Mixing and Mastering Engineer

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

A: One project I’m especially proud of is a recent Afrobeats track I worked on for an up-and-coming artist. I was responsible for both mixing and mastering the track, and it was a bit of a creative challenge because the artist wanted to blend traditional Afrobeat sounds with modern pop elements, giving it an international feel while staying true to the genre’s roots. What made this project special was the level of trust the artist had in me to bring their vision to life. They had a strong idea of what they wanted, but they were open to experimenting with sound, allowing me to push the boundaries of the mix with creative effects and processing. It involved intricate balancing of the drums, percussion, and bassline, ensuring they had the right amount of groove while keeping the vocals upfront and clear. Once the track was finished, the artist was ecstatic about the final result. It was one of those moments where everything clicked—the track had the right energy, emotional impact, and professional sound quality. It also got great feedback when released, and hearing it played on various platforms felt incredibly rewarding. That project stands out to me because it showcased my ability to blend both technical skill and creativity while collaborating closely with the artist to bring out the best in their work. It reaffirmed my passion for helping artists create music that connects with listeners.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Right now, I'm working on a mix and master for a Afrobeats track for one of my regular clients, Scriipo, who I've been collaborating with for the past 2 years. I'm focusing on balancing the rhythm and percussion elements to maintain that high-energy Afrobeat vibe while ensuring the vocals remain clear and present. I’m also in the process of editing and cleaning podcast audio for a client, making sure the dialogue sounds crisp and removing any unwanted noise or distractions for a professional finish. In addition, I’m managing a few other mixing and mastering projects for clients on Fiverr and SoundBetter, helping them polish their tracks for release. It's a mix of genres, ranging from pop to R&B to hip-hop!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I encourage clients to explore a variety of talents, as different producers, engineers, and musicians have unique strengths. Whether you're looking for production, vocal arrangement, or mixing expertise, SoundBetter has many skilled professionals who can help elevate your music to the next level!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I work primarily in digital audio for its flexibility, precision, and efficiency, especially in the modern production and mixing environments. Digital audio allows me to work with high-quality plugins, precise automation, and non-destructive editing, which is essential for delivering polished, clean mixes and masters. That said, I do appreciate the warmth and character that analog equipment can bring, especially when it comes to certain types of saturation, harmonic distortion, or overall texture. Many producers and engineers still swear by analog for its unique sound qualities, but in my workflow, I typically use digital tools because they offer more control, recallability, and versatility without compromising sound quality. In summary, I lean toward digital for its convenience and precision but acknowledge the special warmth that analog gear can add, and I often incorporate analog-style effects or processing when needed.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver high-quality, professional mixes and masters that enhance their sound and reflect their artistic vision. I guarantee clear communication throughout the process, ensuring that I fully understand your goals and preferences. I’m committed to providing timely delivery without compromising on the quality of the final product, and I will work with you through revisions to make sure you're completely satisfied with the result. Above all, I promise to bring attention to detail, creativity, and technical expertise to every project, treating each track with the care and respect it deserves, so it sounds its absolute best on any platform.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is helping bring an artist’s vision to life. I love taking raw, unpolished tracks and transforming them into something that sounds professional, powerful, and ready to be shared with the world. There's a deep sense of satisfaction in making every element of a song—whether it's vocals, instruments, or beats—work together seamlessly. Additionally, I enjoy the creative challenge of working with different genres and artists. Every project is unique, and I get to explore new sounds, techniques, and styles, which keeps things exciting. It's incredibly rewarding to see a song evolve through the mixing and mastering process and knowing that my work has contributed to something the artist is proud of. Lastly, I appreciate the collaborative nature of this work. The communication with clients, understanding their needs, and making adjustments based on their feedback makes it a fulfilling and dynamic experience.

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

A: Here are some of the most common questions I get from customers and my answers: 1. "How long will it take to finish my project?" Answer: The typical turnaround time for mixing and mastering is 4 business days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the track and my current workload. I also offer express services for faster delivery if needed. 2. "What do you need from me to get started?" Answer: To get started, I’ll need your high-quality audio files (preferably in WAV or AIFF format), clearly labeled and organized. If you have any reference tracks or specific instructions (e.g., particular sounds or effects you like), that’s really helpful too! 3. "Can you work with music outside of Afrobeats?" Answer: Yes! While I specialize in Afrobeats, I have experience in a variety of genres like pop, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. I can tailor my approach to fit the specific needs of any genre, ensuring the final track sounds just how you envision it. 4. "How many revisions do I get?" Answer: I offer [X] free revisions to make sure you're happy with the final product. Additional revisions can be made for a small fee if needed. I always aim to make sure the track meets your expectations. 5. "Can you help me make my song sound louder and clearer?" Answer: Absolutely! One of the key parts of mastering is ensuring your track has the right loudness and clarity without distortion. I will adjust the dynamics, EQ, and limiting to ensure it sounds crisp, loud, and polished on all listening devices. 6. "What if I’m not satisfied with the final result?" Answer: My goal is to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with the result. If there’s anything you’d like adjusted, I’ll work with you during the revision process to get it exactly right. If for any reason you're still unsatisfied, we can discuss options like a partial refund or further adjustments. 7. "Can you work with my stems in different formats?" Answer: For the best results, I prefer WAV or AIFF files, but I can work with other formats if necessary. However, the higher the quality of your files, the better the final mix and master will sound. These are just a few of the questions I get, and I’m always happy to clarify any other concerns clients may have!

