Nelo

Music Executive | A&R | Label & Operations Lead

I’m a music executive with a multi-layered role across the independent music ecosystem — working directly with artists, labels, distributors, and industry partners to bring bold creative visions to life.

Currently:

  • Founder, Xpressed Records — nurturing forward-thinking talent in electronic music
  • Talent Manager, Xpressed Agency — representing various artists.
  • Label & Operations Manager, Paradise Worldwide (Africa) — overseeing release logistics, artist/label support, and DSP strategy across the continent.

From curating standout releases to managing strategic rollouts and talent development, my work spans the creative and operational ends of the industry. I also lead talks, workshops, and industry panels to share insights on digital distribution, revenue strategy, and artist empowerment.

This platform is a space to explore my projects, collaborations, and ideas — whether you’re an artist, industry professional, or creative partner looking to connect.

Projects Highlights

Projects where I’ve contributed as a label manager, project lead, and executive producer, highlighting my work across music releases, artist collaborations, and label initiatives.

Busiswa - Honey & Grace EP

Role: Project Lead
Genre: Electronic/Afro House
Date: 23 May 2025
Label: Paradise Sound System

A deeply instinctive collaboration that defies trends, Honey & Grace is a bold new chapter for powerhouse vocalist and performer Busiswa. As Label Manager and Project Lead, I oversaw the creative and operational journey of this record — from A&R development and timelines to global positioning, distribution, and campaign execution.

Crafted between Johannesburg and Berlin, the EP blends amapiano, classic house, electronic grooves, and soulful R&B, anchored by Busiswa’s unmistakable voice and creative vision. Featuring collaborations with &friends, Monique Bingham, and Charisse C, the project is driven by a spirit of creative freedom and deep connection.

Best of Xpressed Records 2020

Role: Founder & Executive Producer
Genre: Electronic/Afro House
Date: 21 February 2021
Label: Xpressed Records

As the founder and executive producer of Xpressed Records, I created the Best of Xpressed Records series to champion inclusion within the electronic music space. Every year, I invite a leading female DJ to curate and mix a compilation featuring highlights from our label’s releases.

For the 2020 edition, I had the honour of inviting DESIREE — a celebrated DJ and producer known for her deep, soulful, and emotive sound. She has performed at iconic festivals and venues such as Glastonbury, DGTL, Lost Village, Fabric London, and DC-10 in Ibiza. Recognised as a Future Star by DJ Mag, she has delivered an acclaimed BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix and shared stages with global icons like Black Coffee, Themba, Keinemusik and more, making her a powerful voice in shaping the global electronic music scene.

Her selection for Best of Xpressed Records 2020 captures the essence of what Xpressed stands for: authenticity, innovation, and community. The 12-track continuous mix showcases the range and spirit of Xpressed Records, featuring artists such as Atmos Blaq, Kreative Nativez, Louis Bongo, Native Tribe, and many others — a sonic journey celebrating the Afro-house, deep house, and Afro-tech sounds we champion.

Role: Project Lead
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
Date: 07 May 2025
Label: Paradise Sound System

M$RYLUV$CMPNY marks a fearless new chapter for South African trailblazer Money Badoo. As Label Manager and Project Lead, I oversaw the operational, logistical, and global rollout strategy for this highly anticipated debut album.

Crafted over two years, the 12-track project explores love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and empowerment — blending contemporary hip-hop with the vibrant pulse of South African youth culture. The album features a dynamic roster of collaborators, including Red Orion, Una Rams, BENJAMIN, The Woodż, BabyDaiz, Sastii, Sauwcy, Nanette, The Big Hash, Kashcpt, and J Molly. With production from top talents like pH Raw X, MashBeatz, gTbeats, and NOTBENJAMIN, M$RYLUV$CMPNY delivers genre-defying sounds that push artistic boundaries.

Label Management Highlights

I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most inspiring artists and labels shaping today’s Afro-electronic landscape. From supporting Pierre Johnson’s Afrovault Recordings and Dwson’s imprint IMPLSV, to collaborating with Gondwana KE, the leading Afro-house label founded by Suraj and Euggy in Kenya — my role as Label and Operations Manager at Paradise Worldwide is rooted in helping these creators amplify their stories globally. Each partnership is built on trust, creativity, and a shared passion for pushing African electronic music into bold, new spaces.

Featured Panels & Sessions

Topic : How to Monetise Your Music in 2025
Date : 10 April 2025
Time : 15:00 CAT
Venue : Online (Zoom)

I was invited as a featured speaker for this forward-thinking online workshop, hosted by MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table in collaboration with Africa Rising Music Conference. The session explored modern strategies for artists to generate revenue in today’s evolving music landscape.

Topic: Intro to Digital Service Providers (DSPs)
Topic: Digital Revenue Streams for Musicians
Date: 07 March 2025
Time: 11:00 – 13:00 CAT
Venue: AMPD Studios

As part of Bassline Festival’s Live Music Lab, I was invited to deliver two key sessions focused on the digital music economy and how artists can better navigate the online landscape. 

This session formed part of a broader week of learning at the Live Music Lab, which also explored concert promotion, artist management, music publishing, rights, and the history of South African music. Hosted at AMPD Studios, the programme created a dynamic space for engagement between working professionals and the next wave of music creatives.

Got a project or idea you’d like to talk through?

Let’s connect!