Having been recognised by ‘traxsource’ as the ‘number one Afro House Music producer for 2017’. It comes as no surprise that ‘Enoo Napa’ has had an amazing year, as 2017 was the busiest one of his career to date, where he produced a staggering fifteen remixes and twelve original jams within just eighteen months. We have also seen him ‘Globe Trot’ to Spain (Ibiza) where he played at the glamorous ‘Club Hï’s Closing Party’ as well his memorable debut set at ‘BlackCoffee’s Block Party’. We welcome ‘Enoo Napa’ on our ‘SpotLight’ this week.
ShoMag: First and foremost, let us thank you for your time. Up until last year, a lot of people knew nothing about you. Who is ‘Enoo Napa’ and where is he from?
Enoo Napa: Thank you for having me. For those who don’t know, my real name is ‘Siphiwe Mkhize aka Enoo Napa’. I’m a self-taught music producer born in KwaZulu Natal, Durban, in the township called ‘Umlazi’. I’m also a Dj and currently signed under ‘Soulistic Music’.
ShoMag: Your journey in music, how did you get into music, was music something you have always wanted to be a part?
Enoo Napa: Honestly no, I grew up taking part in almost every activity around happening around my neighbourhood and at school, from ‘soccer, track & field, all the way to dance and drama’. The music production phase came when I decided that ‘I’d love to dance to my own beats’. I started collecting production softwares and playing around with them, ‘making up-tempo dance beats in 2007’.
These beats didn’t really make a lot of sense and would range from 135 to 140 in Bpm. I really didn’t know what I was doing ‘hahaha’, however as time went on I then found a way to ‘have them make more musical sense’ and eventually the tempo dropped.
ShoMag: When did you notice that you had ‘passion for music’ and out of all the ‘music genres’ one can pick from, why choose ‘house music’?
Enoo Napa: I actually produced ‘Rap, RnB and Hip Hop beats’ before House music. I switched to house music around 2010 or 2011. I was totally clueless mind you. ‘I loved what I heard from collecting Dj Fresh compilations’, also from what I heard from brothers like ‘Blaq Soul, Culoe De Song, Infected Soul, Da Capo’ and others, back when there was still ‘Afrodesia Mp3’. I then started putting together patterns based on what I heard out there. It took me a long while before I started incorporating my own ideas and that was around 2013.
ShoMag: Every artist would like to have his/her particular ‘signature sound’. How would you describe ‘Enoo Napa’ signature sound and what influences that sound?
Enoo Napa: I have somewhat of a ‘dark, ambient, raw sound’. At times its cheeky other times serious and has cinematic characteristics to it. Heavy drum plays and percussion engulfed by rich stabs and electronic synths. ‘I’d say it’s just where Africa and Europe meet’. The best of both. I can’t really put it to words.
ShoMag: ‘Music is a very challenging and highly competitive industry’ in general. What would you say is your biggest challenge when it comes to the music industry?
Enoo Napa: I would say right now, it’s ‘controlling the high levels of piracy that’s going on within’. I have quite a number of people saying that they love the work, the support me, yet only ‘a few get the music through the correct channels’. Maybe we need to ‘start educating people more about the importance of making just that purchase’ or how to make it more accessible to the consumer so they don’t have to resort to illegal means.
ShoMag: Would you say that your 2013 remix of ‘Jackie Queen’s Conqueror’ was your ‘biggest break’ so far in your music career? If not, what would you say is your biggest break so far?
Enoo Napa: I think my break through is yet to come. Yes, I’ve had a few digital releases that received big love in South Africa and abroad. ‘The Conqueror remix, was a stepping stone and perfect introduction to that Enoo Napa space’. Later on, the original titled ‘High In Your Love’ featuring Zipho took it to the next level. However, I foresee a lot to come and perhaps that big break too. There’s just so much to look forward to.
ShoMag: Being part of ‘Soulistic Music’, tell us how did that come about and how has it been for you being amongst such talented musicians?
Enoo Napa: Being surrounded with such greatness is overwhelming. With ‘Black Coffee, Da Capo & Langa Mavuso’, I’m truly honoured to be here. From those at the forefront of the label to those who do the behind the scenes work which make us look good. ‘It’s just fantastic, I love it here!!!.To me, it is home. Really looking forward to a positive future, to grow and to add value to a label that’s rich in talent.
ShoMag: Last year was an ‘amazing year’ for you in particular and ‘big up’ for being announced as ‘The Number 1 Traxsource Afro House Artist For 2017’. Would you say that was your ‘ultimate high’ for last year, as you did produce most of last year’s ‘blazing afro house cuts’?
Enoo Napa: Thank you. 2017 was indeed a great year, not just for me but a lot of guys that I knew personally who are equally as talented as I am. However, my ultimate high was ‘travelling to Spain (Ibiza) to play at the closing party at Club Hï’. I woke up in Umlazi, a township I call home and moments later I’m on a flight to Europe, and I don’t even travel much. It was unbelievable. Later that year, I went to Nigeria and also had a ‘residency at Shimmy Beach Club in Cape Town’, and also ‘made my debut appearance at BlackCoffee’s Block Party’.
ShoMag: How does it feel to be recognised as one of the ‘most prolific young house music producers’ not only here in South Africa but abroad as well?
Enoo Napa: Being voted ‘number 1 Afro House Artist of the year on Traxsource’ was just a cherry on the top. Although I was aiming for at least a top 5 finish after debuting at no.17 in 2016. I built on a foundation which I had laid the previous year and through consistency and hard work, I delivered. ‘I also felt Manoo and Pablo Fierro had an outstanding year too’. It was a tight one. Somehow, I was awarded the 1st place.
ShoMag: Having had such an amazing 2017. What is instore for us this year from ‘Enoo Napa’, are there any musical projects you are currently working on for 2018 or on the pipeline?
Enoo Napa: Hoping to put out more original material this year and more remixes. 2018 has kicked off in amazing way. Also keen to do more shows this year.
ShoMag: Closing it off, what would be your final message to some ‘young talented bedroom producer’ who is trying to crack open into House Music Industry? Lets face it, they have a huge role to play and House Music is in their hands.
Enoo Napa: ‘Keep on, keeping on. It is possible, just believe’. What started out as a hobby in the backroom of a township in Umlazi, has filtered onto the international stages. A dream that is now a reality. ‘Keep working, stay humble, hungry and be driven by positivity’. Peace!! Enoo Napa.
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Purchase: Enoo Napa – The Surge EP