Future Kwaai bio

Future Kwaai Records is a groundbreaking record label, clothing brand, and mixed media company at the intersection of music, technology, and inclusivity. Founded in 2020 by Umlilo Siya Ngcobo, Future Kwaai is dedicated to amplifying the voices of queer and gender non-conforming artists in South Africa while pushing the boundaries of AI, VR, and emerging tech in music and art.

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Since its inception, Future Kwaai has been a pioneer in digital innovation and representation, producing South Africa’s first VR music video, curating the first all-queer compilation album, and co-hosting the Boiler Room x Ballantine's True Music Studios, LeGrand Ball live streamed from Soweto in 2023 with The Fam and Tint Studios. Beyond music, Future Kwaai co-founded the LeGrand Queer Arts Festival, a first-of-its-kind event blending live music, VR/XR, dance, physical theatre, and immersive storytelling at  Tshimologong Cultural Precinct.

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As an educational force, Future Kwaai’s founder, Umlilo Siya Ngcobo, has been a mentor and facilitator for OneBeat Virtual for 5 years, helping develop global music education curricula as part of the U.S. State Department’s music diplomacy program. She has also served as a mentor and lecturer in AI and emerging technologies for Ars Electronica’s Founding Lab, conducting workshops at Linz University in Austria in 2024. Umlilo has also served as a mentor as part of Fakugezi Queer Catalyst, an ongoing collaborative project between the GALA Queer Archive, and the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival to amplify the history and experiences of African queer people through creative digital expressions. To date, Umlilo has worked with international institutions like OneBeat (USA), Pro Helvetia (Switzerland), Elektron (Estonia), Explode (Brazil), Goethe (Germany), Finsterbusch Collective, GALA (Gay and Lesbian Archives, and British Council (UK). Future Kwaai also produced a podcast titled 'Chakra Hunz' with Other Radio from 2023-2024. The company frequently collaborates with The Fam, Tint Studios and Brainbow productions.

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Future Kwaai is not just a label—it is a cultural movement, bridging the gap between music, technology, and activism. Through workshops, events, and innovative projects like 'Future Kwaai vs AI', the organization is shaping the future of AI-driven music, queer representation, and African digital creativity.