Backroomconvo's 164: AMP Studios’ Shutdown Shockwaves + Heads of State Action-Comedy Review

🌟 In This Unmissable Episode:

1. AMPD Studios Emergency:
Lesego M delivers an urgent, emotional deep dive into the impending closure of AMPD Studios—Johannesburg’s iconic creative hub. After 5+ years of empowering 15,000+ creators with free resources, recording studios, and mentorship, the studio faces a dire cash crisis. A major client deal collapsed, forcing AMPD into a 3–4-month funding gap that threatens its survival. Lesego reveals:

• 📉 Why Now? The financial domino effect: Rent hikes, sponsor delays, and systemic underfunding of SA arts spaces 611.

• ⏳ Timeline: Immediate risk of shutting doors by August 2025 without bridge funding or equity investment 612.

• 💔 Cultural Impact: How losing AMPD would devastate SA’s creative ecosystem—from podcasters to musicians relying on its world-class studios 12.

2. Legendary Podcasts Born at AMPD:
Celebrate AMPD’s legacy through groundbreaking shows recorded in its studios:

• 🎙️ Backroom Convo’s: Lesego’s intimate artist interviews (e.g., Kevin Momo’s 20M-stream milestone ep.) 38.

• ✨ Masterclass Sessions: Industry giants like DJ Fresh and Tresor mentoring emerging talent 12.

• 🎮 Gaming & Culture Pods: Youth-focused series blending esports, music, and social commentary.

3. Monday Movie Review: "Heads of State" (2025)
Lightening the tension, Lesego shifts gears to review Amazon Prime’s explosive action-comedy Heads of State, starring Idris Elba and John Cena:

• 🎬 Premise: Rival world leaders (Elba’s stoic UK PM + Cena’s ex-action-star US President) team up to foil a global conspiracy 510.

• 🔥 Verdict: "A slick, self-aware buddy flick—Elba’s comedic timing dazzles, Cena’s charm disarms, and the chemistry saves this from B-movie tropes. Perfect for a distraction!" – Lesego M 10.

• ⚖️ Thematic Tie-In: How the film’s "unlikely allies" theme mirrors AMPD’s call for community solidarity.

• Urgent Call to Action: Lesego shares AMPD’s plea for connections to investors, NGOs, or brands (contact: [e-mail]). Every share could save this hub 6.

• Dual Catharsis: From Johannesburg’s creative frontline to Hollywood escapism—this episode balances heartbreak with humor.

• Exclusive Insights: Behind-the-scenes stories from AMPD’s team, including Jon Savage’s LinkedIn plea and Desiree Lakey’s 25-year fight for SA arts 612.

🔊 Drop the algorithm—this is a human emergency. Stream Episode 164 wherever you get podcasts. Tag #SaveAMPD to join the movement!

Follow Lesego M:

• Podcast: Backroom Convo’s (Apple, Spotify)

• Radio: Sedibeng FM

• Books: Dinosaur, The Drawing Book (2025) 13

“When culture spaces die, so do tomorrow’s stories. AMPD isn’t just studios—it’s 15,000 dreams.” – Lesego M

🎧 Why Listen?