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that mixing and mastering are quick or easy processes. Many people assume that just by adding a few effects or adjustments, a song can be transformed into a polished, radio-ready track. In reality, mixing and mastering require careful attention to detail, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the song's emotional and artistic elements. Mixing is a meticulous process where every track (vocals, instruments, drums, etc.) must be balanced, EQ'd, and processed to work together in harmony. Mastering is about ensuring the track translates well across all platforms, formats, and listening devices, which involves final adjustments to dynamics, EQ, and loudness. Both steps require time, patience, and precision to get everything sounding just right. So, it's not a quick fix—it's a craft that takes skill and experience to get right.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: For a customer looking to hire a provider like me, my advice is: 1. Know Your Vision Be clear about the sound you're aiming for. Whether it's a specific genre, mood, or vibe, having a clear vision helps me understand your expectations and deliver a product that aligns with your goals. 2. Provide High-Quality Files The better the source files, the better the final result. Ensure your audio stems are high-quality (preferably WAV or AIFF), well-organized, and correctly labeled. This helps me work efficiently and maintain the integrity of your sound. 3. Communicate Your Needs Don’t hesitate to share references or describe the style you’re going for. Even if you’re unsure, the more information you provide, the better I can tailor the mix/master to your taste. 4. Trust the Process Mixing and mastering are artistic processes that require time and attention to detail. While I’ll certainly seek your input, trust that I’ll bring my expertise to enhance your track to its highest potential. 5. Stay Open to Revisions I offer revisions to ensure you’re happy with the final product, but it’s important to provide clear and specific feedback. The more direct you are about what you’d like to change, the quicker we can get to your perfect sound. By approaching the project with clear communication and trust in the process, we can work together to create something amazing!

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

A: My Interface, pc, headphone, monitors and mouse

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

A: I’ve been working as a mixing and mastering engineer for over 10 years, primarily focusing on Afrobeats but also branching into other genres like pop, hip-hop, and R&B. My career path started with a strong passion for music, which led me to learn the technical side of production, audio engineering, and sound design. Initially, I started by working on personal projects and collaborating with independent artists to hone my skills. Over time, I gained more experience and began working with clients on platforms like Fiverr and also clients in my country which helped me build a diverse portfolio. Through continuous learning, feedback, and experimentation, I've developed my own style, focusing on clarity, energy, and cohesion in my mixes. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with various artists, including Scriipo for the past 2 years, which has given me valuable insight into the industry and helped me refine my craft. I’m always evolving and excited to take on new projects, whether they’re in my preferred genres or exploring new musical territories!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is dynamic, polished, and immersive. I focus on bringing clarity and balance to every element of the track, ensuring each sound has its place while maintaining the overall vibe. For Afrobeats, I emphasize creating vibrant, rhythmic mixes that maintain the genre’s energy, warmth, and groove. I love using space and depth in the mix—whether it’s adding reverb for atmosphere or carefully placing sounds in the stereo field to create a sense of dimension. At the core, my style is about bringing out the essence of the music while ensuring it’s polished, radio-ready, and impactful on any platform. I tailor my approach to the unique characteristics of each track and artist, making sure the final product resonates emotionally with listeners.

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

A: I would love to work with Wizkid. As one of the leading forces in Afrobeats, his music combines rich melodies, catchy rhythms, and smooth vocals, which would be exciting to mix and master. His work blends traditional African sounds with modern influences, creating tracks that are both timeless and current. The challenge of preserving the unique Afrobeat vibe while ensuring the sound translates well globally would be incredibly rewarding. Plus, Wizkid’s high level of artistry and international success would be a fantastic opportunity to push my skills to new heights and be part of a project with such broad cultural impact.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One music production tip I recommend is always start with a solid foundation of drums and bass. These two elements are the backbone of most tracks, especially in genres like Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall. A strong rhythm section helps drive the energy and sets the tone for the rest of the song. Make sure your kick drum and bassline are in sync and complement each other. A well-defined kick and bass relationship will give your track more punch and depth. Use EQ to carve out space for both elements—often, a slight dip in the low-mid range of the bass can help the kick punch through without competing for space. Once your drums and bass are solid, everything else (vocals, melodies, and harmonies) will have a better foundation to sit on top of, leading to a more cohesive and professional-sounding track.

