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BOYCOTT MAGAZINE
Baitu Manong
Baitu Manong Baitu Manong, a Pretoria native and budding talent in the South African music scene, is a producer and music maestro known for his soulful beats and cutting-edge production style. He is a sonic alchemist, chopping up the soul and weaving together musical tapestries that captivate and inspire. Manong is the curator and co-organiser of a growing Hip Hop event, 'Escaping The City', and a member of the pioneering record label, 'Forgotten Soul'. With his one-of-a-kind sound and commitment to advancing the culture in the South African landscape of music, Manong is a formidable force.
Baitu Manong, photographed by Dark Skinned John
The Journey Begins
The producer's curiosity and natural interest in the art of making music sets the tone for an exciting journey ahead. From the onset, he recalls being fascinated by the process of music production, before making the decision to actively pursue it. Although he was encouraged by others to pursue music, it was his own desire to find something he was passionate about that ultimately led him to music. This marked the genesis of what would soon become a life-changing leap into the future.
The Underrated Aspect of Music Production
In Manong's opinion, the most underrated aspect of music production is communication. He believes that being able to communicate effectively with artists is essential to creating music that is both authentic and sonically pleasing. "I think that's my strong suit and I think it's a very important part of being a producer," Manong says. "Well at least for me, that's being able to sit in the studio with an artist and be able to communicate ideas back and forth to get whatever is channeling through us out on to the record.
Baitu Manong, photographed by Dark Skinned John
Influences and Inspirations
Manong's collaborations with artists from different genres have helped him to develop a more nuanced and eclectic approach to music production. He is always looking for
new ways to push the boundaries of his sound, and he is constantly inspired by the work of other artists.
"I think they've helped me learn that every artist is different and the same," he says."Different being that they don't all make the same style of music, so that pushes me to dig deeper and find something that fits for them but will still stretch them as well. But they're all the same in the sense that, they all are looking to get ideas out and my job is to help them bring those ideas to life as best as they possibly can."
A Journey Back in Time
If he could go back in time to visit any era of music, Baitu would choose the 2000-2010 period. He was particularly influenced by the work of producers like The Neptunes, Kanye West, and Timbaland during this time. "I think a lot of my influences currently come from that era of music i.e., the Neptunes production and how they were able have a niche style but still dominate the charts by making hits or the larger-than-life productions Kanye West was putting together in his albums and Timbaland who just invented a whole new bounce," Manong says. "So that's the reason why I'd go back to that decade, just to relive the first time I heard those songs during that era."
Musical Direction and Impact
The producer describes his current musical direction as "soulful." He wants to create music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically innovative. "If I had to put it into one word, I'd say SOULFUL," Baitu says. "That's really all I've wanted to make. Music that you really feel in your soul and sounds soulful at that. So, if anything that's how I'd want my music to impact people. I want it to nourish your soul. And while it does that, make actual chart-topping hit songs, but still remaining true to my niche and my soul." In a world that is often obsessed with vanity, Manong is a breath of fresh air. The golden nugget in Baitu's approach to music production is his connection to his soul, which spills into the music he makes and that is a lesson on the importance of remaining connected to your inner voice and letting your passion serve as a guiding compass in all you do.
TAYKATRIP
In the dazzling music scene of Johannesburg, South Africa, we find a not-so-hidden gem - self-proclaimed genre-bender - TAYKATRIP, a musician and producer who is heavily in the mix with Pretoria’s jewels on the rise. Along with his musical talent, comes the gift of being a visionary curator under ‘Design By Nature’, where he lends his talent to digital designs that reflect his unique perspective on music and visual art. TAYKATRIP welcomes us into his musical haven, as we get to the heart of the HERE FOR NOW, GONE TOMORROW crooner’s connection with music production
TAYKATRIP, photographed Jean-Claude Downing
Image of Baitu Manong; credit photographer – Dark Skinned John
On Success
When asked about his personal benchmark of success as a producer, TAYKATRIP revealed that it was the single launch for his latest offering, HERE FOR NOW, GONE TOMORROW. He shared, "We had some of the best young performers in the game, great music and just amazing vibes. It was an amazing and surreal feeling, putting something together like that independently and seeing the support and love I received."
On His Style
TAYKATRIP describes his style of production as "minimalistic” with hints of his signature touch. "I try to find the soul in what I am doing, whether we're singing or trapping today.” He continues on to say, “My sound is familiar but also weird and new at the same time, and I guess that comes from my ability to use sounds that work but for my own purposes which I guess would translate to others as 'different'."
