MEET THE TEAM
CO-FOUNDERS
COLIN GAYLE
CEO & FOUNDER
Colin Gayle is a Co-Founder and CEO of Africa Creative Agency. He is an entertainment industry executive with over 25 years of diverse entertainment experience as a manager, TV producer, event producer and booking agent. Having worked on the continent for the past 20 years, Mr. Gayle is an expert on the intersection between Africa and the U.S. He has advised multiple international corporates on opportunities in Africa for sports, technology and entertainment engagement. Colin’s beliefs are rooted in visionary branding that breaks down borders and elevates the Africa’s cultural profile through strategic content, live events and social engineering
JOEL RAO
CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER
Joel Rao is a Co-Founder and Partner of Africa Creative Agency. Joel draws from a deep digital marketing experience and business solutions development to fuel all-encompassing marketing, entertainment and communication initiatives in Africa, LATAM, Western Europe & South East Asia. Joel is regarded as the modern generation “Digital Mad Man”, he is an agile, industry professional who believes in creating practical solutions to complex challenges through digital technology. With 12 years of experience, he has garnered a number of awards, including eCommerce Agency of the Year, Top 25 Men in Digital, MSK Digital Agency of the Year, Loeries and The MMA Smarties award.
KEVIN BOAKYE
CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER
Kevin Boakye is a Co-Founder and Partner of Africa Creative Agency. He is an experienced investment executive with over 15 years of private equity and investment banking expertise (Alterra Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Lehman Brothers). Kevin has executed over $1 billion dollars’ worth of transactions across the technology, media & telecommunications, consumer and healthcare sectors. He has also has unique experience leveraging the intersections of gaming and music, most recently heading business development for Africa’s leading mobile games publisher Carry1st. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and holds an AB degree from Dartmouth College.
ROGER PATTON
CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Roger is a Co-Founder and Head of Business Development for ACA. Prior to ACA, Roger led business and legal affairs executive for the Music Division of Warner Bros. He has over 30 years of experience in drafting and negotiating complex music agreements and also has close relationships with the heads of the major music publishing companies globally. Roger is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
YVETTE DAVIS GAYLE
CO-FOUNDER & COO
Yvette Davis Gayle is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer for Africa Creative Agency. With over 25+ years of media experience she brings a wealth of knowledge. Formerly the Head Of Urban Publicity at Interscope Geffen A&M, Gayle spent 18 years with the company crafting campaigns for a multitude of multiplatinum artists which included 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Diddy and Keri Hilson to name a few. She oversaw the day to day PR efforts for artists that graced the rosters of Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Dreamville Records, Shady Records to name a few. Gayle was recognized by Billboard Magazine for her achievements landing a coveted spot on their 2020 Women In Music Executives power list. CNBC also lauded Gayle as one of “31 Women Creating A Positive Impact in Africa.” Gayle has a Bachelors degree in Political Science from West Virginia University and she is a member of The Recording Academy.
TEAM
Blessing Muchirahondo
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Blessing Muchirahondo is a Financial Consultant at Africa Creative Agency in Johannesburg, SA. She holds a BCompt Accounting Science degree from Unisa. She has over 8 years experience in Finance throughout different sectors (Insurance, Trade, Retail and Logistics) as well as 6 years experience in the travel industry. Her role within ACA is to regulate, improve and provide accurate financial reporting for the business. Blessing is driven daily by striving to provide the best possible future for her family (husband and two children). She enjoys travelling, spending time with her family and friends and watching sports. She lives by a saying used within her family "Winning is a Habit"
Ebenezer Maxwell
SOUND ENGINEER STUDIO MANAGER
Mr. Maxwell is a Certified Avid Pro tools operator, 210 level, Certified Dante Operator, and holds a Sound Engineering Diploma from the Academy of Sound Engineering South Africa. He started out as a publishing intern at Universal Music Publishing after a year was promoted to studio engineer. He now is Head of Africa Creative Publishing Studio.
Elspeth Muthambi
A&R MANAGER
Ms. Muthmabi is A&R manager for ACA Music Advisory Services. She is a Strategic Marketing Communication graduate at the University of Johannesburg. She joined as an intern in 2020 and quickly climbed the ladder as a Licensing and Royalties coordinator . She has worked closely with Mzwandile to excute and close numerous music supervision projects, namely, Savage Beauty, Blood & Water, and many more.
Kabelo Moniase
FILM & TV CO-ORDINATOR
Film & TV division which goes beyond client management and acts as a fertile ground for concept development, production services and casting in Film & TV. We are committed to ensuring the delivery of quality African stories and growing the creative economy on the continent. Kabelo has a background in film & television screenwriting and production
Lauretta Mthembu
DIGITAL MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR
Ms. Lauretta Mthembu, currently a final year copywriting student at the Vega School of Brand, Design and Business, soon to start with her legal studies in the near future. With a strong passion for the music business and a deep commitment to justice, Lauretta is currently working as a digital marketing intern. Excited about the opportunities ahead, Lauretta is eager to grow and make a significant impact in the music industry.
