singer, songwriter, topline

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 involved producing an Afrohouse track for an emerging artist. My role encompassed songwriting, toplining, and production. The artist had a unique vision, blending traditional African sounds with modern electronic elements. I collaborated closely with them to create catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that reflected their story. What makes this project stand out for me is how we managed to capture the essence of Afrohouse while pushing creative boundaries. The final track received positive feedback and helped the artist gain traction in the industry, which was incredibly rewarding. It was a great example of how collaboration and creativity can lead to something truly special!

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: At the moment, I’m working on a few exciting projects that involve blending Afrohouse and Amapiano with contemporary sounds. I’m collaborating with some talented artists on new tracks, focusing on creating catchy melodies and vibrant rhythms. Additionally, I’m experimenting with some fresh production techniques to elevate the sound quality and overall vibe of the music. It’s a great time for creativity, and I’m looking forward to sharing the finished tracks soon!

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

A: https://soundbetter.com/profiles/376002-chuma-africa

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I appreciate both analog and digital, but I primarily work in the digital realm. Digital tools like Logic Pro X offer incredible flexibility, efficiency, and precision, allowing me to experiment with various sounds and production techniques easily. However, I also value the warmth and character that analog equipment can bring to a mix. Ultimately, I believe in using the best of both worlds—leveraging digital technology for its advantages while incorporating analog elements when needed to add depth and richness to my tracks.

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

A: My promise to my clients is to deliver high-quality, tailored music that aligns with their vision and resonates with their audience. I commit to maintaining open communication throughout the process, ensuring that their feedback is valued and incorporated. I strive to create an enjoyable and collaborative experience, working diligently to meet deadlines while fostering a creative environment. Ultimately, I aim to exceed expectations and produce tracks that my clients are proud of, capturing the essence of their ideas and bringing them to life.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I like most about my job is the ability to express creativity and connect with others through music. Each project is a new opportunity to explore different sounds, tell stories, and evoke emotions. I love collaborating with artists, helping them bring their visions to life, and witnessing how our combined efforts create something unique and impactful. The joy of seeing a track resonate with listeners is incredibly fulfilling, and it drives my passion for music production every day.

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

A: Customers often ask me the following questions: What genres do you specialize in? I specialize in Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and Techno, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary influences. How long does it take to complete a project? It depends on the project's scope, but I typically aim for a turnaround of [4 days] for a full song, depending on complexity and revisions. What do you need from me to start? I usually need your vision for the project, any reference tracks, and any specific ideas or lyrics you may have in mind. Can I make revisions to the song? Yes! I include [two] free revisions to ensure the final product meets your expectations, with additional revisions available for a fee. What if I don’t have lyrics or a melody? No problem! I can help with songwriting and toplining to develop the melodies and lyrics that align with your vision. How do you ensure the quality of your work? I use high-quality equipment and industry-standard techniques, along with a strong focus on collaboration and feedback throughout the process. These questions help clarify the process and set expectations, ensuring a smooth collaboration.

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

A: The biggest misconception about what I do is that producing music is solely about technical skills or software knowledge. While those aspects are important, the heart of music production lies in creativity, emotional expression, and understanding the art of songwriting. Many people underestimate the collaborative nature of the process, thinking it’s a solitary endeavor. In reality, it involves close collaboration with artists, understanding their visions, and crafting a sound that resonates with listeners. It’s as much about storytelling and emotional connection as it is about the technical side.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: When engaging with prospective clients, I typically ask the following questions: What is your vision for this project? Understanding your goals helps me align my work with your expectations. What genre or style are you aiming for? Knowing your preferred genres helps me tailor my approach to suit your vision. Do you have any reference tracks? Hearing examples of music you love can provide insight into the sound and vibe you’re looking for. What specific elements do you want to highlight in the song? This could include themes, emotions, or particular instruments. What is your timeline and budget? Knowing your timeline and budget helps in planning and ensuring we’re on the same page. Are there any specific lyrics or ideas you already have? If you have concepts or lyrics in mind, sharing them can guide the songwriting process. Who is your target audience? Understanding your audience helps shape the sound and message of the music. What are your expectations for collaboration? Clarifying how involved you want to be in the process ensures a smoother workflow. These questions help create a clear understanding of the project and foster a collaborative environment right from the start.

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

A: For a customer looking to hire a provider like me, here are some key pieces of advice: Define Your Vision: Be clear about what you want to achieve with your project. Share your ideas, inspirations, and specific genres you’re interested in to ensure alignment. Listen to Previous Work: Take the time to review my portfolio or previous tracks. This helps you gauge my style and see if it resonates with your vision. Be Open to Collaboration: Good communication is crucial. Be open to discussing ideas and feedback during the creative process; collaboration often leads to the best results. Set Clear Expectations: Discuss timelines, budgets, and any specific requirements upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on. Trust the Process: Understand that creativity takes time. Trusting the process and allowing for revisions can lead to a final product that exceeds your expectations. By following these tips, you’ll set a solid foundation for a successful collaboration and ultimately achieve the sound you’re aiming for!

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

A: If I were on a desert island and could take just five pieces of gear, they would be: Laptop with Logic Pro X: Essential for music production and songwriting, allowing me to create and arrange tracks. Rode NT2-A Microphone: A high-quality microphone for recording vocals and any acoustic sounds I might want to capture. Portable Audio Interface: To connect my microphone to the laptop, ensuring I can achieve great sound quality while recording. MIDI Keyboard: For composing and programming melodies and beats, giving me the flexibility to create a variety of sounds. Solar Charger: To keep my laptop and gear powered up, ensuring I can keep creating music no matter where I am! With these essentials, I’d be able to continue making music even in isolation!

