Wendy Verwey Bekker

Wendy started her career in the music business at Universal Music South Africa, breaking the biggest internationally signed acts (Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Imagine Dragons) in South Africa. Over the next ten years she worked her way up through the decline of CD sales and rise of digital distribution, finishing as Head of Marketing. She expanded her entertainment industry and technology experience by joining South Africa’s cult festival OppiKoppi and machine-learning algorithmic playlisting startup Labs.fm, before opening Ditto Music’s operations in Africa as their regional manager. Over the last six years she’s educated independent artists across the continent, signed award-winning artists and labels to label services and designed marketing strategies that have grown careers, exporting break-out independent African artists internationally (Monaky, Easy Freak, lordkez).

18+ Years in the media and entertainment industry have given her the opportunity to lead product and marketing innovation, music strategy, SaaS expansion, digital marketing and talent operations. To drive cultural impact and fan growth remains exciting, and Wendy is passionate about growing the African creative sector economically.

She is known for building artist-first strategies, leading agile teams remotely and driving market expansion across Africa. Her experience has equipped her with unique skills and industry relationships, she consults to with Artists, Labels, Promoters, Telecommunications and Media companies, and is a knowledgeable speaker on the Music Industry.