Mzwandile Sibanda
HEAD OF MUSIC PUBLISHING
A law graduate of the University of Durham (UK), Sibanda has managed to couple his knowledge of the law with his knowledge and love of music to become one of the most well-regarded music industry practitioners on the continent. After five years as a music publishing A&R executive at Universal Music Publishing (UMP), Mzwandile now heads Africa Creative Publishing. In his time at UMP, he drove licensing music for Marvel’s Black Panther. Mr Sibanda has extensive experience, industry contacts and relationships with all the major rights holders in the African music industry.
Sivu Mfenyana
Senior Manager
I am an experienced Label Manager and Senior Manager with a proven track record in the music industry. At Sony Music Africa, I started as a Promotions Specialist in 2017, where I led the promotions strategy aligned with marketing plans and release strategies across relevant media for all signed local artists. I was promoted to Head of Local and International PR in 2020, where I managed a team of four, overseeing PR for both local and international releases. In 2022 I became a Label Manager for Epic Records and local artists. I was tasked with co-ordinating and overseeing all operations related to the label's releases with a primary objective of driving streaming revenue. I recently transitioned to a new role as Senior Manager at Africa Creative Agency, where I am responsible for developing and presenting pitches to potential clients, creating marketing strategies to promote clients, securing and marketing gigs, ensuring timely delivery of all marketing and promotional material, and more.
Thami Tshabalala
Head of Operations/ Executive Assistant
From the very inception of Africa Creative agency, Thami has been an instrumental force, donning multiple hats as an Administrator, Book Keeper, and A&R. His versatility knows no bounds, and he plays each role with virtuosity, ensuring the agency's success and creative brilliance. As a head of operations and Executive Assistant, Thami orchestrates seamless efficiency and harmony within the organisation. Before embarking on his creative journey, Thami spent 5 transformative years as a Business Coach and lead administrator in one of South Africa's esteemed Micro Enterprise Incubators. With his guidance, over 100 businesses bloomed, and he helped create over 180 new job opportunities!
Thuli Msezane
SYNC CO-ORDINATOR
Ms. Msezane is a Sync Coordinator and a University of the Witwatersrand alumni. Ms Msezane formerly worked in the Sync Licensing and Brands division at Warner Music Africa, where she cleared music for the indie film The Umbrella Men and the South African TV series Recipes for Love and Murder.
Thobile Khoza
DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
Thobile Khoza, a 2015 graduate from the University of Johannesburg with a National Diploma in Multimedia Design, boasts a diverse background in both graphic design and TV/film production. Starting as a graphic design intern at an advertising agency, Thobile's career has reached new heights, culminating in the opportunity to contribute to three SAFTA award-winning shows in 2020. Passionate about local homegrown films, Thobile is now diligently working at ACA to achieve the position of a senior designer. In this role, Thobile focuses on crafting multiple creative visual roles that challenge their creativity and skillset while leveraging digital media design and social media experience to add a fresh perspective to their work.
CO-FOUNDERS
COLIN GAYLE
CEO & FOUNDER
Colin Gayle is a Co-Founder and CEO of Africa Creative Agency. He is an entertainment industry executive with over 25 years of diverse entertainment experience as a manager, TV producer, event producer and booking agent. Having worked on the continent for the past 20 years, Mr. Gayle is an expert on the intersection between Africa and the U.S. He has advised multiple international corporates on opportunities in Africa for sports, technology and entertainment engagement. Colin’s beliefs are rooted in visionary branding that breaks down borders and elevates the Africa’s cultural profile through strategic content, live events and social engineering
JOEL RAO
CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER
Joel Rao is a Co-Founder and Partner of Africa Creative Agency. Joel draws from a deep digital marketing experience and business solutions development to fuel all-encompassing marketing, entertainment and communication initiatives in Africa, LATAM, Western Europe & South East Asia. Joel is regarded as the modern generation “Digital Mad Man”, he is an agile, industry professional who believes in creating practical solutions to complex challenges through digital technology. With 12 years of experience, he has garnered a number of awards, including eCommerce Agency of the Year, Top 25 Men in Digital, MSK Digital Agency of the Year, Loeries and The MMA Smarties award.
KEVIN BOAKYE
CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER
Kevin Boakye is a Co-Founder and Partner of Africa Creative Agency. He is an experienced investment executive with over 15 years of private equity and investment banking expertise (Alterra Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Lehman Brothers). Kevin has executed over $1 billion dollars’ worth of transactions across the technology, media & telecommunications, consumer and healthcare sectors. He has also has unique experience leveraging the intersections of gaming and music, most recently heading business development for Africa’s leading mobile games publisher Carry1st. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and holds an AB degree from Dartmouth College.
