Recognition.

NEWS

  • Cojo & WN-ZAYVIE’s New Single “Bonus”

    Cojo & WN-ZAYVIE’s New Single “Bonus”

    Recognition Group is excited to announce the release of “Bonus,” the latest single from dynamic artists Cojo and WN-ZAYVIE, which dropped on November 1, 2024. This collaboration showcases their unique styles and lyrical prowess, promising to resonate with fans across the music landscape.

    About the Single

    “Bonus” is a vibrant track that encapsulates the artists’ journey and experiences, blending catchy hooks with thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm are designed to captivate listeners, making it a perfect addition to any playlist. You can listen to “Bonus” now at listen.recognitiongroup.co.za/Bonus or via ffm.to/bonus.

    Upcoming Music Video

    Adding to the excitement, the official music video for “Bonus” is set to premiere on VEVO on November 10, 2024. Anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the visual representation of this energetic track, which promises to enhance its narrative and artistic expression.

    Artist Highlights

    Cojo and WN-ZAYVIE have been making waves in the music scene with their innovative sounds and relatable lyrics. Their collaboration on “Bonus” reflects a shared vision of creating music that not only entertains but also connects with listeners on a personal level.

    With “Bonus,” Cojo and WN-ZAYVIE continue to push boundaries in their artistry. Recognition Group is proud to support these talented artists as they share their latest work with the world. Be sure to check out “Bonus” and stay tuned for the music video release on VEVO!

  • Obamaboy, CPT Switch & Lunxr’s New Release “Estophini”

    Obamaboy, CPT Switch & Lunxr’s New Release “Estophini”

    Recognition Group is excited to announce the release of “Estophini,” a captivating amapiano track by Obamaboy, CPT Switch, and Lunxr, featuring the talented Loony Q. Released on November 25, 2024, this track is set to be a staple for the upcoming festive season in South Africa, perfectly capturing the essence of dezemba vibes.

    About the Track

    “Estophini” combines infectious rhythms and melodic hooks that are hallmarks of the amapiano genre. With its high replay value, the song invites listeners to dance and celebrate, making it an ideal addition to any festive playlist. The collaboration between Obamaboy, CPT Switch, and Lunxr brings together their unique styles, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar.

    Collaboration with Loony Q

    Featuring Loony Q adds an extra layer of depth to “Estophini.” His contributions enhance the track’s appeal, ensuring it resonates with a wide audience. The synergy among these artists showcases their collective talent and commitment to producing music that not only entertains but also connects with listeners on a personal level.

    Perfect for Dezemba

    As South Africa gears up for the dezemba festivities, “Estophini” is poised to become a favorite in parties and gatherings. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a perfect anthem for celebrating the end of the year and welcoming the new one with joy and enthusiasm.

    With “Estophini,” Obamaboy, CPT Switch, and Lunxr have created a track that embodies the spirit of celebration. Recognition Group is proud to support these artists as they continue to make waves in the amapiano scene. Be sure to check out “Estophini” and add it to your festive playlists this season!

  • VICENNIUM: 888Goofy’s Latest Release

    VICENNIUM: 888Goofy’s Latest Release

    Recognition Group is thrilled to announce the successful distribution of VICENNIUM, the latest project from rising South African artist 888Goofy, born Lwazi Langa Mdhluli. Released on October 11, 2024, coinciding with his 20th birthday, this project marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey and commitment to mental health advocacy.

    About 888Goofy

    Since launching his career during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, 888Goofy has captivated audiences with his unique blend of Hip-Hop, RnB, Trap, and AfroBeats. His music reflects lyrical depth and sonic creativity, drawing inspiration from his upbringing in Fourways, Johannesburg, where he was influenced by his parents’ love for Jazz and RnB. As he transitions into adulthood, VICENNIUM symbolizes not only his age but also a new phase of life filled with optimism and resilience.

    VICENNIUM: A Celebration of Growth

    The VICENNIUM project features standout tracks that explore themes of self-reflection and authenticity. Among these, “Lookin’ at Us” has emerged as a fan favorite, gaining notable attention across various platforms. The track critiques authenticity within the industry while asserting 888Goofy’s role as a trendsetter.

    The music video for “Lookin’ at Us,” produced by Unrivalled Media and co-directed by Lumberjack Studios, has garnered over 1.5k views on YouTube, showcasing high production quality and creative storytelling. This visual representation complements the song’s message and enhances its reach.

    Media Coverage

    The standout track “Lookin’ at Us” has been featured in prominent publications such as Groove Africa and Pivot Magazine, further solidifying 888Goofy’s impact in the music scene. These features highlight not only the song’s lyrical prowess but also its resonance with listeners navigating similar struggles.

    Looking Ahead

    As 888Goofy continues to build his career, VICENNIUM serves as both a celebration of his past achievements and a stepping stone toward future endeavors. With ongoing support from Recognition., he is poised to reach new audiences while making a significant impact through his music.

    LISTEN / STREAM VICENNIUM

  • Spatial Audio

    At Recognition., we are excited to embrace the future of sound with the introduction of Spatial Audio, also known as “3D Audio.” This innovative audio format provides listeners with an immersive experience that mimics real-life soundscapes, equivalent to having 13 spatialized speakers representing a sound sphere. Spatial Audio is a significant advancement in sound quality, offering fans true multidimensional sound and clarity that enhances their listening experience.

    Delivering Spatial Audio with Recognition.

