Dixon scores a perfect 10
The DJ and music producer’s latest album ‘10 Steps Forward’ is a celebration of his musical journey, writes Liam Karabo Joyce
IT WAS in 2014 that multi-platinum selling DJ and producer Mobi Dixon gave us his hit single, City Rains. The song was played at every party I went to that year. South Africans could not get enough of it.
Fast forward to present day and Dixon has just released his latest studio album, 10 Steps Forward. The album is a celebration of his 10-year journey in the music industry that started long before City Rains and a reflection of his ups and downs.
The DJ, who is known for other hits like Love Me Right, which features singer Bucie, has been working on it for two years.
“This album is a celebratory one. It’s really just me celebrating making music for the past 10 years and my journey in music, from just producing house songs to discovering different genres and looking at music from my perspective and my growth,” he said.
The sound of 10 Steps Forward is unlike anything Dixon has done before. With this album he wanted something different and decided on a fusion of sounds as opposed to sticking to the tribal soul sound which we have come to expect from him.
“There are different styles and sub genres on this album. I wanted to show my versatility because people have become used to my usual sound from previous albums.
“When I started in this industry, we were all looking at international music and sounds, but since then we have come into our own and appreciate our own local sounds. I have been heavily influenced by local genres, such as Kwaito, and other sounds like jazz and soul.
“The album is very afro-centric as well and infused with soul,” he added.
Dixon said he wanted to produce 10 songs and feature artists who have supported his career and been by his side along the way.
“A lot of artists featured are friends of mine so really it was like just calling up friends and saying, ‘this is what I am working on and I’d love you to jump on it’, because some of these people know my struggles.”
Some of the artists featured include Kwesta, DJ Tira, Shekinah and new-kidon-the-block Nichume.
“DJ Tira has seen me grow and he mentored me. So to have him on the first single off the album is great. Kwesta has been a friend of mine for a while so it was very easy to get him on board and together with Nichume we put out Visa together,” he said.
A continuation of a previous single, Visa is the first single off the album.
“The literal meaning of the word visa in Xhosa is to make someone taste or feel something.
“The figurative meaning allows for the diverse taste of the elements in my music to make you feel all sorts of ways in your mind, body and soul.
“The single features DJ Tira and Kwesta. With this song I had the vision of fusing Kwaito, Hip Hop and Soulful House. Hence, I brought in the best in the game, along with Nichume who is a great rising star,” he said.
Dixon also said he had signed Nichume to his label.
“I wanted to introduce Nichume again. Even though she featured on Bhutiza, I felt it necessary to continue with the introduction because we are grooming her and teaching her the ropes; from stage performances to everything in between. Having her on this single continues to establish her as an artist,” he said.
What has the past 10 years taught you?
“It’s made me realise that I am a very persistent person and when I am passionate about something I really go the extra mile to ensure it works out. Being in the creative space of making music has also taught me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Making music is what I was born to do. I learn every day, honestly I do.”
His future plans include taking his brand across the border and giving back to his community.
“The next few years will be all about growth. I have a two-year Pan African plan and I really want to open some doors for young artists trying to break into the industry.
“It was not easy for me and I had people help me so I want to help others. I especially want to help youngsters from the Eastern Cape where I come from,” he said.