Who is Atlas Duma?
Atlas Duma is a South African playwright, a music producer, drummer, author, and a member of Arts Connect Africa. As a music business professional, he is the founder and director of the Sagiya Foundation, which comprises various art distribution businesses, such as Sagiya Records, Sagiya Book Publishers and Arts Administrators, and Sagiya Theatre Productions.
One of his imperative and prominent Theatre productions is the Dim-Dep Musical (Faces of Environmental Success) theatre production. Duma is the founder and producer of the following festivals: KZN International Jazz Festival, that was first celebrated in 2023; MCCD (Musical Collaboration in Cultural Diversity); Sagiya Celebrates KZN Jazz Legends; and other mini festivals.
Mr. Duma, through the Sagiya Foundation, also manages, among other initiatives, the following bands, artistes, and events: Umkhumbane Jazz Ensemble, Mthobisi Mthalane, Royalson, Vincent Mtetwa, and Bongani Nkwanyana; Dim-Dep Musical (theatre production); Preparation for University (book); Bishop SK Mngomezulu & Lighthouse Bible Church (book); and Kukude Lapho Sivela Khona (book).
Current Projects
Sagiya Foundation has spent most of the year repositioning the brand for more success. As part of that repositioning, it has decided that its only major project this year will be promoting a new talent from Lindelani township in South Africa. Mbali Nzama. Ms. Nzama will launch her new album “Qala Kabusha,” which was recorded at the Playhouse Company Music Studios, in various segments of singles between October and December 2024. Atlas Duma himself participates in the project as a music producer.
“Qala Kabusha’s” release will also include an official album launch that will be held on the 18th of November 2024 at Lighthouse Bible Church at KwaMashu. The launch will be presented along with a spiritual worship night, which will be a celebration of the LBC Lighthouse Bible Church’s achievements with a theme of “Ebenezer.”. Mbali Nzama’s performance will be accompanied by the LBC Worship Team and a keynote speaker, Dr. Bishop SK Mngomezulu.
Apart from the album launch, Atlas Duma is also getting ready to produce the 2nd edition of the KZN International Jazz Festival, which will come up between early and mid-2025.
What’s Next for Atlas Duma?
Atlas Duma continues to be active in South Africa’s culture and creative industry. Through the Sagiya Foundation, he continues to find and mentor new talented creatives and professionals in the creative industry. He also continues to create cultural materials and events that make economic and cultural impact in the country. He is also a very committed member of Arts Connect Africa and contributes to its vision of creating a network of professionals that will help deliver economic and social impact on Africa through its creative industries.