TAYKATRIP, photographed by Jean-Claude Downing
Image of Baitu Manong; credit photographer – Dark Skinned John
On the Landscape of Music Production in South Africa
The artist-producer is optimistic about the future of music production in South Africa. He sees a trend towards more diversity and individuality, and believes that South African producers are starting to get the recognition they deserve. "I can see, right now, the production scene in SA is becoming a lot more diverse. Individuality is a big thing these days and as a Hip-hop/R&B producer I can see audiences tapping into new waves of inspiration around them (TV, media, fashion, etc.) as they gravitate towards the art that best represents their individuality.” He expands, “I think audiences are becoming more aware of the possibilities that lie in the talent that South African producers have always had and are now starting to trust them a lot more to represent who they are, where they're from and their story."
On Staying Grounded
In the spirit of remaining rooted in his sonic DNA while keeping up with the everchanging production techniques and preferences that arise as music evolves, TAYKATRIP expresses that he doesn't stray too far away from what he knows, but he always tries to listen to as much music as possible: "I'm always looking at what I want my sound to be like, and when I hear something that I want in my beats I try and figure out how to get it. Whether that's a new skill or new sample pack/plug-in."
On the Perfect Musical Arrangement
TAYKATRIP rejects the concept of the “ideal” musical arrangement, as he encourages the philosophy that music is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. He confesses, "I don’t know so much about classical terminology, but I don’t think music is ever perfect. I think there are structures that work and we can work with those structures but not rely on them because the beautiful thing about production is: there’s no one way to do it or approach it."
On Failure and Triumph
After much reflection on success and the latter, TAYKATRIP is certain that success holds more weight than failure in that it is an indication that he's learning from his mistakes and serves as motivation. He affirms, “Things can work out if you’re ready for it and failure is there to make sure you are. Failure is still a factor but, no matter what people show you, it is much more common than success and so I find more validation for my process and theories when I do succeed." What we take away from TAYKATRIP’s earnest offering is that it is important to stay true to yourself and to your vision. He is a reminder that success is not about being perfect. It is about learning from your mistakes and pushing yourself to soar in spite of them.
NYLO ISLAND
Pretoria-based producer and song-writer, Nylo Island is set to make a splash in the music scene with his upcoming feature on Huey Magicman's highly anticipated project, ‘ETERNAL’. Nylo describes himself as an instrument, and his production skills are on full display in his recent flip, A Nylo SUMMER edit, ‘Do It For Ya’, featuring vocals from Chris brown's ‘Fine China’. He is a frequent collaborator with rapper and vocalist TLM DILO, and his unique sound is sure to turn heads in the near future.
Nylo Island, photographed by Majestic Drill
On the Relationship Between Creativity and Reality
Nylo believes that artists need to be as far removed from reality as possible in order to thrive. "Reality can be, for the most part, very discouraging," he says. "The aim is to get inspired all the time and not be distracted at all." He describes himself as being sensitive to everything and anything, so he needs to create a world in his head where he can be motivated, creative, and progressive, regardless of where he is
The Influence of Music Production on His World View
Music production has altered Nylo's perception of the world in a profound way. He used to think that the saying "You can be who/what you want to be" was just an empty rhetoric, but after making his first beat in 2010, he realized the power and magnificence of music. "Seeing a composition that did not exist before, come to life as you had planned it, is the most fulfilling thing that I treasure till this day," he says. He also realized that he thinks about music in a very different way than most people. For him, it's not just about joy; it's about purpose. He loves breaking down the different elements of a song and understanding how they all work together to create a certain effect.
Image of Nylo Island; credit designer – illustrate
Nylo Island, designed by illustrate
Image of Baitu Manong; credit photographer – Dark Skinned John
The Role of Producers in the Future of Music
When asked to predict the future of music in the next decade, Nylo believes that producers will play an increasingly important role. He sees a future where beatmakers are as elusive and versatile as rappers used to be, and where they are able to make a good living from their compositions without having to do a lot of PR work. As for the feeling he wishes to invoke within his listeners, Nylo says he wants them to feel that, “first and foremost" his music is ‘URBAN AFRICAN ART’. He also wants them to feel motivated and inspired to pursue their dreams, and to embrace the life they have inside of them. He believes that his music should let people know that they're able to creatively invent their way into the life they wish to live.
