Remy Producers, the music platform that has been taking the US by storm for five seasons already, has arrived on South African soil. Premium cognac brand, Rémy Martin, announced in May that it will be linking with acclaimed artist, Riky Rick, to search for the country’s hottest up-and-coming producer. This producer will win a once-in-a-lifetime, career-making chance to work with Rick, producing and co-signing on a track with him.
We were so intrigued about the series that I had to jump on the opportunity to chat with Jerome Adonis, Rémy Martin South Africa Brand Manager on how this amazing initiative came about.
Papi Mabele: Can you please tell us what made you (Remy Martin) decide to bring the Producer Series to South Africa?
Jerome Adonis: Look, we loved the success of the series in the USA and after 5 seasons we’ve managed to work with the likes of incredible artists such as Big Sean and Wycleaf Jean in the past, soI think from that point of view we really wanted to bring this great synergy and collaboration we’ve witnessed from the USA to African soil, to South Africa.
How do you think the series will be received in Mzansi?
Judging from the all interviews we’ve done and entries received I think Mzansi is loving Remy Producers. We’ve received thousands of entries from producers all over the country while the hype on social media has been rather overwhelming, also from Riky Rick’s side what he is doing to push and put the word out there, everyone is loving the campaign and are reacting to it in ways we never thought possible.
Surely this local edition has been in planning for a while. How and why did you come about choosing Riky Ricky as your head producer?
We knew we wanted someone who is not just physically in the (music) business, but someone with the technical know how, who people look up to and would want to be mentored by. For us, Ricky was always a first choice; He is an amazing musician and beat maker as well as a legend within the industry. He’s doing amazing work within the luxury space with different brands and very cool stuff within the fashion space as well. With all this in mind, he brings this really cool synergy to Remy Martin. We could not think of any other individual to collaborate with.
What are you most looking forward to into this campaign?
Look, we are definitely looking forward to the grand finale as we just can’t wait to see who takes the top spot and gets to do amazing work with Ricky Rick. Also the opportunity to work with Master A Flat – that should be incredible.
Amazing stuff. Do you think, judging from how this season performs, we will see a second series of Remy Producers SA?
Yes, for sure. Definitely. If you look at what the US has managed to achieve, it has not only inspired us to take it on, but to do better than what they have achieve. To answer you, certainly, we’ll be looking at building on from what we are doing this year.
What can those who’ll be watching from the sidelines expect from the series?
Those following Remy Martin and/or Ricky Rick and are reading about it on social media and in the media can expect a lot. There’ll be much more stuff and updates to come, and events across the country that people can join-in at to experience this first hand. I urge them to follow us to keep in the loop on what’s happening as and when it happens.
From a branding perspective, what will you be look for when judging for your next Remy Producer?
As a brand, for us it’s about giving an opportunity to someone who has never had it before and would not normally have access to the likes of Ricky Rick, Master A Flat and the resources bundled with the prize. Also, we want to give the up-and-coming a chance to start their career and in the same breath expose them and their work to a wider audience.
The campaign really is amazing and we cannot wait to see who takes the crown. Now, what five songs are on your playlist right now?
I am all for the rave, and Amapiano is on my playlist espcially Kokota by KayGee DaKing, anythong by Da Capo (checkout his Spotify Playlist) and a little bit of Gospel for those feel good vibes.
What tech items (devices) are in your travel bag?
It’s basically the things that I have now in front of me; My iPhone, Headsets and Power Bank.
How do you like to have your Remy Martin? Straight or mixed with something?
Always double Remy Martin 1738 and ice – that’s my poison.
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