Peng Africa helping Africa's deep house artists reach new heights
Published: 09 July 2014 | by Janine Dube
Deep House has become a global phenomenon and South African artists in particular are emerging as strong contenders in the international market.
Recognising the need to nature that talent, Andy Compton and Mthulisi Patrick started Peng Africa in 2011.
Peng Africa co-owner Andy Compton
Andy was only 16 when he started his music career and has since released over 25 albums under his own name or as part of The Rurals.
Mthulisi has been a DJ since 1994 and in an interview with OneVybe he said: "At that time I was passionate about RnB and Hiphop.
"Kwaito came in and I took to it but still kept with RnB and Hiphop.
"At the same time I was part of a rap group; I mainly sang.
"House music hit me in the era when Robin S, Ten City, Cece Penniston, Frankie Knuckles were holding it down and then when the South Africa compilations came out, it was just lift off from there.
"Vinny' Da Vinci's House Afrika 1 and DJ Fresh House Flava 1 just sealed it for me."
Peng Africa co-owner Mthulisi Patrick
Asked how he got into deep house music, Mthulisi laughed and said "I think its more like Deep House chose me."
Mthulisi added, "South Africa has grown to be the the largest House market in the world, in my opinion and I am sure most will agree, through people like Black Coffee and Oskido. They set the way into the international House world.
"Those two are names that come to mind instantly because I know how much influence they have had on putting South Africa on the map which in turn has helped other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana and Angola."
DJ Oskido
Black Coffee with Zakes Batwini - Juju
Peng Africa, which is a division of Peng Records, works with artists and producers and gives feedback in order to produce quality work that can effectively compete on the market.
"I've always had an ear and eye for working with untapped talent," said Mthulisi.
"I think my initial role with Bomba Records and Afrika's Calling kinda just put me in that position because I reached out to young talent and the word spread from there."
"I am always looking to work with new talent as long as it makes sense."
Andy and Mthulisi have worked with many deep house artists, particularly from South Africa and their objective is to set up an international platform for African artists.
Talking to OneVybe Mthulisi said: "Some releases have charted on South African radio stations such as YFM while getting playlisted on other stations.
"We also have had tracks licensed to various CD compilations, which in itself confirms what we set out to achieve, to gain recognition for the young producers and artists who would not normally have a chance.
"Most of the guys if not all are and were upcoming so not fully recognised by the industry.
"However, the likes of Darque who now runs one of if not the fastest growing Deep House labels in South Africa, Deep Forest, had one of his biggest hits through Peng Africa."
Other artists include Gordheaven and Juliano who are two thirds of the now famous Tsalanang, Kojo Akusa, DJ Fale of Hood Natives and Stones & Bones"
Darque ft Kaylow
Tsanalang vs Uhuru - Bhengu Bhengu
There have been challenges along the way but Mthulisi says that his passion is stronger than ever before, especially now that he gets recognition from his peers including industry heavyweights like Oskido.
Telling OneVybe about one of the most memorable moments in his career, Mthulisi said: "Playing alongside one of my idols Oskido... that night he turned to me and said 'thanks for that, I had forgotten what it's like to play Kwaito'"
For those who want to go into music Mthulisi says, "Keep Dreaming because in the end your dream will come true. Don't ignore the signs and never give up!!!"
Mthulisi and Andy will continue to work with artists and help them get airplay on mainstream radio and on CD compilations and Peng Africa has now released their own compilations and more are soon to follow.
For more information visit:
http://www.traxsource.com/label/8322/peng-africa
http://sdudla.podomatic.com
Twitter-PengAfrica
- OneVybe/MthulisiPatrick
Recognising the need to nature that talent, Andy Compton and Mthulisi Patrick started Peng Africa in 2011.
Peng Africa co-owner Andy Compton
Andy was only 16 when he started his music career and has since released over 25 albums under his own name or as part of The Rurals.
Mthulisi has been a DJ since 1994 and in an interview with OneVybe he said: "At that time I was passionate about RnB and Hiphop.
"Kwaito came in and I took to it but still kept with RnB and Hiphop.
"At the same time I was part of a rap group; I mainly sang.
"House music hit me in the era when Robin S, Ten City, Cece Penniston, Frankie Knuckles were holding it down and then when the South Africa compilations came out, it was just lift off from there.
"Vinny' Da Vinci's House Afrika 1 and DJ Fresh House Flava 1 just sealed it for me."
Peng Africa co-owner Mthulisi Patrick
Asked how he got into deep house music, Mthulisi laughed and said "I think its more like Deep House chose me."
Mthulisi added, "South Africa has grown to be the the largest House market in the world, in my opinion and I am sure most will agree, through people like Black Coffee and Oskido. They set the way into the international House world.
"Those two are names that come to mind instantly because I know how much influence they have had on putting South Africa on the map which in turn has helped other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana and Angola."
DJ Oskido
Black Coffee with Zakes Batwini - Juju
Peng Africa, which is a division of Peng Records, works with artists and producers and gives feedback in order to produce quality work that can effectively compete on the market.
"I've always had an ear and eye for working with untapped talent," said Mthulisi.
"I think my initial role with Bomba Records and Afrika's Calling kinda just put me in that position because I reached out to young talent and the word spread from there."
"I am always looking to work with new talent as long as it makes sense."
Andy and Mthulisi have worked with many deep house artists, particularly from South Africa and their objective is to set up an international platform for African artists.
Talking to OneVybe Mthulisi said: "Some releases have charted on South African radio stations such as YFM while getting playlisted on other stations.
"We also have had tracks licensed to various CD compilations, which in itself confirms what we set out to achieve, to gain recognition for the young producers and artists who would not normally have a chance.
"Most of the guys if not all are and were upcoming so not fully recognised by the industry.
"However, the likes of Darque who now runs one of if not the fastest growing Deep House labels in South Africa, Deep Forest, had one of his biggest hits through Peng Africa."
Other artists include Gordheaven and Juliano who are two thirds of the now famous Tsalanang, Kojo Akusa, DJ Fale of Hood Natives and Stones & Bones"
Darque ft Kaylow
Tsanalang vs Uhuru - Bhengu Bhengu
There have been challenges along the way but Mthulisi says that his passion is stronger than ever before, especially now that he gets recognition from his peers including industry heavyweights like Oskido.
Telling OneVybe about one of the most memorable moments in his career, Mthulisi said: "Playing alongside one of my idols Oskido... that night he turned to me and said 'thanks for that, I had forgotten what it's like to play Kwaito'"
For those who want to go into music Mthulisi says, "Keep Dreaming because in the end your dream will come true. Don't ignore the signs and never give up!!!"
Mthulisi and Andy will continue to work with artists and help them get airplay on mainstream radio and on CD compilations and Peng Africa has now released their own compilations and more are soon to follow.
For more information visit:
http://www.traxsource.com/label/8322/peng-africa
http://sdudla.podomatic.com
Twitter-PengAfrica
- OneVybe/MthulisiPatrick
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