Editor Of HYPE Magazine: Mizi Mtshali

 Mizi Mtshali, hip-hop producer and editor of HYPE Magazine, took some time out to chat with us about his career…and his hair.

 

 

FC: You’ve got one of the coolest jobs most of us can only dream of. Mind sharing with our readers what it’s like doing what you do?

 

MM: Well, I’m the editor of HYPE magazine, which is the country’s leading hip hop magazine, and Africa’s most recognised hip hop publication. I’m really grateful for what I do because it allows me to give back to the hip hop community. What drives me is the love I have for the hip hop community so everyday is dedicated to the advancement of hip hop. You asked me what its like? Its fun.

 

How did you get into this industry?

 

It wasn’t up to me I chose the path that chose me. I started producing about 12 years ago back in school. Studied advertising at Vega and hold a BA Degree in Creative Brand Communication. I carried on producing and in 2006, got the call from HYPE.

 

Who are the coolest/easy-to-work-with rappers you’ve featured on Hype Magazine?

 

Their all really cool and easy to work with and I have mad love for them all. The local cats that is. Always a pleasure working with cats in the industry. From Skwatta Kamp to Driemanskap, all the way to Motipa, Abdus, Deep Level and Khuli Chana. Internationally I’ve spent time with Mos Def, Canibus, K’Naan, Nas, Bow Wow, had a brief encounter with Jay-Z and chatted to Luda, Lupe and the late great Guru. May his soul rest in peace. All of them great dudes!

 

 

You’re also a Hip-Hop producer. Who are a few prominent artist you’ve worked with?

 

Well I’ve been blessed enough to work firstly with Tumi on his album Music From My Good Eye where I did two tracks. I did most of Zubz‘s Headphone Music In A Parallel World. Both albums were nominated for SAMA Awards in the same year. I recently worked with HHP on his SAMA nominated album Dumela where I produced a track called “Ancestors”. I also worked on Teargas‘ SAMA Award winning Dark Or Blue album where I produced the hit singles “Go Away” and the up coming “Take It Eazy”. Oh snap, all the joints I’ve worked on have been SAMA nominees. I’ve worked with dozens of cats but you asked me for the prominent ones.

There is a track of mine that has been recorded by Wyclef Jean, HHP and Ike Chukwu. With that said, I would like to say this. We don’t create the music. God just channels it through us. We’re just vessels that transport music to the people so we can never take the credit.

Having achieved so much at such a young age; what you’d you say to a young, black ambitious brother trying to make their way up in the industry?

Right now I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice. I’m still growing and learning. I guess then I’d say, grow and learn everyday. Innovate everyday. Push your personal limits. Work while they sleep. One day you’ll wake up and you’ll be a head ahead of these headz.

What beats are playing in your ipod/car right now?

Tsakane has my iPod. That’s my mentor. I have my car. I’m bumping my beats in my car to make sure levels are right. Bumping Projektah’s album, Abdus from DBN, Pro’s Snakes And Ladders, Mos Def, Hishaam from PE, Jaak from CPT, Big Size from Bloem, Month Katalyst from the Vaal, Apollo Diablo from Botswana and Andriante from Mafikeng. And much more.

Now let’s talk about your ‘fro.  Your afro is quite huge, how long have you had it?

I don’t cut my hair. But it breaks off when I twist it so its been 5 years now. Had dreads before.

Most guys normally have a brush cut, chiskop or dreadlocks. Why the decision to grow out your hair into an afro?

Its my religion. Thou shal have a full head of hair! For real I’m not joking. When I was 2, my mom cut my hair. I cried like a baby. Wait, I was a baby. And I picked my hair up and tried to put it back onto my borotho-shaped head.

Now that you have an afro is it more time-consuming maintaining it than shorter hair?

I think so. Last time my hair was short was 11 years ago… So I don’t remember.

Your bantu knots look really cool and stylish. Do you twist them yourself or do you have them done at a salon?

Bantu knots, popcorn… Not sure what to call them. Thank you for thinking their cool. I twist them myself with no mirror. Nobody touches my hair. Last time I was inside a salon was 1998.

Do you have a stylist, do your own hair or take it to a hair salon?

Nope, no stylist, no salon.

What is your hair regimen (how often you wash, twist them, etc) and what hair products do you use?

I wash it weekly at least when I have my twists. When its a fro its daily til I twist it. I use Colgate shampoo and yellow Avon hair tshasment which was a freebee they sent to my office. Will be at a loss when it runs out.

What perceptions do you get from society/hip-hop industry regarding your afro?

Girls want to touch the fro. Guys are mad jelly so they diss the fro. Girls don’t like the twists so guys tell me the twists suit me.

From a male point of view, what do you think of women who wear their hair:

a. Natural
b. Straight/Chemically processed

 
a: Okey, because I love you all, I’m going to tell you the truth from a guy’s perspective. When it comes to the natural look, she’s gotta be a certified dime to pull it off. Like your mommy in her 70s pics.
b: Straight or chemically processed? You forgot weaves. Its all wrong and unnatural, but we LOVE IT! We love it so much! We know its a lie, but we love it! We love girls who buy their hair and nails. Sorry ladies, I’m just being real. I once dated a girl based on her weave. When she went natural, it wasn’t the same so I jetted. It is with great sadness that I present this truth. Don’t hate me.
 

Any advice you can give to guys who are thinking of growing out their hair?

Comb your hair outside so you don’t have to sweap. Get the Black Fist afro comb. Get the yellow hair tshasment. Put on your t-shirt before you comb your fro. Don’t sit in front of the class. Let girls touch it. Utilize it, but don’t you ever brutalize it. Pick your afro daddy (no homeal) cause its flat on one side.

Check out HYPE magazine on: www.hypemagazine.co.za