On Producer-Artist Relationships
Nylo's relationship with the artists he collaborates with is purely natural and organic. He says that they all come from a place of really loving each other's work. This relationship influences a lot of what he creates. When he's making beats alone, he imagines the signature flows and vocal gymnastics of the artists he works with, which shapes the kind of song he's composing. He thinks of himself as a whole band, so he creates music thinking of how he would conduct different instruments or how he would want a backing vocalist to sound on a certain part of the song. He believes that they definitely affect each other in almost every aspect when they create music together.
Nylo’s Necessities
As a music producer, the most vital tools Nylo requires are a clear, peaceful, and sound mental state; great sound (quality studio monitors); good food, good weed, orange juice; and a nice peaceful environment that allows him to hear himself with little noise outside. Nylo Island is a talented and passionate producer who is sure to his mark on the music scene. His insights on the creative process, the future of music, and the tools he needs to do his best work are both perceptive and inspiring.
Loner: The Brand of the Month
Loner is a clothing brand founded in 2017 by a hustler who believes in his artistry and wants to inspire others to achieve their dreams. The acronym L.O.N.E.R. stands for Legends Owe No One, Explanations, Right? Everyone is a Legend in their own lives. Loner is a brand for those who are not afraid to be themselves and stand out from the crowd. It is for those who are chasing their dreams and refuse to give up, even when the odds are stacked against them.
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Loner clothing is designed to be stylish, comfortable, and positively provocative. The brand offers a wide range of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, balaclavas and much more. Loner is more than just a clothing brand. It is a community of people who support each other and inspire each other to be the best versions of themselves. Loner is a brand that is all about empowering people to achieve their dreams.
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The founder of Loner is a true hustler. He started the brand from scratch and has built it into a successful business. He is an inspiration to others who are chasing their dreams. The brand boasts an impressive array of achievements, including the honour of dressing artists such as MashBeatz, Thabo Saul, Maglera Doe Boy, and SoulRevolver. Loner has opened a pop-up store in Braamfontein, Johannesburg which is set to expand its territory soon enough.
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The founder of Loner is a living example of what it means to be a hustler. He is driven, passionate, and determined to succeed. He is also an inspiration to others who are chasing their dreams. If you are looking for a clothing brand that represents your values and your lifestyle, then Loner is the brand for you. Loner is a brand for hustlers, dreamers, and legends.
Loner, photographed by black_depiction
Fulufhelo Mashige:
entrepreneur of the month
Fulufhelo Mashige, the creative force behind Fulu Media, has been named the Entrepreneur of the Month. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Assupol, Mashitisho Attorneys, Analytics Advertising, and Mrs South Africa Green, Fulufhelo has established himself as a rising star in the world of photography and videography. Fulufhelo's passion for visual storytelling began at a young age, and he founded Fulu Media to bring his vision to life. His journey has been nothing short of inspiring as he went from not having a camera, renting equipment, to working with some of the biggest stars. It is worthy to note that Fulu credits his grandfather for encouraging him to pursue his dream.
With his unwavering commitment to excellence, he has cultivated a reputation for producing captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression. Fulufhelo's work showcases an expert command of the craft and an innate ability to capture the essence of his subjects, whether it's a brand, event, or individual. His work has been featured in numerous publications and has garnered recognition from industry experts. Driven by an insatiable desire for growth, Fulufhelo envisions Fulu Media as more than just a media company; it's a hub of creativity and innovation.
His aspirations extend beyond the horizon, with a resolute determination to collaborate with even more top-tier brands and create visually stunning content that resonates with audiences worldwide. What sets Fulufhelo apart is his adaptability and willingness to embrace emerging trends and technologies. In an ever-evolving media landscape, he stays at the forefront, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues to captivate his audience.
This hustler spirit has not only fueled the growth of Fulu Media but has also earned him respect as a visionary in their field. As a visionary entrepreneur, Fulufhelo is also deeply committed to contributing positively to the media industry. He believes in fostering talent and nurturing the next generation of creatives. Through mentorship, shadowing, and industry partnerships, Fulufhelo aims to pave the way for aspiring photographers and videographers to achieve their dreams. He understands the importance of not only excelling individually but also lifting others along the way.
Fulufhelo Mashige is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and creatives alike. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation. As he continues to scale Fulu Media and achieve his goals, Fulufhelo is poised to make a significant impact on the media industry.