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

A: My career path started over 11 years ago when I began producing music and songwriting. Initially, I experimented with various genres, but I quickly found my passion in Afrobeat, Afrohouse, and Amapiano. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills, working on more than 1,000 songs and collaborating with diverse artists. This journey has allowed me to understand the intricacies of music production, songwriting, and performance, ultimately shaping my style and artistic vision. I’m dedicated to continuous growth and exploration in the music industry.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my style as a vibrant fusion of Afrobeat, Afrohouse, and Amapiano, characterized by infectious rhythms and catchy melodies. I focus on creating emotionally resonant music that combines traditional African elements with contemporary influences, ensuring a sound that feels both authentic and fresh. My approach emphasizes rich vocal performances and polished production, aiming to connect with listeners on multiple levels while keeping the energy high and the vibe uplifting.

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

A: I would love to work with Black Coffee. His mastery of blending Afrohouse with deep, emotive sounds is incredibly inspiring. Collaborating with him would be an amazing opportunity to create unique tracks that fuse our creative energies, pushing the boundaries of contemporary African music. His influence and artistry would elevate any project, resulting in something truly exceptional that resonates with a global audience.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: One valuable music production tip is to always start with a strong foundation. Begin by laying down a solid beat and bassline, as these elements drive the energy of the track. Make sure they complement each other rhythmically and harmonically. This foundation will make it easier to build melodies, vocals, and other layers on top, ensuring that the entire song feels cohesive and impactful from the get-go.

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

A: I usually work on Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and Techno. These genres allow me to explore vibrant rhythms and melodic structures, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary influences. My focus is on creating tracks that capture the energy and essence of these styles while appealing to a broad audience.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is crafting catchy melodies and hooks that resonate with listeners. I have a knack for creating memorable toplines that capture the essence of a song and drive its emotional impact. This, combined with my understanding of various genres like Afrohouse, Amapiano, and Afrobeat, allows me to blend creativity with technical expertise, ensuring that each track stands out and connects with its audience.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring several key elements to a song: Catchy Melodies: My focus on creating memorable hooks ensures that the song resonates with listeners and stays in their minds. Emotional Depth: I craft lyrics and melodies that convey genuine emotion, connecting with the audience on a personal level. Genre Expertise: With extensive experience in Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, EDM, and Techno, I infuse authentic vibes and rhythms that reflect the essence of these genres. Vocal Performance: My singing brings energy and character to the track, enhancing the overall vibe and appeal. Production Quality: I ensure a polished, professional sound by using high-quality equipment and techniques, resulting in a track that stands out. Collaboration: I foster a collaborative environment, valuing client input and working together to refine the song until it meets their vision. Creativity: I approach each project with fresh ideas and innovative concepts, pushing boundaries to create unique and impactful music. By combining these elements, I strive to create songs that not only sound great but also resonate deeply with listeners.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process involves several key steps: Initial Consultation: I start by discussing the client’s vision, goals, and specific requirements for the project. Songwriting/Toplining: Based on the brief, I create catchy melodies and hooks. This often involves brainstorming lyrics and crafting the song structure. Production: Using Logic Pro X, I develop the instrumental backdrop, incorporating elements that fit the desired genre (Afrohouse, Amapiano, etc.). I layer sounds, create beats, and arrange the track. Vocal Recording: I record the vocals using my Rode NT2-A microphone, ensuring that the performance captures the right emotion and energy. Mixing: After recording, I mix the track to balance levels, enhance clarity, and ensure a polished sound. I use my studio monitors to fine-tune every detail. Client Feedback: I share the draft with the client for feedback. This often leads to revisions and adjustments based on their input. Finalization: Once approved, I prepare the final mix, ensuring all elements are refined and ready for distribution. Delivery: I deliver the final product in the agreed format, ensuring that the client has everything they need for their project. This process allows for collaboration and creativity, ensuring each track meets the client’s expectations while showcasing my musical expertise.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: My studio setup is tailored for versatility and creativity, featuring: DAW: I primarily use Logic Pro X for its powerful capabilities and intuitive interface. Microphone: The Rode NT2-A captures vocals with clarity and warmth, perfect for my projects. Audio Interface: The Focusrite Scarlett 3i3 provides excellent sound quality and low latency for seamless recording. Monitors: I use PreSonus Eris 8 and M-Audio BX5 studio monitors to ensure accurate sound representation during mixing and production. Instruments: A range of virtual instruments and samples are available, along with a MIDI keyboard for hands-on creativity. Acoustic Treatment: My studio is acoustically treated to enhance sound quality and minimize external noise. This setup allows me to produce, write, and record effectively across genres, ensuring that each project is built on a solid foundation.

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

A: I’m inspired by artists and producers like Burna Boy and Wizkid for their innovation in Afrobeat, Black Coffee for his mastery in Afrohouse, and Kabza De Small for pushing the boundaries of Amapiano. I also admire the technical finesse of producers like Skrillex in EDM and Carl Cox in Techno, who blend genres seamlessly and elevate electronic music to new heights. Each of them brings a unique perspective that drives me to explore new sounds and evolve as a producer, singer, and songwriter.

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 topline writing, where I create catchy melodies and memorable hooks tailored to Afrohouse, Amapiano, Afrobeat, and EDM tracks. I also provide smooth, high-quality vocal recordings and collaborate on songwriting, ensuring that each track not only sounds polished but also has the emotional impact and energy to stand out.