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

A: I usually work on Afrobeats music, but I also take on a variety of other genres, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. My experience in Afrobeats allows me to focus on its unique rhythms, melodies, and production style, bringing out its energy and vibrant sound. However, I'm flexible and enjoy working on different styles, ensuring each track gets the attention it needs to sound professional and stand out. Whether it’s a high-energy club track or a laid-back vibe, I tailor my approach to suit the specific genre and artist vision.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is creating a polished, professional mix that brings out the best in every track. I specialize in balancing elements like vocals, instruments, and beats to ensure clarity and cohesion, while adding depth and energy to make the song stand out. My keen ear for dynamics, EQ, and spatial effects allows me to craft mixes that sound polished, radio-ready, and emotionally engaging, no matter the genre. Whether it’s an Afrobeat track or a podcast, I focus on making every detail shine and ensuring the song translates well across all platforms.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring professional polish, clarity, and depth to a song, ensuring it sounds vibrant and balanced across all listening platforms. Here’s what I typically bring to a song: 1. A Clear, Cohesive Sound I balance all the elements (vocals, instruments, beats) so they work together seamlessly, making sure every part of the song is heard clearly and the track feels cohesive. 2. Energy and Emotion Through EQ, effects, and dynamics processing, I enhance the emotional impact of the song. Whether it’s adding punch to the drums or warmth to the vocals, I ensure the song resonates with the listener. 3. Depth and Dimension I use panning, reverb, and other effects to create space and dimension in the mix, making the song sound fuller and more immersive, ensuring it translates well on different listening devices. 4. Professional Sound Quality By applying the right amount of compression, EQ, and mastering, I ensure the song is radio-ready—clear, loud, and consistent—while maintaining its natural feel. 5. A Personal Touch I approach each project with a deep understanding of the artist’s vision, infusing creativity and attention to detail to reflect the unique identity of the song. In short, I bring the technical skills to enhance the song’s sound, while also ensuring it stays true to the artist’s original intent.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Here’s a typical work process I follow for mixing and mastering projects: 1. Initial Consultation Client Communication: We start by discussing your vision for the track. This includes preferred sound, reference tracks, and specific goals for the mix/master. File Submission: The client provides the stems (individual tracks like vocals, instruments, and beats) in high-quality formats (WAV/AIFF) along with any specific instructions. 2. Mixing Track Organization: I begin by organizing the stems and ensuring proper alignment and labeling. Balancing Levels: I balance the volume of each track, ensuring clarity and separation between instruments. EQ and Compression: I apply EQ to remove unnecessary frequencies and enhance the tonal balance. Compression is used to control dynamics and make the track sound more cohesive. Effects and Enhancements: Depending on the style, I may add reverb, delay, and other effects to create space and atmosphere in the mix. Automation: I automate volume and effects to make the mix dynamic and engaging. 3. Client Feedback Review: Once the initial mix is ready, I send it to the client for feedback. Revisions: Based on their input, I make any necessary changes, such as adjusting levels, adding effects, or tweaking the overall sound. 4. Mastering Final Touches: After finalizing the mix, I move on to mastering. This step ensures the track is optimized for all listening platforms, including streaming services, radio, and physical formats. Loudness and Limiting: I apply final compression, EQ adjustments, and limiting to ensure the track sounds as loud and clear as possible without distortion. Quality Check: The mastered track is checked on various systems (headphones, speakers, car audio) to ensure it translates well across all devices. 5. Final Delivery Final Files: Once the client approves the final master, I deliver the final high-quality files in the requested format (WAV, MP3, etc.). Client Follow-up: I ensure that the client is satisfied with the results and offer any further assistance if needed. This process ensures a smooth workflow and high-quality output that meets my clients' expectations.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Monitors: Adam audio monitors Interface: Apollo Twin Headphones: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

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

A: Mix engineers like Jaycen Joshua, Mixedbyali, Chris Tom Alge and Mixbydro inspire my work.

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

A: The most common type of work I do for my clients is mixing and mastering music, especially in the Afrobeats genre. I take raw audio stems (vocals, instruments, beats) and craft them into a polished, professional mix, ensuring each element sits perfectly in the track. I also focus on balancing dynamics, EQing, and adding effects to enhance the overall sound. Once the mix is approved, I move on to mastering, optimizing the track for all platforms, ensuring it sounds clear, loud, and vibrant on any speaker or device. Additionally, I often work on podcast audio editing to clean and enhance voice recordings.