Behind every great artist is an exceptional record producer. In decades past, producers were strictly behind the scenes, identifying and honing the sound and skill of their collaborative musicians – quietly responsible for cultivating and maximising records, EPs and singles to reach success and notoriety. Today, figures like Ye, Mark Ronson, Pharell Williams paved the way for the ascension of the producer, making it a front-facing path in which it is now paid the respect it’s always been due. Great art, especially in music, is a team effort; and the producer is an instrumental seat of power.
When YoungstaCPT burst on the scene a few years ago, rap in South Africa – and particularly in Cape Town – changed forever. From the plateaus of the Cape Flats, the sound was forged that seeded the poetry of the coloured experience and visions for the future. YoungstaCPT, in this way, is the Don. Producer Shaney Jay, has come to be known as a right-hand figure and cooking beats for Youngsta, while growing his repertoire as one of the most critical hip-hop producers in a new wave of music production occurring throughout Africa. We chatted to Shaney Q+A style to hear more of his journey.
How did you start making music, and become a producer?
I actually started out rapping so I wanted to be a rapper at first but getting my own beats was always a problem and the producers at the time weren’t sending anything I liked so that’s when I started making my own beats and I haven’t looked back since.
The role of the producer is critical, and we have seen it become a more front-facing position with the respect it’s always been due – can you talk about being a producer in South Africa in the last few years?
I’ve definitely seen the producer community grow since I started out. Producers play an important role in the industry and have been carrying the game for the last few years because the productions these days are crazy and I feel like producers are starting to get the respect they deserve. So shout out to all my producer homies one time.
Your work with Youngsta shifted the fabric of music & hip hop in SA but particularly in Cape Town – can you talk about this experience, and putting Kaapstad on the map?
Youngsta is really the one who put Kaapstad on the map and I wouldn’t really be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for him. The experience of working with him is really dope and I feel like what we did was something that shined a light on Cape Town because of artists that we featured on the tape and also just the overall message.
What are the key things you want young people getting into the business to know?
Dreams don’t pay bills. If you really want to get your name out there in the industry you need to be on top of your game 24/7. So always put the work in and network as much as possible.
What’s your vision for 2022 and beyond?
To definitely start producing for more international artists and to also grow the Cape Town music scene further.
Written by: Holly Bell Beaton
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