Producers: Unsung music heroes

Artists often take the spotlight while producers, creative minds behind the beats, remain in the background.

These producers play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the songs that become hits, but their hard work and talent often go unrecognised.

Tricky Beatz is the multi award winning label producer, mixer and sound engineer. He has been producing songs for over a decade and is one of the most consistent producers.

He shared what inspired him to become a music producer.

Said Beatz: “There was a time after I had completed my secondary school. My brother, Pro-P, used to produce music and I took interest in producing. But I was doing it for fun.

“But after years, I realised that this can turn into money making machine.”

The music producer said he just blends modern sound with the Malawi touch.

“Sometimes we just use ng’oma [drum] with other modern sound or certain tones and infuse them with modern music,” he added.

Beatz talked about the challenges he faced.

“Musicians think that they are entitled to something more than us producers. It is challenging to explain to someone who just sees a finished product [song],” he said.

Beatz advised up -and-coming producers to invest in music as business.

“You should do more research before starting because most of the producers are usually exploited when they are to start production,” he said

Cuff B is a Lilongwe-based Malawian producer. He has produced songs for artists such as Malinga Mafia, Sean Morgan, Nesnes, Pop Young, Janta and Kell Kay.

“I got my inspiration from drama because I was appointed as director in the drama group at St. Paul’s Simenary in Mangochi.

“I started as a DJ at school and I went back home, I met Khumbo –D who introduced me to music production,” the producer added.

Cuff B said he could not say whether he uses Malawian sound or not in music production. He disclosed that most people he has worked with do Afrobeat, dancehall and reggae; hence, difficult to tell. However, he encourages them to use local languages.

Mzuzu-based producer J-One Beatz said he was a musician before becoming a producer.

He said: “In 2016, I went to another studio and saw the producer making beats and I got interested. In 2018, I started learning how to make beats and record.”

J-One Beatz disclosed that he made the first beat for dancehall artist Monte Jes. Later, he went on to produce songs for Tsar Leo with Gwamba.

The producer emphasised the challenges to establish himself in the industry. He said the first one was to balance school with music production.

Another producer and beat maker, Richard Billy from Area 49 in Lilongwe, has made beats for artist like Zeze Kingston although he said he is not recognised. 

Said Billy:“Beat makers don’t get the recognition they deserve. The person who creates the instrumentals plays a vital role and deserves to be recognised.”