Nyika exhibits exceptional music prowess

Standard Style
One of the leading Bulawayo music producers, Nyasha Nyika of Rockup Studioz, has exhibited exceptional music prowess by distinguishing himself through a unique versatility that has seen him attract a huge following.

style interview:By Sharon Sibindi

One of the leading Bulawayo music producers, Nyasha Nyika of Rockup Studioz, has exhibited exceptional music prowess by distinguishing himself through a unique versatility that has seen him attract a huge following.

Popularly known as Neshville, Nyika has worked with artistes such as Beke Mguni, Sybs, DrloveNj, Asaph, Msizkay, Madlela, Black Umfolosi, Iyasa, Khuxxman, Clement Magwaza and Hwabaraty, among others.

Standard Style reporter Sharon Sibindi (SS) spoke to Nyika (NN), who shared details of his life and experiences. He is inspired by the works of the late renowned music producer and executive director Joe Maseko and strives to be a better producer.

Below are excerpts from the interview.

SS: Being one of the prominent music producers, what other artistes do you see as your primary inspirations?

NN: I can’t specify, but every good product that comes in and out of Bulawayo inspires me to do a lot better in my own production. As for artistes, I really like how Khuxxman arranges and writes his music, Nkululeko Dube the director of Iyasa, Madlela, Sotsha Moyo and, above all, the late Joe Maseko inspires me a lot especially the way he produced for the cultural groups from Botswana. It really pushes me to become better.

SS: I see you have produced for artistes such as Madlela, Asaph, Iyasa and Cal-Vin to name a few, can you describe, briefly, how you have worked together on musical projects? And what have you learnt during your engagement with them which you feel has helped you in your career?

NN: Working with Madlela is great because he allows me to express myself in each and every project we work on. I have worked with Asaph on a song by Prosine.

It was great, I worked with Cal-Vin and Magwaza to name a few. I have learnt that music is something that comes naturally from within and you don’t have to force it. You can make a hit song in an hour or less.

SS: Do you have a favourite musical project that you have worked on? Is there an artiste you want to work with that you have not yet had the opportunity to work with?

NN: Every project is always interesting to me because I will be putting all my effort. It would be a great thing for me coming out of Bulawayo to produce music for big names like Jah Prayzah, Winky D and, yeah, our living legend Jeys Marabini. I only recorded him once on Skhosana Buhlungu’s album, but I haven’t done a full project for him.

SS: Looking at your musical background, what’s your working style?

NN: I love listening to different types of music, but mostly I played smooth jazz and Afro-jazz when I was a bassist. So, I can say it basically made me flexible enough to do all other music genres.

SS: What projects are you involved in at the moment?

NN: I am working on Madlela’s new 10-track album which will be released this year and also doing Sotsha Moyo’s solo album which consists of eight tracks. I am also on South Africa-based Khanyi Golden Rhythms’ disco music album. I am making beats for her album and as soon as I am done with all the beats, she will come to Zimbabwe for vocals.

Not forgetting my project with Iyasa where we are working on a 12-track album. Check Khuxxman’s latest album Makhushukhushu.

SS: What is distinctive about Nashville Studios productions? Besides locally, have you dreamt going international?

NN: My productions are different because they come from within and I always express myself. I am not in a competition, I don’t limit myself to one music genre. Music is music to me and I want Rockup Studioz to grow and spread wings. I wish to have all the equipment that will bring international artistes to Bulawayo for a glimpse of our musical touch.

SS: I see there is stiff competition in the music industry, and how have you managed it?

NN: I think competition comes directly to someone who is in it, looking for it or who likes it. My biggest competition is myself because I believe what I do is different from what other producers do. So, I always try to improve in each and every project.

SS: What do you like to do for fun outside of working on music?

NN: I like going out to clear my head for a while and just have a couple of drinks. If not, I spend time with my wife and son who is six years old as I hardly get time to play with him because I am always busy.

SS: Do you have advice for young people who want to become music producers?

NN: I urge young producers to work hard in each and every project they do. They should not limit themselves and if one does know how to play a single music instrument, especially the keyboard, it will help improve your production. Above all, believe in yourself and don’t wait for people to tell you if it’s okay or not, stick to what you believe in. Whenever you meet up with a good producer make sure you learn something from him. SS: Your parting shot.

NN: Rockup Studioz — Neshville Productions, never let the music stop! It keeps it rolling!!