Ngqabutho Mpofu

An artist at producing artists

Ngqabutho Mpofu on SoundBetter

Hi, I am Ngqabutho also known as Kyū, I'm a music producer. I help artists create and strategically release their music.

Kyū is an R&B and Hip-Hop music producer from the UK.

His approach to music production is one of precision and intent. Coupled with a vast knowledge of the industry gives a very artist-centric appeal as he values the vision and goals of people he works with.
His most recent work scored he and an upcoming artist over 1,000,000 Spotify streams to date with just two singles and over 300,000 views on youtube.

He has also landed placements collaborating with his associates gaining hit singles in Japan and platinum-selling albums with South African artists.

He is a genuinely results-driven individual with a natural affinity for practical, valuable and creative ideas. Someone who truly believes in an artist, their music, and will give everything they have to make it succeed.

Website: https://www.kyutheproducer.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kyu_theproducer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyutheproducer

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Interview with Ngqabutho Mpofu

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I've always found myself in an influential position with the artists I work with. I can't help but be hands-on and look to see things through when it comes to the goals we set. I get a kick out of developing artists, I guess! I got to executively manage Jorday with an independent project that saw us get a great response and we were able to recreate it. It was the greatest feeling ever!

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: I am developing a promising artist who has recently been signed, and we have high expectations for. I am working in conjunction with the label to maximise his market positioning, reach and building his brand.

  5. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  6. A: One thing I appreciate is once people see the value I bring the reoccurring question is always; What do you think? And my answer always takes into account the client's goals; it's all about the approach and intent.

  7. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  8. A: When looking for a producer, you should find someone who listens. They should have the intention to serve you and your vision; however, be able to make suggestions, introduce different perspectives and guide you through different scenarios and what results may come from different approaches.

  9. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  10. A: Unique ideas and sounds. I pride myself in adding textures that bring out the emotion in the tracks.

  11. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  12. A: I'd have to say executive producing. I do a lot of music production, vocal producing, co-writing, I mean sometimes my voice is in the tracks I create, but you'd never know it was me. It's all about maximising our efforts get the most out of each song.

  13. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  14. A: Ahhh, that's a tough one. I'll only say digital because of its accessibility and speed. However, I know we are close, but you can't beat that analog sonic signature.

  15. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  16. A: I will always do all I can!

  17. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  18. A: I get to do what I love and beyond the music is helping people find their version of success!

  19. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  20. A: People think I'm a know it all but I believe I listen twice as much as I speak.

  21. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  22. A: I ask a lot of particular questions to gauge what capacity they'd want me to be involved but equally question that spark deep thought about what they want. An example would be; What obstacles are they facing in the careers currently? Or what keeps you up at night regarding your career?.

  23. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  24. A: 1. Laptop (with all my libraries) 2. Akai Max 49 Keyboard 3. Neuman TLM 103 Microphone 4. A pair of Focal Clear Headphones 5. An Apollo Twin Interface

  25. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  26. A: I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. I've studied music my entire life from school talent shows, winning awards with a dance group, studying music in college and university. It's given me experiences of working with songwriting teams, opening for big acts in the Uk like N'Dubz, Tinie Tempah and Kid British. I've worn many hats over the years creatively and corporately being apart of many label meetings with emerging talent.

  27. Q: How would you describe your style?

  28. A: Polished! I like things to sound RIGHT! Even if I'm distorting a vocal or sound, I still want it to sound expensive.

  29. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  30. A: I want to work with Justin Beiber. He has an eclectic sound it's broad, and there are some many genre's blended in his music and I enjoy combining genre's or pulling ideas from other spaces.

  31. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  32. A: Sound choice is everything!! If you can learn to pick the right sounds, be it drums, percussion, synths, strings all the above, you're a man or woman after my own heart.

  33. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  34. A: Hip-hop and R&B driven Pop.

  35. Q: What's your typical work process?

  36. A: I like to read between the lines and get to the real and purest point of the artist's vision. I do this to get the artists most authentic goals around themselves as it pertains to their career. So I have a three steps process; 1. Pre Production 2. Production 3. Strategy and Accountability I love succeeding but I enjoy helping people reach their version of success.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: I have a studio of my own I named the 'Hz Pantry'. Sound is measured in Hertz and where I'm from the pantry is where all the goodies used to be kept when I was younger thus Hz Party. It's a space where local clients who visit are made to feel relaxed and able to let the making magic happen but equipped enough to create high-quality music. Personally, it's my Zen room, and I feel like I'm a genius, my highest self in the room.

  39. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  40. A: I try not to box myself in, but production-wise I'm drawn to say the legendary Quincy Jones. Then Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Darkchild, Dr Luke and Max Martin to name a few. Hip and R&B are my foundation, but I'm don't solely stay in that space. Of course, I'm a business fanatic, so in the music space, I'd have to say legends such as Jimmy Iovine, L.A Reid and Harvey Mason Jr. All guys who understand the art of music and the business.

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GenresSounds Like
  • Eric Bellinger
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Jidenna
Gear Highlights
  • UAD Apollo Twin
  • Neumann TLM 103
  • Komplete Kontrol S88
  • Genelec 8040B Studio Monitors
  • KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors
  • Akai Max 49
  • Logic Pro X
  • Ableton Live 10
  • FL Studio
  • Pro Tools
  • Reason 10
More Photos
  • Jorday with Another One - CloserOct 15, 2019

    We've been working hard and keeping our finger on the pulse.

    'Closer' is Jorday's first released shortly after signing with a new label 'We Are Blk'.

    We outdid ourselves, four months after the release we're already at 689,900 streams and this is only the start of great things to come.

    Excited is an understatement.

  • Jorday - 'Dancer' Cracks 620K StreamsOct 15, 2019

    Following the release of Jorday's lead single 'Dancer'. 

    In conjunction with a reputable platform named GRM Daily in the UK; 'Dancer' now has over 260K views on youtube and a staggering 625,000-lifetime streams on Spotify alone.

    Excited for what's to come.