One of YFM’s true pioneers, Sir Mmino (as he prefers to be called) has the passion and drive to keep the music alive in times of a deadly pandemic.
Self-proclaimed Sir of music, Mmino has helped shape the course of dance music since the beginning of his career; influencing the all the young aspiring DJ’s out there looking to make it big in a limiting industry..
When listening to Sir Mmino’s sets, you can expect a dense mix of SA’s favourite genre – Kwaito, Amapiano and House atmospheric sounds blending all together. One can tell from every Friday mix on YFM that his intention is to tell you a story and take you on a journey of driving sounds and sometimes, memory lane. The future is bright for this talented DJ. He is definitely an aspiring artist to watch out for!
Chatting with us on EntertainmentSA, Sir Mmino took us through his journey and aspirations with 10 interview questions.. check them out below:
EntertainmentSA:
You and I would agree that The ARTS industry is not appreciated during this pandemic. It makes me mad that people turn to music when they are alone or feel the need to listen to songs to connect to, or just have the radio on, yet there has been little to no financial relief for the industry. I have interviewed or chatted with artists that are at breaking point. Sorry this question has turned into me sharing my frustration about this! Your thoughts?
Sir Mmino:
”fully agree & it has been a very difficult season for most artists & their families. It is very difficult to make a living with just music in South Africa due to so many restrictions that surround industry.”
EntertainmentSA:
How has lockdown been treating you and has it changed your outlook on your music or your creativity?
Sir Mmino:
In all honesty it hasn’t affected or changed my outlook/ creativity with regards to my blessing (music). Naturally I’m a hard working person and always looking for new ways of exploring my blessing (music).
EntertainmentSA:
When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences?
Sir Mmino:
Well I owe it all to my grandad for this beautiful gift and knowledge of music. As a young boy I was given the task of converting music from LP to cassette tape ranging from THE BLUE NOTES, FELA KUTI, ARETHA FRANKLIN to mention a few and without my knowledge this quickly became an addiction which lead to my first LP purchase Solar House/The Roots_Got 2 B U at the age of 14.
EntertainmentSA:
What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments in your artistic career?
Sir Mmino:
When I dropped out of grade 11
EntertainmentSA:
Let’s talk about your project ‘Kub’hlungu’ ft Ma-e – what was it inspired by?
Sir Mmino:
It’s widely inspired by people that undermine their talent/ability that’s never tapped into or ignored.
EntertainmentSA:
How important is building a real relationship with the music you’re playing for your own approach? There’s so much music out there, is it even possible to build meaningful long-term relationships with a particular track or album?
Sir Mmino:
Well the moment you start focusing on one genre it’s then when one blocks his or her ability to grow. Songs/ instruments/ vocals marry into each and songs have phases or time lines and yes of cors I have favorites but that should obstruct my view on finding new possibilities or favorites.
EntertainmentSA:
Can you tell us the writing process of the track? Is written from a personal experience
(love, life etc)?
Sir Mmino:
It really depends on the mood, intention, feelings, environment, there’s really no formula to music writing or presses.
EntertainmentSA:
The single has this cool new school Amapiano theme – how did you come up with the idea for it and what did you want to convey?
Sir Mmino:
Well I came up with the instrumentation/ arrangement and the Legendary Ma-E came up with the lyrics with the emphases on how Soweto has so much talent and how the world continues to be shocked at the rate it’s produced at.
EntertainmentSA:
Was it produced during lockdown? If yes – what were the biggest challenges in crafting it during such uncertain times?
Sir Mmino:
Yes it was produced during Lockdown but with the help of the internet things ran smooth.
EntertainmentSA:
When there’s more music than one can possibly take in, it is becoming increasingly hard to know what constitutes an original and a remake anymore. What’s your opinion on the importance of roots, traditions, respecting originals and sources?
Sir Mmino:
It’s always important to acknowledge the origin or source but within the same breath, nothing ever stays the same change and innovation is equally as important.
EntertainmentSA:
How do you think your music has changed from when you first started out? Lyrically or production-wise?
Sir Mmino:
Let’s just say I’ve come a really long way from being told “that’s wack you’ll never make it” to “that’s really beautiful” & getting calls from artists like Lulo Café asking to include my creative thoughts and blessing unto him.
EntertainmentSA:
During your slot of Fridays at YFM, What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?
Sir Mmino:
There’s no specific or particular technique ,this music thing more spiritual than the physical or psychological.
EntertainmentSA:
And you do this all by yourself – how did you go about building a name for yourself all alone in an industry that shuts out upcoming talents?
Sir Mmino:
I do this all by myself ,not only am I still learning the trade and craft I ask the important questions from specials like Lebogang Phaka..
EntertainmentSA:
What’s next for you?
Sir Mmino:
More music videos, TV ,Radio , tons of singles, two albums and the evolution of SIR MMINO. Stay tuned and may the stars continue to guide & bless all sons and daughters of the soil….Thokozani boGogo naboMkhulu!!!
You can follow Sir Mmino for more on his life journey and music on the following social media handles:
https://www.instagram.com/
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/
https://www.facebook.com/