Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Cleo Amedume.

How long have you worked in Management?

Properly, just about 3 years now as 1/3 of creative management team MUVVA with Mpho Mckenzie and Tekiva Ledwidge. Although I have been what I like to call an opinionated observer of the industry for a lot longer than that!

Who do you manage now?

We manage a singer-songwriter called Chrissi, producer Freemonk and production duo Yarde Boys.

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on?

We are very passionate about development and we’re on the lookout for an artist that had all the raw materials cut above the noise and deliver great music.

Mpho also runs a live night called fireball sessions, led by the insanely talented MckNasty. Chrissi rocked up with her guitar and MckNasty gave her the opportunity to jam on stage and the rest is very likely to make history!

Chrissi’s music offers a refreshingly real perspective on love and loss and she has such an effervescent personality, we felt blessed to be able to help steer her career.

What’s a good/bad day at work look like for you?

A good day for me consists of a banger in the inbox, one that makes you imagine the visuals, the show set up and the audience reaction to it within the first 30 seconds of listening.

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?

It’s hard to think of a single moment as I am so grateful for many of the things I get to do and who I get to do them with.

Rather than a highlight, I’d like to say my most intense moment of gratitude came on set at Chrissi’s first video shoot. Helping someone to fulfil their dreams and facilitate their vision coming to life is fulfilling to me. Watching it all unfold with my partners, the creative team and her amazing A&R Rob Harrison is a moment I’m not likely to forget…. ever.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2021?

I’d say COVID has to be a huge challenge especially in regards to live. It’s so hard to plan anything with the constant changes and uncertainty.

As an ethnically diverse all female management team the remnants of the old boys clubs and or their ideals are always present, lurking around corners, trying to undermine your choices.

Another challenge is finding external partners who are willing to be part of a creatives developmental journey, with a passion for breaking talent and not just capitalising on numbers.

What music are you currently listening to?

Just got the master back for Chrissi’s first single due to be released next month… bit of a shameless plug but I have had it on repeat.

Other than that a well cultivated mixture of ratchet twerk music, Queen and everything in between.