Wonderboom wins gold for SA in China

Great news! SA rock band Wonderboom competed against 14 other countries at the ‘Silk Road Indie Music Festival’ in Chengdu, China and won a top award. The international music competition, which took place this past weekend from 1 – 3 December 2017, is an initiative to introduce global music to Chinese audiences, alongside top Chinese performers. Gold went to South Africa’s Wonderboom and Silver and Bronze awards were won by countries Georgia and Lithuania respectively.

The event was attended by key international media, including Billboard Magazine who covered the festival and performances were recorded for broadcast on Chinese TV. This is the first time Wonderboom has gone to China and the band couldn’t have asked for a better debut. Already in discussion is the prospect of returning to the country with dates in other major Chinese cities.

Well done Wonderboom! You boytjies have done SA proud! Let’s hope that this will give SA Music the attention that it deserves internationally.

Frontman Cito is ecstatic over the win! “We are over the moon with elation and cannot believe our fortune. China and its people have completely blown our minds. We look forward to returning and rocking their beautiful crowds.”

So how did this all come about for Wonderboom? The Maritime Silk Road Music Festival and The Maritime Silk Road Music Industry Platform are developing music trade ties between China and international countries in music production, artist talent development, music education, technology innovation, concert performances and music content sales. Well-known International music consultant and label owner, Adrian Skirrow, is the South African representative and is very happy with the result!

“Only 3 hours before the finals, Wonderboom and other competitors were announced as one of the 6 acts competing for top honors during the Sunday night finals. What made the win even more special, was the band’s unenviable task of competing for the big prize last and after some very strong performances beforehand. From the minute Wonderboom hit the stage and struck their first chord, it was clear they meant business with their trademark high energy show and pop flavoured Afro punk attitude, which the audience and judges undoubtedly loved. Wonderboom’s achievement is being received with fantastic response and enthusiasm here in China and discussions are underway to get them back for a Chinese tour in 2018. I personally cannot wait to see one of the very best live bands around spread their unique sound and live performance prowess to new fans here!” comments Skirrow.

The Festival and Platform are under the official authority of China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and has officially begun operations. It was established at a conference and pre-launch festival in Ningbo, China in November 2016, and more recently an international music industry forum during April 2017. The Festival and Platform are now rapidly expanding throughout China.

In November 2016, artists from eight countries were invited to perform at the Ningbo Maritime Silk Road International Music Festival. The music festival successfully introduced and marketed international artists to Chinese audiences and promoted Chinese pop artists to world markets. For 2017, 14 international performing artists, along with Chinese pop artists competed for most popular international act honour, across three days of music and celebrations.

In the mood for some live music? Make sure that you catch Wonderboom live in a city / town near you in December:

• 9 December 2017 – Jock Pub & Grill, Nelspruit
• 22 December 2017 – Cheers Pub, Kimberley
• 23 December 2017 – The C Club, Chintsa (with Prime Circle)
• 24 December 2017 – Knysna Yacht Club, Knysna (unplugged)
• 25 December 2017 – Music Kitchen, Port Elizabeth (unplugged)
• 26 December 2017 – Vinyl On Main, Knysna
• 27 December 2017 – Gecko Bar, Hermanus
• 28 December 2017 – Brass Bell, Cape Town
• 29 December 2017 – Quay Four, Cape Town
• 30 December 2017 – Bertie’s Mooring, Gordon’s Bay
• 31 December 2017 – Rumours Rock City, Johannesburg

Watch this space for regular updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.