Local music is in high demand globally.
Amapiano isn’t the only genre that is gaining listeners from distant lands.
Muziwakhe McVictor Mazibuko - who is known better as just Muzi - is a celebrated producer, singer and electronica artist. If you have ever seen this man perform, then what you more than likely experienced was a top tier showmanship backed by an intellectual style of instrumentation. Muzi is back with a new album and although it is small in size, it packs a healthy amount of punch.
“I wanted to make music that reminded me of road trips with my parents. Also, Drum Magazine was an inspiration. There’s a song on the album, the one with Chris Martin, where I speak about seeing my first crush on a magazine cover,” he says.
He took time in shaping this project and he has high hopes for what this, his sixth anthology. The album is available for pre-order and so far, he has released three of the thirteen records that make up the full offering.
Read more | Meet rapper and rising star Tammy Carson, whose aggressive style is making waves in the industry
“I took the longest with this one because I knew I wanted it to be personal. Besides the going down memory lane part of the creativity, I did a bit of traveling in between just to get inspired by other cultures/music scenes. Made some songs in SA, some in Dubai some in the US, then went back home to finish it.”
The album, uMuzi, features the alternative rock band, Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin on the song he appears to be particularly proud of.
“Chris Martin is one of my earliest musical influences and this is the third time we’re doing something together, so it’s all pretty surreal,” the talent from Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal swoons.
“It lets me know I’m doing something right,” the 32-year-old adds.
The entire process of working with a legend of that magnitude was something he will cherish for years to come but one particular moment stands out for him.
Read more | Meet Gogo Manzini, a transgender traditional healer with aspirations of heading a media empire
“Teaching him to say a part I wrote in isiZulu was interesting and he was so keen to do it.”
He believes his music has undergone a maturation. “I’m happy that I can still find new ways of expressing myself. I’m finally able to get the warmth I wanted because I started using a lot of outboard gear. So, staying away from the computer and just creating outside of it with synthesizers and drum machines. That’s been fun.”
The album boasts an array of wholesome motifs.
“All my songs are about love, whether that’s self-love, romantic love or love for my culture and my people.”
He is also a big fan of the progression being made by the local music industry and enjoys the advancements being made in this field.
“I think it’s dope how so many doors are breaking down and how more people are getting to find out about our scene and actually be invested in it.”
In the same breath, he is also concerned about a few aspects of South African music, “artist support and development. Being given time to learn about the creative part and the business side of things whilst having enough funds to live and create. [This way] we can grow the industry. You can end up not doing what you intended to do because of financial and industry infrastructure issues.”
Muzi spends a fair amount of time overseas and spoke to us from the UK ahead of some musical commitments. Beyond being an ambassador in that sense, he ensures his music is embedded in heritage.
“Usually that’s through my vocals or sound design/selection. I like doing isicathamiya melodies too on songs,” he explains.
He urges aspiring artists to look to their heritage and follow suit when being creative.
“Find your creative voice and express it fully. We need it.”