ROGER PATTON
CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Roger is a Co-Founder and Head of Business Development for ACA. Prior to ACA, Roger led business and legal affairs executive for the Music Division of Warner Bros. He has over 30 years of experience in drafting and negotiating complex music agreements and also has close relationships with the heads of the major music publishing companies globally. Roger is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
YVETTE DAVIS GAYLE
CO-FOUNDER & COO
Yvette Davis Gayle is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer for Africa Creative Agency. With over 25+ years of media experience she brings a wealth of knowledge. Formerly the Head Of Urban Publicity at Interscope Geffen A&M, Gayle spent 18 years with the company crafting campaigns for a multitude of multiplatinum artists which included 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Diddy and Keri Hilson to name a few. She oversaw the day to day PR efforts for artists that graced the rosters of Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Dreamville Records, Shady Records to name a few. Gayle was recognized by Billboard Magazine for her achievements landing a coveted spot on their 2020 Women In Music Executives power list. CNBC also lauded Gayle as one of “31 Women Creating A Positive Impact in Africa.” Gayle has a Bachelors degree in Political Science from West Virginia University and she is a member of The Recording Academy.
TEAM
Blessing Muchirahondo
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Blessing Muchirahondo is a Financial Consultant at Africa Creative Agency in Johannesburg, SA. She holds a BCompt Accounting Science degree from Unisa. She has over 8 years experience in Finance throughout different sectors (Insurance, Trade, Retail and Logistics) as well as 6 years experience in the travel industry. Her role within ACA is to regulate, improve and provide accurate financial reporting for the business. Blessing is driven daily by striving to provide the best possible future for her family (husband and two children). She enjoys travelling, spending time with her family and friends and watching sports. She lives by a saying used within her family "Winning is a Habit"
Ebenezer Maxwell
SOUND ENGINEER STUDIO MANAGER
Mr. Maxwell is a Certified Avid Pro tools operator, 210 level, Certified Dante Operator, and holds a Sound Engineering Diploma from the Academy of Sound Engineering South Africa. He started out as a publishing intern at Universal Music Publishing after a year was promoted to studio engineer. He now is Head of Africa Creative Publishing Studio.
Elspeth Muthambi
A&R MANAGER
Ms. Muthmabi is A&R manager for ACA Music Advisory Services. She is a Strategic Marketing Communication graduate at the University of Johannesburg. She joined as an intern in 2020 and quickly climbed the ladder as a Licensing and Royalties coordinator . She has worked closely with Mzwandile to excute and close numerous music supervision projects, namely, Savage Beauty, Blood & Water, and many more.
Kabelo Moniase
FILM & TV CO-ORDINATOR
Film & TV division which goes beyond client management and acts as a fertile ground for concept development, production services and casting in Film & TV. We are committed to ensuring the delivery of quality African stories and growing the creative economy on the continent. Kabelo has a background in film & television screenwriting and production
Lauretta Mthembu
DIGITAL MEDIA CO-ORDINATOR
Ms. Lauretta Mthembu, currently a final year copywriting student at the Vega School of Brand, Design and Business, soon to start with her legal studies in the near future. With a strong passion for the music business and a deep commitment to justice, Lauretta is currently working as a digital marketing intern. Excited about the opportunities ahead, Lauretta is eager to grow and make a significant impact in the music industry.
Mzwandile Sibanda
HEAD OF MUSIC PUBLISHING
A law graduate of the University of Durham (UK), Sibanda has managed to couple his knowledge of the law with his knowledge and love of music to become one of the most well-regarded music industry practitioners on the continent. After five years as a music publishing A&R executive at Universal Music Publishing (UMP), Mzwandile now heads Africa Creative Publishing. In his time at UMP, he drove licensing music for Marvel’s Black Panther. Mr Sibanda has extensive experience, industry contacts and relationships with all the major rights holders in the African music industry.
Sivu Mfenyana
Senior Manager
I am an experienced Label Manager and Senior Manager with a proven track record in the music industry. At Sony Music Africa, I started as a Promotions Specialist in 2017, where I led the promotions strategy aligned with marketing plans and release strategies across relevant media for all signed local artists. I was promoted to Head of Local and International PR in 2020, where I managed a team of four, overseeing PR for both local and international releases. In 2022 I became a Label Manager for Epic Records and local artists. I was tasked with co-ordinating and overseeing all operations related to the label's releases with a primary objective of driving streaming revenue. I recently transitioned to a new role as Senior Manager at Africa Creative Agency, where I am responsible for developing and presenting pitches to potential clients, creating marketing strategies to promote clients, securing and marketing gigs, ensuring timely delivery of all marketing and promotional material, and more.
Thami Tshabalala
Head of Operations/ Executive Assistant
From the very inception of Africa Creative agency, Thami has been an instrumental force, donning multiple hats as an Administrator, Book Keeper, and A&R. His versatility knows no bounds, and he plays each role with virtuosity, ensuring the agency's success and creative brilliance. As a head of operations and Executive Assistant, Thami orchestrates seamless efficiency and harmony within the organisation. Before embarking on his creative journey, Thami spent 5 transformative years as a Business Coach and lead administrator in one of South Africa's esteemed Micro Enterprise Incubators. With his guidance, over 100 businesses bloomed, and he helped create over 180 new job opportunities!
Thuli Msezane
SYNC CO-ORDINATOR
Ms. Msezane is a Sync Coordinator and a University of the Witwatersrand alumni. Ms Msezane formerly worked in the Sync Licensing and Brands division at Warner Music Africa, where she cleared music for the indie film The Umbrella Men and the South African TV series Recipes for Love and Murder.
