love Letter In Brand New Single “Onjengami”

      May 30, 2025

      House Sensation UMngomezulu Releases Anticipated EP ‘Turning Pain into Music’

      May 29, 2025

      Cold Chinese Food Beam Off A Light of Positivity & Self-Value in Debut Single “Ethiopian Coffee”

      May 8, 2025

      “123 Block Myself” Music Video: A Reflection Of Vice And Esteem By Loatinover Pounds

      April 9, 2025

      Interview: TDK Macassette Talks New Single ‘Sorry Makhe’, The Power of Amapiano, and More.

      April 9, 2025
    • Popular
      1. Latest
      2. Shows
      3. Videos
      4. View All

      Nomfundo Yekani Pens Down An Open Love Letter In Brand New Single “Onjengami”

      May 30, 2025

      House Sensation UMngomezulu Releases Anticipated EP ‘Turning Pain into Music’

      May 29, 2025

      Cold Chinese Food Beam Off A Light of Positivity & Self-Value in Debut Single “Ethiopian Coffee”

      May 8, 2025

      “123 Block Myself” Music Video: A Reflection Of Vice And Esteem By Loatinover Pounds

      April 9, 2025

      Watch: Kim Jayde Unites With Phil Lipschultz In Part 1 Of Special Episode Where They Speak On ‘Erika’s Poem’; ‘Unheardof’ and More

      November 11, 2024

      Manicured Claws Out, Masks Off: Betrayal and Bloody Feuds Take Centre Stage In Savage Beauty’s Explosive New Season

      June 11, 2024

      Netflix Unveils A Soweto Love Story – A Heartfelt And Humourous Homegrown Rom-Com 

      January 17, 2024

      Watch: Tyson Sybateli Speaks On His RTD Festival Experience, Journey And More

      December 6, 2023

      “123 Block Myself” Music Video: A Reflection Of Vice And Esteem By Loatinover Pounds

      April 9, 2025

      Eemoh Drops Fresh Visual EP ‘The Lost Files’: A Cinematic Journey Into Unreleased Tracks

      February 27, 2025

      Kids Love Jazz: A Youthful Boost to Braamfontein’s Jazz Scene.

      November 29, 2024

      Tasha HendrixX Grapples With Industry Politics In Cinematic Visuals For “No Favours”

      November 28, 2024

      Nomfundo Yekani Pens Down An Open Love Letter In Brand New Single “Onjengami”

      May 30, 2025

      House Sensation UMngomezulu Releases Anticipated EP ‘Turning Pain into Music’

      May 29, 2025

      Cold Chinese Food Beam Off A Light of Positivity & Self-Value in Debut Single “Ethiopian Coffee”

      May 8, 2025

      Interview: TDK Macassette Talks New Single ‘Sorry Makhe’, The Power of Amapiano, and More.

      April 9, 2025
    • Contact Us
    EscopiaEscopia
    Home » South African Music Industry Bids Farewell To Chris Ghelakis
    Latest News

    South African Music Industry Bids Farewell To Chris Ghelakis

    Ofentse PhukubyeBy Ofentse PhukubyeDecember 13, 2023No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit Telegram LinkedIn Tumblr VKontakte WhatsApp Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email

    Highly respected South African music pioneer, Chris Ghelakis, who made his life’s work the promotion and celebration of the country’s vibrant music scene, has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old and is survived by his two children.

    Ghelakis began his musical journey as a bassist in the 70s, later developing into not only a band manager but also a tour accountant and sound engineer. Major labels recognized his versatile capabilities, and this is when he started producing some of the biggest artists in South Africa.

    Further extending his status as a music mogul, Ghelakis went on to purchase and manage one of the biggest music venues in South Africa, The Thunderdome, which was right in the heart of Johannesburg and was historically known as the ground breaker in cultural diversity.

    Ghelakis, known for his ability to spot talent and embrace new technological changes in the music industry, founded Electromode in 2001 which went on to become one of the most successful independent music and entertainment brands in the country, working with many of the region’s top artists. Always the trailblazer Electromode held the Top 27 positions in the Top 30 of Apple Music’s South African Chart in 2020.

    When it came to upscaling South African talent, Ghelakis recognized the need to elevate to a global scale, this brought on the acquisition of Electromode by Universal Music Group’s independent division Ingrooves, which is now Virgin Music Group.

    His talent-searching abilities were not only focused on music, but he had the uncanny capability of cultivating music executives. Entrenched in his love for the music entertainment business, he became a mentor to a plethora of industry leaders.

    Tributes have been pouring in, with many South African musicians recounting stories of how Chris changed the course of their careers.

