History of Downtown Studios

Downtown Studios, 62 Goud Street Johannesburg

Downtown Studios, originally known as RPM studios, was established in 1979 by Matt Mann and Dan Hill.

In 1982, Gallo purchased the studios and RPM Record Company, which then became Gall Africa. The RPM Studios name was changed to Downtown Studios in 1990 while the name for RPM Records did not change.

Downtown Studios is legendary in the South African Music Recording Industry. Since their origin in the 70s the studios have been known to be free from the stresses and strains of the Apartheid system. The studios, the most technologically advanced available at the time, was the place where people involved in the music industry could escape the confinements of laws such as the Group Areas Act and where collaborations between black and white musicians and producers could take place freely. Musicians and producers from across the racial divide busied themselves at the studios, creating top local and international hits. The studios were a haven for musicians who were political activists, and who used their music to further the objectives of the ANC in bringing the atrocities of Apartheid to the eyes and ears of the world. These artists included Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masakela, Jonas Gwanghwa, Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse and Don Laka who composed and produced struggle songs from these studios before travelling the world to spread their message. 

Legendary producers like West Nkosi, Hamilton Nzamande, Tom Mkhize, Richard Siluma and many others plied their trade. Downtown Studios were also the creative home for legendary play writers Mbongeni Ngema and Gibson Kente. Downtown studios also played a role in synergising with the ANCs rehearsal rooms at Dorkay House, under the leadership of Gweeneth Ndaba.

Steeped in tradition and awash with good memories, Downtown Studios has been the meeting place for local artists for more than 30 years. The studios boast a collection of many gold and platinum discs over the years, an accomplishment for which they are immensely proud. Many artists have received South African Music Awards and South African Traditional Music Awards for the work they've done here. Most recently Thokozani Langa, Soul Brother and Phuzekhemisi have been awarded SAMAs while Thokozani Langa, Amageza and Phansi Phe Zulu have walked away with SATMAs.

Downtown Studios has played a significant role in the nurturing and development of all forms of South African music from the traditional sounds of Maskandi, Mbaqanga, Isicathamiya, Marabi, Kwela and Kwaito to bubble gum, hip hop and pop music. They also have the space to record the larger groups like African and township jazz ensembles, gospel choirs and orchestral and operatic music.  

The studios are renowned for their success with collaborative projects. In 1989, Manfred Mann recorded the smash hit album Plains Music in Studio 2. It was a fusion of South African, Swazi and North African music with his version of Nkosi Sikelele charting in the UK.

Simon LeBon from Duran Duran moved into Downtown Studios while on tour and emerged two days later with a distinctly South African township vibe to their Brit pop sound.

Simply Red's We're in This Together was recorded at Downtown Studios in five days. Mich Hucknell included about 20 South African sessions singers on the track with Hugh Masekela taking the fugal horn solo and his band performing parts of the rhythm track.

U2 recorded a song they'd written while on tour in South Africa and also left with a piece of Downtown etched on their souls.

Other international artists include Angelique Kidjo, Philip Michael Thomas, Tokiko Kato, Dolly Parton and her collaboration with the Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Hothouse Flowers, Kirk Franklin and Kanda Bongo Man.

Downtown Studios, be what you want to be and make the music of your dreams.