Trackside Studios

Trackside Studios is a multidisciplinary creative and cultural space founded by Mambila Mageza in Orlando West, Soweto. Established in 2014, Trackside grew from a grassroots music and creative initiative into a platform dedicated to developing artists, producing culture and creating opportunities for creative expression, collaboration and enterprise.

Founded from Mambila’s belief that creative spaces should be accessible to the communities that produce culture, Trackside brings together music, visual art, screen printing, live performance, creative production, artist development and cultural programming under one roof.

The studio provides a space for musicians, DJs, visual artists, filmmakers, designers, writers and other cultural practitioners to develop their work, rehearse, record, perform, collaborate and connect with audiences. Its programming has included live music, hip-hop events, open decks, exhibitions, workshops, screen-printing activations, listening sessions and community-focused cultural events.

At the heart of Trackside is a commitment to grassroots creativity and cultural ownership. The studio works particularly within Soweto's independent creative ecosystem, creating platforms for emerging artists while connecting local talent to wider networks, collaborators and opportunities. Trackside has also developed relationships with international cultural organisations and creative practitioners, helping facilitate knowledge exchange, skills development and creative collaboration.

For Mambila Mageza, Trackside is more than a physical studio. It is an extension of his work as a creative producer, artist, cultural organiser and multidisciplinary practitioner, shaped by more than two decades of involvement in South Africa's music, visual arts, theatre and creative industries.

Today, Trackside Studios continues to operate as a cultural laboratory for music, art and ideas — rooted in Orlando West, connected to the world, and committed to the belief that creativity can build community, develop talent and create sustainable opportunities.

Real people. Real culture.