Launched in 2024 in collaboration and incubated with Ropeadope, AfricArise is a City of Gold unique imprint. AfricArise stands as a first-of-its-kind series, celebrating the Jazz tradition of South Africa and Africa in a larger cultural sense (including the Kenyan piano tradition as represented by Aaron Rimbui), and bringing some of its greatest artists to the attention of listeners around the world. Presenting a curated vision for African Jazz today, AfricArise is proud to support creators who are some of the most interesting contemporary composers and practitioners, while full embracing and creatively documenting their heritage.

2024, the inaugural year for the series marked five releases from AfricArise: Steve Dyer’s Enhlizweni: Song Stories from My Heartland, McCoy Mrubata’s Lullaby for Khayoyo, Thembi Dunjana’s God Bless iKapa. God Bless Mzantsi, Melanie Scholtz’s Seven, and Aaron Rimbui’s Imani. We are extremely proud that Steve Dyer’s Enhlizweni was noted and awarded the Best Jazz Album of the Year at the South African Music Awards.