WOMEN IN ARTS, FILM & MEDIA
Sarah Jane Nicholson
Managing director, Paradise Africa Distribution | Founder, Africa Rising Music Conference | Manager, Money Badoo
Sarah Jane Nicholson is a force in African music, blending creativity, business acumen, and a strategic vision that inspires. As managing director of Paradise Africa Distribution, founder of the Africa Rising Music Conference, and manager of Money Badoo, her days are never the same—releasing music, building fan bases, curating industry conversations, or producing shows that inspire audiences across South Africa and Berlin. Her inspiration for Africa Rising emerged during a challenging period in her artist management career, sparking a mission to create networks and knowledge-sharing opportunities for the African music community. Today, the conference remains the continent’s premier platform for collaboration and growth. Sarah Jane has collaborated with heavyweights such as Mi Casa, Moonchild Sanelly, and Zakes Bantwini, and helped establish Paradise Worldwide’s African division, thereby amplifying the global reach of African talent. Her proudest milestones include launching Africa Rising, creating Women in Music South Africa, facilitating Mamas in Music, curating SAMPRA export programs, and releasing Zakes Bantwini’s global hit Osama—projects that collectively generate over 150 paid industry jobs annually. A former show jumper, she draws inspiration from discipline and balance, believing leadership is ultimately about people. Her mantra: take control, stay composed, and let impact follow.
