TOP 10 MUSIC PRODUCERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

What is music production? According to the music industry terminology, music production is the process by which a music producer oversees the recording and production of a track, single or record. The music production process varies from artist to artist, but it always includes many of the same components. Recordingconnection.com defines a music producer as a recording project's creative and technical leader. The producer is likened to a film director. Here are our top 10 music producers in South Africa.

1. LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Although recognized as a choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo arrange and master all their songs, together as a group. And that puts them under the "producer" category. Founded in 1964, they have over 50 years in the music industry, and although they have lost some of their original members, they continue to grow stronger and stronger with new members fitting into the crew like a hand to glove. They are the most decorated music producers of any generation. They have five Grammy awards and three SAMAs. They also featured in Seth Macfarlane's Family Guy satirical cartoon show.

2. LINDELANI MKHIZE

The co-founder of legendary gospel choir Joyous Celebration, Linda worked so hard with the group that they managed to released a record-breaking 25 albums, all of which have received platinum-selling status. Founded in 1994, Joyous Celebration has 35 members and 68 band members. One of their band members, drummer Sabu Satsha, is argued to be the best drummer in South Africa. Not only is Lindelani Mkhize a prominent producer and voice coach, but he also is a talent scout. Way to go bra Linda.

3. BLACK COFFEE

What can be said about Black Coffee except that most fans will argue that he should be ranked at number 1? Arguably the most successful house music producer in the country (depending on how you define success), he is also the most paid. Boasting playing in venues like Shimmy Beach in Cape Town, Ibiza music festivals and France's grand halls, Black Coffee has taken South African rhythms to the far corners of the world. With over 15 major awards and has worked with international music acts like Usher, Alicia Keys, Drake and David Guetta, Black Coffee is one of South Africa's music icons.

4. DJ GANYANI

In 2001, The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) called upon DJ Ganyani (whose real name is Fredericks Tshabalala) to help them broaden their brand appeal by putting together two albums for two years called Simunye House Grooves Vol 1. and 2. He has been consistently producing music for 14 years and has stated that he wanted to continue for another 14 years. Dubbed a "music genius" by some of his industry colleagues, Ganyani has bagged over six major music awards and nominated four times for the South African Music Awards.

5. ZAKES BANTWINI

Not only is he one of South Africa's most successful singers with two major awards under his name(and countless nominations), Zakes Bantwini is also a music producer and businessman. He worked with legendary international house DJ Black Coffee and introduced South Africa to Durban Kwaito sensation, L'Vovo Derango. He expanded his music knowledge by enrolling in a music and production business course with the highly acclaimed Harvard Business School. He is also the founder of KZN's Durban Kwaito genre.

6. BENJAMIN DUBE

Beginning his music career in 1987, Benjamin Dube only got major recognition in 1996 when he received the Outstanding National Gospel Artist award for his solo and self-produced album, Celebration. He worked with number 1 listed Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dr Rebecca Molope, legendary reggae superstar Lucky Dube and American gospel artists James Clevland and Mighty Clouds of Joy. He is known as the country's best gospel producer for his seemingly different arrangement style and was called "a man of great talent" by gospel powerhouse CeCe Winans. A singer, songwriter and producer, Benjamin Dube followed in his father's footsteps.

7. MAPHORISA

The eccentric Pretoria born producer boasts a catalogue of greats number 1 ranked hits in the South African music charts. Formerly signed with Kalawa Jazmee record label, Maphorisa has gone onto great heights with his music career. A successful venture with fellow Amapiano producer Kabza de Small, where the duo collaborated and produced four smash albums, Maphorisa has also famously worked with Black Coffee, Drake, WizKid, Runtown and Jamaican-American electronic dance trio Major Lazor. Maphorisa's versatility and production style will surely see him on this list again in the future.

8. DJ TIRA

What is a top 10 list without DJ Tira? Mthokozi Khathi, famously known as DJ Tira is a music producer and artist from Durban. Known for his Afrotainment record label and " fact; Durban Rocks" T-Shirts, DJ Tira is also known for producing some of the county's greatest hits from groups and artists like Big Nuz, DJ Fisherman, DJ Cndo and many more. In 2019 he was nominated at the South African Music Awards for Song of the Year and won Best Produced Album for his 2001 smash hit album Durban's Finest Vol1.

9. NEO-MAKWA

Blessed with natural talent, Neo believes that he is the best hip-hop producer in the country and believes he has worked hard to be where he is today. Responsible for producing hits for AKA, DJ Fistas, Bucie Nkomo and Touchline, he is most notable for working with on smash-hit songs Vur Vai and Spirit by Kwesta.

10. TWEEZY

Concluding the list, Durban-born producer Tweezy is an exceptional hip-hop producer. Arguably the most decorated producer in South Africa (by association) he has worked with some of the hottest MCs in the country and creating smash hits for artists like AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Reason, Emtee and many more. Tweezy was nominated for Producer of the Year at the SAMAs in 2014 and won the same award a year later at the South African Hip-hop Awards. An outspoken and self-taught producer, Tweezy believes that producers need to get sufficient recognition for the hard work they put into the South African music industry.

The top 10 list is subject to change every time Loudcast drops a list because we believe that music preference changes all the time. What this list lacks, however, is female music producers. Loudcast is calling out for more female producers so that they too could get the recognition they deserve.