    “I met Chris in 1988 at Bela Napoli in Hillbrow where he booked my band CC Beat to play at his Club “Thunderdome” in Johannesburg. In 1990 he was also looking for artists to record for his new CSR record label and I was one the first few to join his label

    In 1991 we recorded a cover of “Give Me Hope Jo’Anna” for his CSR Label and Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels was formed in Chris’s office, as they say, the rest is history.

    I worked closely with Chris on all my albums and singles and won 2 SAMA Awards for the 25 years I was signed to CSR Records as an artist. It would be safe to say there would be no Dr Victor had it not been for Chris’s input, he helped shape my career and guided me as a big brother throughout my career. I’ve never met anyone with more passion and drive in the music industry than Chris… he was always the first one at the studio and the last one to leave. I can’t imagine the South African music industry without Chris Ghelakis…” – Dr Victor from Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels 

    “How does one say goodbye to a person who has been a constant in your life for 45 years?  Perhaps it is not a ‘goodbye’, but a, ‘see you again my friend’! What started as a musical connection, morphed into a close friendship, infused with great respect and love. A mentor, a concerned ear, an advisor, and a co-producer of projects. I know your family and you know mine, our lives always intertwined along our different paths. We have shared music, celebrations, laughter, and sorrow, and now, with gratitude, I can share the next phase of your journey. You live in my heart and my memories. Thank you for being YOU. There is only One You!” – Cindy Alter.

    “Chris is a father and a mentor to me, watching him adapt skilfully to each new era of this industry is the reason I’m also constantly trying to evolve. Will sorely miss his guidance and intellect.” – K.O. (Rapper and Entrepreneur)

    “As one of our industry’s greatest characters, we were seriously talking about having a reality show at the office centered mostly around Chris and George (Vardas). But Chris never wanted the limelight. He quietly helped superstars behind the scenes and nurtured and shepherded so many music industry colleagues like me. He could spot talent a mile away and predict the future long before any of us could realize it. Chris taught me everything I know! To so many, Chris was a father figure. What are we all going to do without you, Chris? You held it together for your family. For everyone at Electromode/G Management. For all your artists. For the industry! How are we meant to navigate without your guidance? How I wish that reality show was made so that I could watch my boss, my colleague, my mentor, my friend on repeats any time I miss you and need to hear your voice”. – Kaye Former Co-owner G Management (Ghelakis Management)

    “In the short time we worked together it was evident that Chris was a music man through and through,” said Nat Pastor and JT Myers, Co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group. “His impact on the South African music business and his drive to expand opportunities for artists within his own country and abroad made him a true visionary in our business. He will be missed by all of us at Virgin Music Group.”

    Over the subsequent 40 years, Ghelakis developed 360-degree solutions for the South African entertainment industry and is still recognised as one of the most successful independent musical forces in the country.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ingrooves Africa (@ingrooves_africa)

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleHey Neighbour Festival: Great Music, Plenty of Mud, and Money Well Spent.
    Next Article Mr JazziQ Set To Host His First Ever, “Danko Jazzique Homecoming Picnic”
    Ofentse Phukubye
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    I love what I do on a daily basis as I get to help out fellow African creatives spread out their work to the world. I am a diverse individual as I do not limit myself to one group or type of content. I am always open to receiving new work from other individuals as that is my way of maintaining the culture in quality form.

    Related Posts

    Nomfundo Yekani Pens Down An Open Love Letter In Brand New Single “Onjengami”

    May 30, 2025

    House Sensation UMngomezulu Releases Anticipated EP ‘Turning Pain into Music’

    May 29, 2025

    Cold Chinese Food Beam Off A Light of Positivity & Self-Value in Debut Single “Ethiopian Coffee”

    May 8, 2025

    “123 Block Myself” Music Video: A Reflection Of Vice And Esteem By Loatinover Pounds

    April 9, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from Escopia.

      Escopia is a platform where all types of unaddressed topics are addressed for the youth. This platform is built to inform the youth about the world and the things in it.

      We're social. Connect with us:

      Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube TikTok
      Latest Posts

      Nomfundo Yekani Pens Down An Open Love Letter In Brand New Single “Onjengami”

      May 30, 2025

      House Sensation UMngomezulu Releases Anticipated EP ‘Turning Pain into Music’

      May 29, 2025

      Cold Chinese Food Beam Off A Light of Positivity & Self-Value in Debut Single “Ethiopian Coffee”

      May 8, 2025
      Get Informed

      Subscribe to Updates

      Get the latest creative news from Escopia.

      © 2025 Escopia. Designed by Escopia
      • Home
      • Latest
      • Popular

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.