Following its success in more than 10 countries including South Africa, Tanzania, Switzerland and Kenya, the RnB even Strictly Soul (SS) is expanding its footprint to four more territories this year. Six years since SS was launched, Brussels, Kinshasa, Maputo and Harare are finally getting the premium RnB experience that has cemented the brand as one of the leading RnB staples globally.
SS is the brainchild of DJ Akio Kawahito who was born and raised in the USA, before being captivated by the beauty and musical loyalty of Mzansi and her people and making this country his home in 2008.
SS has defied the trending “RnB is washed up” social media chat, demonstrating longevity, institutional trust, market dominance and unstoppable expansion.
DJ Akio attributes this milestone to the reception from the brand’s loyal community and their connection with the SS experience. From singing along to every song to the emotional connection people have with the music, SS attendees continue proving RnB’s timelessness.
The founder reflects on every event being a reminder of how connected people are to the genre, and this connection is precisely what drove him to create a space where people can celebrate that love for RnB together.
“What has stood out for us is seeing how audiences across different countries still have a deep love for R&B. The support, sold-out events, and engagement online continue to show us that the culture is growing,” says the DJ.
Audience demand, cultural experience and growth potential are some of the factors that led to the identification of the four new territories. SS noticed a strong support and interest from RnB fans in these locations and heeded the call of the masses who had taken to social media to appeal for SS to bring the experience to their cities.
While there are various other locations that have also invited SS to their parts of the world, the brand says what made these four locations attractive was their appreciation for music, nightlife and cultural experiences.
“Most importantly, we chose territories where we felt the brand could grow while still keeping the intimate feeling that Strictly Soul is known for,” DJ Akio explains.
The DJ adds that SS believes RnB is timeless and while it may evolve over time, it will never disappear because people will always connect to music that makes them feel something.
The next event in Johannesburg is set to take place on 21st May, followed by the Strictly Soul Johannesburg Finale, on Friday, 12th June. Tickets can be purchased on Quicket.