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Music Direction for Broadcast Formats

Below are some examples of Television and Online formats that we have musically directed

The Voice SA

The Voice South Africa Seasons 1-3

Siki Jo-An, finalist of Season 3, performs in the blind auditions. 

James Frank was the music director for this international television format aired on the MNet Channel. Over the course of three seasons between 2015 and 2018, James worked diligently to curate an outstanding showcase of unseen talent from around South Africa, ensuring it was representative of the country's rich diversity. The client placed high importance on inspired song choices and a world-class delivery of the show. To achieve this, James and the team were responsible for various functions, including talent scouting, song selection, music clearance, music production, and post-production of all performances. The entire music process was managed by James and his team, prioritizing seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity was deeply rooted in featuring exclusively South African talent and emphasizing South African content. James made the entire process easy for the client through efficient project management, effective communication, and a comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Darren Hayward, Kaya Kuhn, Nadia White, Lulu Mlangeni, Adriaan Van Der Walt, Joshua Cutts, Andre Siebrits, Seanari Potgieter, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, and Robin Walsh, James delivered a visually and musically captivating television experience. Notable featured names on the project included Vusi Mahlasela, Riana Nel, Karen Zoid, Kahn Morbee, Lira, Bobby Van Jaarsveld, Riky Rick, Francois Van Coke, Tasche Burger, Ami Faku, Lady Zamar, Prime Circle, Ben Harper, Laurika Rauch, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Craig Lucas, winner of Season 2, performs in the Blind Auditions

Sone, finalist of Season 3 and Afrikaans Legend, Laurika Rauch, perform Laurika's anthem, "Stuur Groete Aan Mannetjies Roux"

Collaborators

Laurika Rauch, Afrikaans Icon and Guest Performer

"James is an extremely accomplished, humble and kind human being who is also a past master at creating a safe and enjoyable working environment for all. He has an innate sense of what is required of performing artists, and how to make them shine. James is an excellent composer, arranger, musical director, musician - and much more. It is an undisputed testimony to his genius that he works so deftly in so many musical styles." 

Siki Jo-An, Season 3 Finalist

"James was the best Musical Director to assist me with my blind audition for the Voice South Africa. He made it easy for me to be comfortable during the planning and recording process. As someone with an African brand and a unique voice, he never wanted to change me but encouraged me to remain authentic. 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. "

Francois Van Coke, Afrikaans Rock Star and Coach

"James always went out of his way to make all the talent comfortable in the challenging live and broadcast environment. He is friendly, approachable and capable of working on anything from Nirvana to One Direction and beyond. He even made me comfortable singing The Script!"

Craig Lucas, Season 2 Winner

"James is an extraordinarily talented music director and all around creative. Deeply passionate, compassionate and committed, James made my experience on The Voice a lot more enjoyable. His encouragement and support helped my confidence grow significantly. With his deep understanding and love of both the live and television broadcast environment, James was generous with his time and knowledge. It was a privilege having the opportunity to work with someone like James so early on in my career.
Coke Studio SA

Coke Studio South Africa Season 1&2

Busiswa and Paige Mac perform their collaboration, "Wherever You Are" on Coke Studio SA

James Frank delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Coca-Cola. This project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015 and 2016. James was entrusted with the main objective of overseeing exciting collaborations between artists, resulting in commercial releases and managing the entire process leading up to the live recordings of each song. The client prioritized extremely efficient workflows, ensuring that every collaboration stayed within production limits and yielded high-end, world-class commercial releases and live performances. James and the team played a crucial role in artist selection, music production, booking of musicians, split sheet negotiations, the musical direction of live performances, and seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity stemmed from featuring South African talent exclusively, and all compositions were South African. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the technical requirements. Working alongside esteemed colleagues such as Crighton Goodwill, Richard Mitchell, 37MPH, Sticky Raphady, Morgan Kaye, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this groundbreaking venture. Notable featured artists on the project included Riky Rick, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz, Patoranking, Prince Kaybee, Busiswa, Culoe de Song, and Nasty C.

Collaborators

Crighton Goodwill, Executive Producer

"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."

37MPH, Resident Producer

"Deeply passionate about music creation, performance, and collaboration."
Coke Studio Africa

Coke Studio Africa (Season 4&5)

Simi, Sauti Sol and Fally Ipupa perform her song, "Love Don't Care" on Coke Studio Africa

Vanessa Mdee and Patoranking perform a unique, percussion-inspired version of  their songs on Coke Studio Africa

James Frank, collaborating with Blue Moon Corporate Communications, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Coca-Cola. The project took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016 and 2017, with the main objective of overseeing exciting collaborations between artists, resulting in commercial releases and managing the entire process leading up to the live recordings of each song. The client emphasized the importance of extremely efficient workflows, ensuring that every collaboration stayed within production limits and delivered high-end, world-class commercial releases and live performances. James and the team played a crucial role, providing expertise in artist selection, music production for each collaboration, booking of musicians, musical direction of live performances, and seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity was deeply rooted in featuring talent from various parts of Africa, with all music being African. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a comprehensive understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Deana Heslop-Mthembu, Crighton Goodwill, 37MPH, Young DLC, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, Eugene Naidoo, Timothy Horwood and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this internationally resonant venture. Notable featured artists on the project included Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Maphorisa, Nasty C, Fally Ipupa, Mafikizolo, Simi, Kizz Daniel, Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, Vanessa Mdee, Tiwa Savage, and Jason Derulo.

