East Africa's music industry gets a boost with S2Kizzy's Pluto Republic studio launch

In a ground-breaking development for the East African music industry, renowned producer S2Kizzy has officially launched the largest music studio, Pluto Republic, located in Mbezi Africana, which is claimed to be the largest in the region.

Nicknamed the 'Home of Hits' by S2Kizzy himself, the state-of-the-art facility features three distinct studios—A, B, and C—and is poised to revolutionise music production in the region.

S2Kizzy, whose real name is Salmin Maengo, has been a pivotal figure in the East African music scene, producing hits for top artists across the continent, including frequent collaborators Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Rayvanny, Nandy, Mbosso, Zuchu, Marioo, Harmonize, and Jux, among others.

The expansion to a larger facility marks a significant milestone in his career and addresses the challenges faced with the previous single studio setup at Pluto Republic in Sinza Mapambano.

Speaking at the launch event, S2Kizzy explained the motivation behind this major expansion.

“Having just one studio was limiting, especially with the calibre of producers and artists we work with. There was always a clash of schedules, which was not ideal for creativity and productivity. With the new Pluto Republic studios, we now have the space to accommodate more artists and producers, allowing them to work more efficiently and collaborate seamlessly,” he shares.

The new facility is equipped with the latest technology and offers unparalleled resources for music production, mixing, and mastering.

The launch of the studios also signifies an exciting collaboration and growth opportunity for both signed and independent producers.

S2Kizzy highlighted the importance of this aspect. “By having multiple studios, we can bring in more producers, not just those signed under Pluto Republic but also freelancers and collaborators. This will foster a community of creativity and innovation where ideas can flow freely and artists can benefit from a wider talent pool.”

S2Kizzy made a strong appeal to fellow music producers, encouraging them to invest more significantly in their production houses.

He stressed that building quality production facilities is crucial not only for individual success but also for the broader growth and sustainability of the music industry.

“Investing in your studio and resources not only elevates your work but also contributes to the overall development of our music scene,” he stated. “We need to create more opportunities for collaboration and innovation, as these elements are the lifeblood of artistic progress and industry advancement,” he noted.

S2Kizzy also clarified that Pluto Republic is a label dedicated exclusively to producers rather than artists. “We are not signing artists. Our focus is entirely on empowering producers and providing them with the resources they need to excel in their craft and careers,” he explained.

This strategy underscores his commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where producers can thrive and push the boundaries of creativity.

The launch event was a star-studded affair, attended by some of the biggest names in the music industry.

DJ Ally B expressed his excitement about the new studios, saying, “This is a huge step forward for our industry. Having a facility like this in East Africa means we no longer need to travel abroad for top-notch production quality. It’s a homegrown solution that will undoubtedly boost our global competitiveness.”

Artist Chinno Kidd, a frequent collaborator of S2Kizzy, shared similar sentiments: “I’ve worked with S2Kizzy for years, and his vision for elevating East African music is unparalleled. The Pluto Republic is not just a studio; it’s a creative hub where artists can come together to create magic.”

Other producers also praised the move. Producer Mocco Genius noted, “The expansion of Pluto Republic means more opportunities for collaboration and growth. It’s inspiring to see such an investment in our industry, and I’m excited to see what new sounds will come out of these studios.”

Another producer, Eiyoo Trone, who is also signed to Pluto Republic, commented on the impact of the new studios, stating, “This is a game-changer. The facilities here rival those found anywhere else in the world, showing how far we’ve come as an industry. It’s a proud moment for us all.”

In addition to unveiling the studios, S2Kizzy announced the upcoming launch of Pluto Academy, an initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of producers.

The academy will offer a comprehensive training programme designed to equip aspiring producers with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive music industry.

The programme will be priced at $10,000 and will provide participants with a unique opportunity to learn directly from S2Kizzy and other established producers for a six-month term.

Trainees will gain hands-on experience and participate in sessions with A-list artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Harmonize, Marioo, and Rayvanny.

“The Pluto Academy is about giving back and investing in future talent. We want to create a platform where aspiring producers can learn, grow, and have access to opportunities that were not available before,” S2Kizzy explained.

He said, “By working with top artists, they will not only learn technical skills but also understand the nuances of working in a high-pressure environment.”