    To ensure that our artists can take advantage of this cutting-edge technology, we are pleased to share how to deliver Spatial Audio through our platform. Currently, our store partners accepting Dolby files include Apple, Amazon, and Tidal.

    Steps to Integrate Spatial Audio into Your Release Strategy:

    Contact Your Account Manager: Discuss the opportunity to integrate this innovative format into your release strategy and explore how it can enhance your music.

    Create the Audio: To ensure that your Spatial Audio using Dolby Atmos technology is supported by Apple, you have two options:

    Use Dolby’s suite of music production and mastering tools to create Spatial Audio yourself, adhering to the provided specifications.
    Partner with trained studios or sound engineers who specialize in Dolby Atmos mastering.
    Send the Audio to Recognition. Support: Once your audio is ready, send it to Recognition. Support (copy your Account Manager) while ensuring the following specifications are met:

    The Dolby files must be in .WAV format.
    Your audio should not have more than a 50-millisecond difference between your original track and your Dolby audio track.
    Recognition. will ensure that your release is delivered seamlessly.

    How Does Spatial Audio Work for Your Fans?

    The Spatial Audio format allows for an immersive listening experience that enables fans to perceive maximum detail and nuance, even with modest equipment. The fullness of the sound scene provides additional relief and more effective separation of every detail, whether they are using an Atmos-compatible soundbar, a home theater system, a connected speaker, or even stereo headphones.

    To know if audio is available in Spatial Audio, fans should look for the following logos displayed on their streaming platforms:


    Will this affect my catalog?
    No, the only change will be seen directly on stores during the listening experience. This will not affect the presence of the artist on any other digital service provider (DSP).

    For more information on Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

    Dolby’s Professional Website
    List of Dolby Atmos Music Studios
    If you want to learn more about Apple Spatial Audio and tips on how to create content for this new feature, please visit our Artist Resources.

    At Recognition., we are committed to providing our artists with the tools and opportunities to elevate their music. Embracing Spatial Audio is just one of the many ways we are enhancing the listening experience for fans and ensuring our artists stand out in the ever-evolving music landscape.

  • Become an Apple-approved Mastering Engineer or Studio

    Studios can get directly in touch with Apple Music to request an Apple Digital Masters accreditation for your studio.

    If you wish to get an Apple Digital Masters badge on your release, please send the info below to your Support Team so we can pass your request through to Apple Music:

    • Studio name
    • Studio presentation
    • Phone number and contact e-mail

    Please note that, following this request, Apple Music will contact your studio to check a few things before attributing you the badge.

  • Administration

    Music Administration: Managing Your Rights in South Africa

    Music administration is the backbone of protecting and monetizing musical works. For African artists and rights holders, it involves:

    Key Tasks in SA Music Administration:

    • Copyright Registration – Legally securing your compositions with the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission).
    • SAMRO & CAPASSO Membership – Registering works with South Africa’s collection societies for performance & mechanical royalties.
    • Licensing – Issuing sync licenses (for films/TV ads), mechanical licenses (cover songs), and more.
    • Royalty Collection – Tracking airplay, streaming, and live performances across Africa and globally.
    • Infringement Protection – Safeguarding against unauthorised use of your music.

    Why Proper Administration Matters

    Many African artists lose income due to unregistered works or mismanaged royalties. Effective administration ensures:
    ✅ Maximised earnings from local & international markets.
    ✅ Legal protection against copyright violations.
    ✅ Transparent payments from digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music) and broadcasters.

    Recognition Group’s Publishing Administration Service

    We offer tailored music administration for select artists, handling:

    • SAMRO/CAPASSO registration
    • Global royalty collection
    • Licensing & copyright audits
    • Detailed royalty reporting

  • Adaptation

    Understanding Musical Adaptations in Music Publishing

    A musical adaptation refers to a modified or reworked version of an existing melody, creating a derivative work based on the original composition. These adaptations can include:

    • Reimagined arrangements (e.g., jazz, orchestral, or acoustic covers)
    • Lyric changes or translations
    • Sampling or interpolation in new tracks
    • Parodies or satirical versions

    Why Adaptations Matter in Music Publishing

    • Copyright Implications: Adaptations usually require permission from the original copyright holder to avoid legal issues.
    • Royalties: The original songwriter earns royalties when their work is adapted, depending on licensing agreements.
    • Creative Flexibility: Artists can reinterpret classics while respecting intellectual property laws.

    Whether it’s a cover song, remix, or film score adaptation, understanding the rules ensures fair compensation and avoids infringement.

    For more on music licensing and publishing, explore Recognition.’s Glossary of Music Terms.

  • 360 Deals

    A 360 deal (also known as an all-rights deal) is a contract between a recording artist and a record label where the label receives a percentage of the artist’s earnings from multiple revenue streams, not just recorded music sales.

    These agreements allow labels to profit from various aspects of an artist’s career, including:

    • Music publishing royalties
    • Live performance earnings
    • Merchandise sales
    • Endorsement deals
    • Book, movie, or TV licensing
    • Ringtone and digital sales

    360 deals became popular as record labels sought to offset declining album sales by sharing in an artist’s broader income. While they provide financial backing and career support, they also mean artists give up more control over their earnings.

    For musicians, understanding 360 contracts is crucial before signing—ensuring fair terms and long-term career sustainability.

    For more music industry insights, explore Recognition.’s Glossary of Music Publishing Terms.