SkyWhite hails from Mozambique and at the young age of only 20, he’s rocking the shop with his unique soundscapes. DMCWORLD checks in with one of the Afro House nu breed as he releases his debut ‘Zona Quente EP’ on Afrocentric Records…
Words by Bella Dong
A huge welcome to DMCWORLD SkyWhite, where on planet earth are you today?
First of all thanks to DMCWORLD for inviting me for an interview, I am on the African continent in Mozambique, the capital of the country.
What is the best piece of new music you have heard recently?
The best new music that I listened recently was from Enoo Napa entitled ‘Eclipse’ it’s such an intricate soundscape.
Tell what made you want to become a DJ and how you first got into making music?
Well, I wanted to become a DJ for the simple reason, I love music! For me music is a source of inspiration and without it my day does not make sense. A friend of mine’s songs were played on the radio and it inspired me to get the musical ideas I had in my head down to the studio and create something for myself. I hope to share my productions with the masses and hopefully get played on a national radio level too.
You’re releasing your brilliant debut EP ‘Zona Quente’ on Afrocentric Records, how does it feel to finally get your first music break?
I’m really flattered and full of emotion, which gives more reason to work harder and release more of my music through Afrocentric Records.
Talk us through the 4 tracks on the EP and how they sound?
Well, ‘Zona Quente’, which means Hot Zone was me trying to imagine how Afro House would sound in a festival setting where thousands of people from all across the world are present and want to hear something a little tougher then the typical organic afro sound, but keeping the elements which makes Afro House so unique. ‘Boogie Dance’ was born out of me playing around with some synth sounds and just getting down. That’s why I name it Boogie Dance as I just got into the groove and had a little boogie in the studio whilst making it. I heard the vocal sample used in ‘Elimination +’ way before I made the track and it had me thinking what type of track could I create that would make ‘everybody jump to the beat’, like the vocal sample instructs. I built the whole track around the sample and the synth melody – it certainly does the trick as when I play it out, the crowd definitely jump to the beat. And last but not least, ‘Basoki Tribe¹ is a great collaborative effort between myself and Nero, using our different style to create a union of drums, synths and chords to spread the sound of brotherly love and unity.
So is Afrotech the typical SkyWhite sound moving forwards, or do you make other styles of dance music?
My musical styles journey between AfroHouse (occasionally with a tougher edge) and DeepHouse, as well as some with a more ancestral afro vibe. I’m currently making a lot of instrumentals, but I’m hoping to start working with some vocalists soon – if any of the readers can sing let me know! Lol!
How has being from Mozambique influenced and shaped your music?
We don’t have a large Afro House scene here, so I supposed I’ve been influenced a lot from South Africa where Afro House rules. But saying that, I like to think being from Mozambique with its close ties to Portugal has also given me access to more European house music which is musically interesting too.
Please tell us about your production process and how you go about making a track?
I usually make the melody first, then I create the drum line, then play with more ideas that arise as I work through the project. I make a lot of my tracks on the fly, getting some initial ideas down and then end up coming back and tweaking projects until I feel the sound is right.
Who are your top 5 Afro House Artists?
Da Capo – He is an outstanding talent who gets better and better with every release.
Enoo Napa – What can you say about Enoo? No one make soundscapes like he does.
Argento Dust – One of the most exciting talents in the scene today.
Vanco – I love the fact Vanco is so versatile, he make quality music regardless of style.
Themba – I just love the way he gets the most out of simple melodies.
Name one record that never leaves your DJ box?
I have to say my own track ‘Dimensions’, it’s a staple for all my sets.
We come to raid your record collection, which embarrassing record do you chuck out the window before we arrive?
The Theme from Fame, I know we all have a copy somewhere.
What record makes you say ‘damn, I wish I made that’?
Michael Jackson – ‘Billie Jean’ – come on, any producer would wish to make a song which stands the test of time like this one!
Finally what’s coming next from you?
I have another EP on Afrocentric called ‘The Future’, plus another 2 EP’s more in the pipeline and an album’s worth of material that I’m am close to finalising.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
My hopes and dreams for the future, is for my music to be internationally recognised and allow the opportunity to travel, as well as to inspire young producers in Mozambique who are trying to get into making music
SkWhite ‘Zona Quente EP’ is out now on Afrocentric Records
