His music has reached internationally acclaimed house music gurus such as ‘Bhoddi Satva, Ralf
Gum, Hallex M, Oscar P, Paso Doble’ to mention but a few who have been touched by his ‘pure deep house sounds’. He has in the past released ‘banging jams’ through music labels such as ‘Herbs & Soul Music, Open Bar Music and Sound Slaves Music’. Kicking off this week ‘On The SpotLight’ with one of South Africa’s up and coming producer/deejay ‘France Deep’.
ShoMag: Thank you for taking time out for this ‘one on one’. The first question which jumps into mind at the mention of that name ‘France Deep’ for me is, what is ‘France Deep’ real name and where is he from?
France Deep: France Deep is a Durban, South African born and bred versatile Producer/DJ whose real name is Musa Percy Xaba.
ShoMag: For the benefit of those who are not familiar with ‘France Deep’. What do you do in the music industry? Are you a music producer or a deejay?
France Deep: Well, I started off as a producer but, I felt the need to ‘put a face behind my sound’ that is where the deejaying part took shape. I also enjoyed dishing out good sounds on the dance floor. ‘I mean the energy out there is to die for’, seeing people become one through such a magical art form.
ShoMag: Growing up, did you always have ambitions of being a musician? And why did you choose to be part of ‘House Music’?
France Deep: I like this question. You know growing up, my big brother and I would go to the back yard and start ‘Free styling’. The songs we made up would’ve been bestsellers. So yes, a part of me already knew from a very young age that ‘music is what I want to do’.
Funny enough I started off doing Hip Hop, I was pretty popular around my neighbourhood. Watching ‘DJ Fisherman & Soule Villain’ do their thing, I realized that house music might just be my calling. I loved how one could ‘turn literally nothing into something’ which the world could relate to. More like converting your emotions or feelings into sound. That’s why I chose house music.
ShoMag: What would you list as your ‘biggest break’ within the music industry and why?
France Deep: I was approached by ‘DJ Vumar’ from ‘Gagasi FM’ to produce and also feature on his single ‘I Just Wanna’ which also featured ‘Zanda Zakuza’. I think then the South African market took notice of me because later on I went on to produce and also feature on ‘DJ Sonic’s’ single as I was only making waves overseas.
ShoMag: Your biggest challenge in your musical journey. What would you say was your ‘biggest challenge within the music industry’ and how did you conquer that challenge?
France Deep: I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced in the music industry so far is keeping up with time. ‘It’s a rapidly changing industry’ and one needs to stay afloat but with this also comes the risk of losing your sound just to stay relevant so I decided to ‘stay on my lane and move on my own pace’. See, we do this for the love and for the people we should always keep that in mind.
ShoMag: Which part of your ‘musical journey’, would you list as your ‘ultimate highlight’ so far within the music industry?
France Deep: My single ‘Hemb’ Elinye’ where I feature the enormously talented ‘Thukie’ made the bestseller list within ‘Traxsource’. For me that was pretty cool.
ShoMag: Besides music production and deejaying, you also run your own independent music label ‘Sound Slaves Music’. How did that come about and can you tell us more about the label?
France Deep: The music industry is a very tough nut to crack. It was hard for me so I figured I should ‘build a home for other producers’ who also yearn to take the same journey as I did. You know, sort of like help them take the first step hence the name, Sound Slaves.
ShoMag: In terms of collaborations. Who would you like to work with in your ‘future projects’ and why do you think that artist would add some flavour on your project.
France Deep: Without a doubt ‘Black Motion’. They inspire me and some of my music complements their sound.
ShoMag: What was the ‘best advice about the music industry’ you were ever given and how has it helped through your music career?
France Deep: ‘Stick to the music’. The music business comes with a lot of distractions but sticking to the basics, keeps one on track.
ShoMag: Any future projects on the pipeline from ‘France Deep’ worth noting for this year?
France Deep: Oh yes! My first single for 2018 titled ‘Kumele’ is set to drop soon. The release date isn’t set yet but it sure is a beautiful piece that sends a message out about what needs to be done.
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? Let’s face it, they have a huge role to play and House Music is in their hands.
France Deep: For me this is simple. ‘Listen to the music within your heart. Stick to the art, perfect your craft and remember that hard work beats talent’.
To add to what I am also part of. I am currently part of a media company, ‘Urban Kings Group’, with two of my brothers, ‘Mondli Xaba & Sboniso Khulu’. We are currently pushing our themed cups, ‘siON’, set to capture the good moments with our families and friends. ‘siON’ is set to take over Spring and Summer, basically be the highlight of every good time. Talks with the team are slowly taking a direction towards beverages and a whole lot more. Business runs through my vains and ‘siON’ cups don’t drift away from entertainment because good music needs to be enjoyed from a good cup.
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