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Composition and Production for Commercial Releases

Below are some examples of commercial releases that we have collaborated on

Yemi Alade - "Rain"

Yemi Alade - Rain ft Mzansi Youth Choir

The official video for "Rain"

James Frank had the privilege of collaborating with the Mzansi Youth Choir and Yemi Alade on an international music composition project. The goal, achieved in 2020 for an international release, was to compose and produce the choral parts for a collaboration between Yemi Alade and the Mzansi Youth Choir. The client sought emotionally resonant and authentic African vocal production that would make every African viewer proud. James, along with the team, engaged in co-writing all vocal parts and meticulously handled the music production of the choir vocals. This project truly embodied its authenticity by bringing together a Nigerian superstar like Yemi Alade and the Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa, incorporating choral lyrics in isiZulu. Working alongside esteemed colleagues like Taiye Alu, the executive producer, James ensured a seamless and powerful collaboration that showcased the talent and cultural richness of Africa. The project left a lasting impact on the audience, reflecting the diverse musical heritage and unity of the continent.

Beyonce - "I'm Home"

"I'm Home" from Beyonce's "Lion King : The Gift" album

"I'm Home"

James Frank had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Mzansi Youth Choir and Beyonce on an international commercial release entitled “I’m Home”, from her “Lion King : The Gift” album. The objective was to co-compose and produce the vocal chants for a track from the album. The client placed great importance on capturing emotional and authentic African vocal sounds. James worked closely with Derek Dixie, Beyonce's musical director, to bring this vision to life. Together, they engaged in music creative sessions and meticulously produced the vocals, ensuring the desired impact. The project's authenticity stemmed from the collaboration between an international superstar like Beyonce and the Mzansi Youth Choir, a South African choir that incorporated isiZulu lyrics into the composition. This collaboration resulted in a powerful and authentically African contribution to the album. James, alongside Derek Dixie, created an environment that made the process seamless and facilitated the realization of the client's artistic vision. The project showcased the incredible talent of the Mzansi Youth Choir and their collaboration with Beyonce, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Samthing Soweto - "Danko Medley"

Samthing Soweto x Mzansi Youth Choir - Danko Medley

Samthing Soweto and Mzansi Youth Choir collaborate on this music video

James Frank had the privilege of working on this project with Samthing Soweto and the Mzansi Youth Choir, providing music arrangement and production services for the international commercial release. The main objective was to produce and arrange a collaboration that showcased a fresh and unique take on choral music, diverging from the conventional "show-choir" style. It was crucial for the client to present the music as an authentic expression of all artists involved in the video. James and the team took charge of music production and arrangement, talent management, and the final mix and master. The project's authenticity shone through as they created a young and vibrant remake of three original South African songs. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Cristo Hattingh and Diliza Moabi, James ensured the seamless delivery of this remarkable musical endeavor. The project featured prominent names like Samthing Soweto and the Mzansi Youth Choir, amplifying the rich and diverse musical talent of South Africa on an international stage.

Siki Jo-An - "So Easy"

Siki Jo-An - So Easy

The Official Music Video of Siki Jo-An's "So Easy" release

James Frank collaborated with Siki Jo-An and served as a songwriter and producer for this commercial release commissioned by Easy Equities. The main objective was to co-write and produce a captivating Afro-pop track that would make an impact in the commercial music space. Ensuring the composition's authenticity, James and Siki crafted a 100% South African song, rooted in the vibrant Afro-pop genre. With a keen understanding of the client's needs, James successfully provided songwriting, music production, and final mix and master services. Working alongside esteemed colleague Crighton Goodwill (mix and master), James ensured the project's success, showcasing Siki Jo-An's talent and delivering a compelling and marketable musical creation.

Collaborators

Siki Jo-An, Featured Artist

"He is so reliable, insanely talented, he has fully supported my career. He helped me to release my first ever single. I am so blessed to have him by my side as a producer and a big brother that I can call anytime to ask music related advice."

Crighton Goodwill, Mix and Master

"Along with his broad continental networks and music specific logistic experience, his enthusiasm and ability to problem solve is truly what sets him apart from the rest."
Silent Night SA

Silent Night South Africa

"Silent Night South Africa", a collaboration between multiple artists

James Frank was the concept creator of this project together with the Mzansi Youth Choir and Brand Et Al. The objective was to create a heartwarming collaboration between diverse South African artists and the Mzansi Youth Choir, celebrating Christmas in a truly South African way. An emphasis was placed on the importance of delivering an emotional and unique take on the Christmas carol that would inspire nation-building. James and the team were responsible for artist selection and talent management, music production, and music mixing. What made this project authentically African was the South African remake of the famous Christmas carol, which was reworked in seven of the eleven national languages of South Africa. Collaborating with colleagues such as Carl Schultz (creative director) and Robin Walsh (Mix and master), James ensured a seamless and captivating musical experience. The project featured renowned artists including Ami Faku, Coenie de Villiers, Corlea Botha, Donald, Elvis Blue, Lira, MYC, Nádine, Ntsika, Riana Nel, Simon Nyivana on saxophone, Tarryn Lamb, Timothy Moloi, Wouter Kellerman on flute, and Yanga.

Collaborators

Carl Schultz, Creative Director

"James is one of the best music creatives I have encountered. He has a deep understanding of the African pop music landscape and, at the same time, is incredibly easy to work with."

Coenie de Villiers, Featured Artist

"Again and again one comes under the impression why he is considered one of the most respected individuals working in the theatre, media and music industry. As a world-class creative/music director, there are few who can match his creative electricity and ability to cross the borders of style and genre with such ease. The bigger the challenge, the more difficult the task? – this is his comfort zone."
#AnthemChallengeRSA

#AnthemChallengeRSA

AnthemChallengeRSA challenged 1,000 South Africans to submit a video of them singing the anthem together, virtually.

James Frank had the incredible opportunity to work on this project in collaboration with Darren Hayward and Peter Heaney during the pandemic lockdown of 2020. The main objective was to create an online challenge where 1,000 South Africans would submit videos of themselves singing the National Anthem. Using this vast collection of submissions, James was responsible for arranging and producing a never-before-seen virtual choir, comprising 1,000 singers. The emphasis was placed on the importance of delivering an emotional performance that would deeply resonate with the nation and inspire nation-building. In addition to the arrangement and music production, James and the team handled communication with all featured artists and submitters, as well as video production and editing. The project's authenticity was rooted in the performance of the South African National Anthem, sung in five of the country's eleven national languages. Collaborating with renowned colleagues such as Darren, Peter, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, Doron Kanar and more than fifty famous artists, James ensured the success of this awe-inspiring endeavor. The project featured an extensive list of notable names, including Andre Schwartz, Corlea Botha, Busiswa, Craig Lucas, Donald, Gloria Bosman, Kurt Darren, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Zolani Mahola, Moonchild and many more.

Collaborators

Darren Hayward, Creative Director and Co-Creator

"He is an excellent leader and has a comprehensive knowledge of large-scale workflows, being able to implement systems that deliver effective results while allowing creative input from all stakeholders in the project."

Craig Lucas, Featured Name

"It was a privilege having the opportunity to work with someone like James so early on in my career."