Sho Mag Afro House Magazine
DJ, hit-maker, thought leader, trendsetter – the name “Qness” stands for quality. Johannesburg, South Africa based “Qness” is the name behind a long list of hits which have caught the attention house lovers from all over the world. He has produced a chart-topping debut album, remixed global stars like M.I.A and Bloc Party’s Kele, captured the attention of American, Australian, Canadian and European radio stations and released music on international labels like Britain’s XL, Belgium’s Offering and French imprint Because Music.
His last hit single, “Look Inside” which featured American vocalist “Marissa Guzman” conquered the charts and dance floors with its blend of drums and honey-soaked lyrics. “Look Inside” followed “Everything” which saw “Qness” collaborating with Swazi vocalist “Msimisi” – its music video was played on all major music channels and launched the career of the Swazi talent whom is now currently working on his debut solo material.
These two singles featured on “On Cue Volume 3” which was released in 2013. The album also featured the talents of “Oliver Mtukudzi, Moneoa, Lundi, Ishmael” and indie folk group “December Streets”. His debut album, “On Cue Volume 1” sold over 18,000 units – very nearly hitting Gold status. The album and its deluxe remix package ”On Cue Reloaded”, had five huge hits which dominated local charts and achieved success for Qness all over Europe, America and Africa.
One of the things that sets Qness apart as a producer is has a knack for unearthing gifted African vocalists. His first major hit was, the vocal driven “Fugama Unamathe” which featured UK-based singer “Oluhle”. Her voice soars over guitar riffs and African percussion elements like djembes and congo drums – making it a classic. Qness then teamed up with Lesotho-born songbird “Maleh” on “Uzongilinda” which received massive support on radio and on dancefloors around the world.
Thereafter he released the smash hit “Time” which again featured Maleh who has gone on to establish herself as a globe-trotting solo artist and credits Qness for opening doors for her early in her career. The remix package saw Qness working alongside “Abicah Soul, Rancido, UPZ and Euan Mitchell”, to mention just a few. In 2011, after many months in the studio, Qness released On Cue Volume 2. The Swazi singer “Nomalungelo Dladla” featured on the first single “Imiyalo”. The album showcased a cast of African singers, including the Goddess of South African cool, “Simphiwe Dana”.
The album also featured Qness remix of highly regarded house producer UPZ. “Time” was released as a single and was reworked by the likes of “Black Motion, Abicah Soul, Ron Trent and Master Kev and Tony Lorreto”. The single was released digitally by US label “Ocha Records”. Another single off the album, “Don’t Go” featuring the talented vocalist “Xoli M”, whom Qness signed to his talent development agency “Cue Ness Communications” also caught international attention and was released digitally by UK-based label Makin’ Moves and went on to get remixed by Quentin Harris.
Qness is widely recognised throughout the industry as a muso boasting a range of talents – a producer who champions the sounds of Africa on dance productions and a DJ who has shared the stage with local icons like “Oskido, Vinny Da Vinci, DJ Kent, DJ Fresh, Mi Casa, Tira” and international stars like “Monique Bingham, Ralf Gum, Rocca, Kafele and UPZ”. Proof of his status came when African music channel, Channel O approached him to not only judge their DJ Competition, “Think You Can Do Better” but also mixing its accompanying CD compilation.
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