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Broadly revered South African music trade veteran, Chris Ghelakis has died after a protracted battle with most cancers.
He was 70 years previous and is survived by his two youngsters.
Ghelakis started his musical profession as a bassist within the 70s, later growing right into a band supervisor, in addition to a tour accountant and sound engineer, which noticed him begin producing among the largest artists in South Africa.
Additional extending his standing as a music mogul, Ghelakis went on to buy and handle one of many largest music venues in South Africa, The Thunderdome, within the coronary heart of Johannesburg.
Ghelakis, identified for his potential to identify expertise and embrace new technological adjustments within the music trade, based Electromode in 2001 which went on to change into one of many prime unbiased music and leisure manufacturers within the nation, working with lots of the area’s prime artists.
Electromode held the Prime 27 positions within the Prime 30 of Apple Music’s South African Chart in 2020.
Electromode was acquired in January 2021 by Universal Music Group-owned Ingrooves Music Group, which is now Virgin Music Group.
“His impression on the South African music enterprise and his drive to increase alternatives for artists inside his personal nation and overseas made him a real visionary in our enterprise.”
Nat Pastor and JT Myers, Virgin Music Group
Tributes have been pouring in for the veteran exec, with many South African musicians recounting tales of how Chris modified the course of their careers.
Dr Victor from Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels mentioned: “I met Chris in 1988 at Bela Napoli in Hillbrow the place he booked my band CC Beat to play at his Membership “Thunderdome” in Johannesburg. In 1990 he was additionally in search of artist to report for his new CSR report label and I used to be one the primary few to affix his label
“In 1991 we recorded a canopy of “Give me Hope Jo’Anna” for his CSR Label and Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels was shaped in Chris’s workplace, because the say the remaining is historical past.
“I labored intently with Chris on all my albums and singles and received 2 SAMA Awards for the 25 years I used to be signed to CSR Information as an artist. It could be secure to say there can be no Dr Victor had it not been for Chris’s enter, he helped formed my profession and guided me as a giant brother all through my profession. I’ve by no means met anybody with extra ardour and drive within the music trade then Chris… he was all the time the primary one on the studio and the final one to depart. I can’t think about the South African music trade with out Chris Ghelakis…”
Cindy Alter mentioned: “How does one say goodbye to an individual that has been a relentless in your life for 45 years? Maybe it isn’t a ‘goodbye’, however a, ‘see you once more my buddy’! What began as a musical connection, morphed into an in depth friendship, infused with nice respect and love. A mentor, a involved ear, an advisor and a co-producer of initiatives. I do know your loved ones and mine, our lives all the time intertwined alongside our totally different paths. We have now shared music, celebrations, laughter and sorrow, and now, with gratitude, I can share the following section of your journey. You reside in my coronary heart and my recollections. Thanks for being YOU. There may be solely One You!”
Rapper KO mentioned: “Chris is a father and a mentor to me, watching him adapt skillfully to every new period of this trade is the rationale I’m additionally continuously making an attempt to evolve. Will sorely miss his steering and mind.”
Kaye, Former Co-owner G Administration (Ghelakis Administration) mentioned: “As certainly one of our trade’s best characters, we have been critically speaking about having a actuality present on the workplace centred largely round Chris and George (Vardas). However Chris by no means wished the limelight. He quietly helped superstars behind the scenes and nurtured and shepherded so many music trade colleagues like me. He may spot expertise a mile away and predicted the longer term lengthy earlier than any of us may notice it. Chris taught me every little thing I do know! To so many, Chris was a father determine. What are all of us going to do with out you, Chris? You held it collectively for your loved ones. For everybody at Electromode/G Administration. For all of your artists. For the trade! How are we meant to navigate with out your steering? How I want that actuality present was made in order that I may watch my boss, my colleague, my mentor, my buddy on repeat any time I miss you and wish to listen to your voice”
Nat Pastor and JT Myers, Co-CEOs of Virgin Music Group mentioned: “Within the brief time we labored collectively it was evident that Chris was a music man by way of and thru.
“His impression on the South African music enterprise and his drive to increase alternatives for artists inside his personal nation and overseas made him a real visionary in our enterprise. He will probably be missed by all of us at Virgin Music Group.”
Music Enterprise Worldwide
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