In another first for South African football, Kaizer Chiefs and Sony music launched a music project that will see the club’s players and supporters recording songs and chants that will empower supporters and players alike in a unique way.

Speaking during the launch of the project at the club’s headquarters, Lindelani Mkhize, Sony Music’s MD-African Repertoire Division, said his company was happy that their relationship with the Amakhosi was beginning to take a truly meaningful direction.

“At Sony we’re extremely happy to be associated with another giant brand, Kaizer Chiefs, in this innovative and exciting venture. We’re hoping this will bring another dimension into the stadium environment because we do not just intend selling CDs/cassettes only but enhance the Chiefs home games through a new vibe and culture that will be an extra psychological ammunition against visiting teams,” said an excited Mkhize.

“In this recording we will be making new songs that will mobilize crowds while lifting the spirits of the players,” added Mkhize. He said his company is investing in studio production, marketing and distribution of the final product.

The 15-song CD/cassette will comprise 3 songs performed by players of the club, 5 songs chosen from entries submitted by the club’s current Top 20 supporters’ branches and performed by no more than 20 card carrying supporters of each branch, 5 songs from individuals or other groups, 1 song from the Amakhosi Male Choir and the Official Amakhosi Theme Song, where professional artists might be invited to perform.

Speaking on behalf of Kaizer Chiefs, Marketing Manager, Jessica Motaung said her club was thrilled that another first in local soccer will soon be seen and heard. She went on to say: ”We want to bring the magic that we create at the stadium into the studio. Music is a key component of culture that helps define our times, which is very much like sport. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to empower our players and supporters, unearth talent and share in the spirit of celebration. We are extremely proud to be partnered with a world-class brand like Sony on this important milestone project.”

Invitations are extended to songwriters, individuals and other groups and that the race to enter the songs is not limited to any genres or styles but that no foul language will be tolerated as the positive portrayal of the club’s brand is of paramount importance. Song entries will be expected in any audio format, including tapes, CDs, mini discs, dats, etc.

The report further says that all submissions should be handed or posted to the club by the 30th April 2004 and be submitted to Supporters’ Relations Manager, Cecil “Chief” Motaung at home and away games. It is expected that the Project Committee made of Sony Music representatives and those of the club’s marketing department will review all entries during the month of May, whilst recording begins late May/ early June.

Motaung said the club is looking at launching the CD/cassette at the beginning of the coming football season.

Top 20 Branches:

No	Branch	Province
1.	Site "C"	WC
2.	Cathedral	KZN
3.	Greater Soweto	GP
4.	Durban	KZN
5.	Thlabane	NW
6.	Kraaifontein	WC
7.	Bekkersdal	NW
8.	Orka	NW
9.	Tembisa	GP
10.	Vaal	GP
11.	Kathlehong	GP
12.	Paarl	WC
13.	Greater Nelspruit	MP
14.	Botshabelo	FS
15.	Lady Smith	KZN
16.	Vryburg	NW
17.	Boipatong	GP
18.	Mandini	KZN
19.	Town Two	WC
20.	Evaton	GP

Submissions can be handed in or posted to the following:

Kaizer Chiefs Village


5/6 Lean Road, Lenaron, Johannesburg, 2064 (Drop off)


PO Box 2610, Johannesburg, 2000 (Postage)


Amakhosi Store


108 Fox Street, Shop No. 4, Gandhi Square, Metropolitan Life Building, Johannesburg. Tel. No. 011-838 6477 (Drop off)

For more information on this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact Putco Mafani on 082 991 0977, Jessica Motaung on 082 992 1199 from Kaizer Chiefs or Ike Finger on 084 228 0022 from Sony Music.