Interview: Berlin based Muzi Shares a colorful new video for “Sweat”

One of the more exciting rising producers working right now, Berlin-based artist Muzi blends the unique influences from his upbringing in South Africa with an undeniable energy.

Recently, Muzi released his debut album, Boom Shaka, with single “Sweat” serving as an off the charts adrenaline stoker. “Sweat” has now received a music video treatment, featuring Day-Glo soaked choreography set perfectly to Muzi’s dynamic builds, drops and shifts.

To go along with “Sweat,” we sent Muzi some questions to get to know him better. Check it all out below and be sure to snag your copy of Boom Shaka here.

Hi, Muzi! Congrats on the new video for “Sweat.” Can you tell us a little more on who you are and how you first got into producing music?


Thank you for taking the time to do this interview, really appreciate it.

I’m an electronic music producer from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Started making music when I was 11 because I saw my brothers doing it. Started making beats when I was 13 because My mom had bought some old ass PC and I was bored so I started messing around with programs my big bro had installed. Fruityloops was one of those programs and the rest is history.

What are some of the larger themes at play on your last album, Boom Shaka?


Self-discovery. I’m always trying to figure out what it means to be a modern African kid in a world that’s become super westernized. I use my music to reflect that.

What’s your writing process like?


I don’t really have a writing process. The music comes to me. I hear it play in my head then I make what I’m hearing. The only thing I gotta do is be patient and let the universe work its magic on me.

How did you come up with the concept for the “Sweat” video? How do you feel it compliments the song?


When I made the song, the visual ideas were already poppin’ in as well. I thought it’d be cool to visually show people sweating art and the only way to get that across was to use paint. So with the help of my manager, John Maclennan, and a film/director friend of ours, Stephen Hambsch, we got the idea together, got the people we needed and shot it.

You come from South Africa but are currently Berlin based. How have living in both of those places shaped your sound?


Home has taught me about soul, groove, breaking the status quo and authenticity. Berlin taught me minimalism and precision. So now as I’m back in South Africa working on new music, those things are coming into play.

If you could collaborate with any three living artists right now, who would they be?


Culoe de Song, Missy Elliott and Pomo.

Any new artists/venues/purveyors of the arts you could turn us onto?


There’s this really cool artist here called Sho Madjozi. She’s super dope + original.

Any upcoming shows or releases we should know about?

Currently have a song out called “Desire,” featuring Yanga Madlala and remixed by Tiro and it’s getting a lot of love. The original mix, however, drops in like a week or two so be on the lookout for that 🙂