Collaborators

Deana Heslop-Mthembu, Executive Producer

"Able to connect deeply with each artist and ensure that their musical expression and identity on these projects was amplified."

Eugene Naidoo, Television Director

"We've worked on some of Africas' biggest TV formats that are music driven, and through these I've come to respect his knowledge of the craft. James will always be my go-to Music Director on any TV Production."
The Voice Afrique Francophone

The Voice Afrique Francophone Season 1&2

The Coaches of Season 1, Lokua Kanza, Charlotte Dipanda, Asalfo and Singuila, perform a medley of their hits

James Frank, in collaboration with AMPN, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Vox Africa. The project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, over three seasons between 2018 and 2020. The main objective was to musically direct this international television format, mirroring the successful delivery of The Voice SA. The client expected collaboration and skills transfer to the Francophone music team, emphasizing extraordinary quality within budget constraints. James and the team conducted Africa-wide talent scouting, song selection, music clearance, and music production for all songs. They provided comprehensive musical direction throughout the process, including rehearsals and performances, and handled post-production of all music performances. Seamless synchronization with the technical teams ensured a visually stunning production. The project's authenticity stemmed from featuring talent from Francophone African countries, with a strong emphasis on African content. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a deep understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as 37MPH, Cristo Hattingh, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, Tony Rodriguez, Rolande Kammogne, Andre Siebrits, and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this internationally resonant venture. Notable featured names on the project included Lokua Kanza, Charlotte Dipanda, Asalfo, and Singuila.

Collaborators

Lokua Kanza, The Voice Afrique Francophone Coach Season 1&2

"Travailler avec James est un privilège immense . Un artiste très talentueux et surtout un humain qui sait mettre tout le monde à l ´aise . Quand on travaille avec lui on se sent en harmonie avec toi et cela pousse la collaboration à son maximum."

Working with James is an immense privilege. He is a very talented artist and, above all, a person who knows how to make everyone feel comfortable. When working with him, one feels in harmony with oneself, and this pushes the collaboration to its maximum.

Dancing With the Stars SA

Dancing With the Stars SA

Connell Cruise and Marcella Solimeo perform a routine on Dancing With the Stars SA

James Frank, collaborating with Rapid Blue, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by MNet. The project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018, with the client placing great importance on ensuring that, despite the international dance styles, the music remained representative of South Africa. A glamorous performance for each song was imperative, and a fast weekly turnaround for creative development and delivery was crucial. James and the team played a pivotal role, consulting on artist selection, creatively shaping each music performance with dancers, managing music clearances, and overseeing the production and rehearsal process. Synchronization with the technical teams ensured a seamless execution of the performances. The project's authenticity was rooted in the high emphasis placed on local content, showcasing the richness of South African talent. James made the entire process easy for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a comprehensive understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Kee-Leen Irvine, Tasneen Henderson, Jason Gilkinson, and Richard Mitchell, James ensured a visually stunning and musically captivating production. Notable featured names on the project included Johnny Clegg, Jesse Clegg, Mafikizolo, Zolani Mahola, Mango Groove, and The Muses.

Collaborators

Kee-Leen Irvine, Executive Producer

"I never cease to be amazed at the passion and enthusiasm with which he approaches each and every project."

Joshua Cutts, Lighting Designer

"He has developed an excellent workflow that helps any creative team perform at its peak and free our minds to focus on the fun parts of our work."
Emirates Pursuit of Jazz

Emirates Pursuit of Jazz Seasons 1&2

The winners of Season 2, Artivist Avenue, released this single, "Emandulo"

James Frank had the opportunity to work on a remarkable project in collaboration with Universal Music Group and Havas Media. The project involved creating and musically directing a new online format, a talent search competition specifically focused on discovering the best young jazz players in South Africa. The main objective was to showcase immense talent and deliver brilliant performances throughout the seasons, with James ensuring the entire process was managed smoothly. His involvement encompassed the creation of the format, talent scouting, music production for all performances, production of the winners' single, and post-production of all performances. The project was authentically African, as it featured South African jazz musicians and incorporated exclusively South African compositions and music. Working alongside colleagues such as Alix Du Braudeiul, Lebo Kgothadi, Dave Keet, and Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, James facilitated a successful and memorable event, highlighting the richness of South African jazz and nurturing the next generation of talented musicians.

Collaborators

Alix de Baudreuil, Event Manager

"James is deeply passionate and has a really great knowledgeable about African Pop Music. He is a world-class creative, really passionate about his job and is really kind to work with."

Dave Keet, Producer
"Beyond his technical proficiency, James is also a pleasure to work with on a personal level. He maintains a positive and collaborative attitude, creating a harmonious and productive work environment. His excellent communication skills and ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams make him an invaluable asset to any project."