Zimpapers Logo

Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected] 

WORKING behind the scenes requires hard work as one has to make a message clear enough for a lot of people to understand, and this is the story of music producers.

This is a life that Brandon Nduna has lived for the past seven years starting from hip-hop, Afro pop, deep house and now Afro house beats.

Known in the artistes’ workroom as Dr Breezy, the Bulawayo-based producer is credit to playing a role in the rise to stardom of youngster Rn’B maestro Helen Nyati.

This is also the man behind the 2019 hit Indon’ Yamanzi featuring Zandie topped Skyz Metro FM OK Zim Top 20 Chart Show.

Chronicle Showbiz caught up with Dr Breezy who reminisced about his journey of being in the music mixing and mastering business.

“I got into music production sometime in 2016 where l was doing hip-hop and Afro pop but always had a strong passion for house music, which led me to release my first house music project in 2018 titled Asiz’ Chommie. I then later released the song Ungowami, which got me my first live interview at Skyz Metro FM in 2019 and I’ve been on Afro house music ever since.

“Being a music producer can be challenging and it’s been a difficult journey for me since I didn’t have the right equipment or the right connections. It took a tonne of hard work, dedication and a lot of patience to build a name for myself in the music scene,” said Dr Breezy. 

He said his growth in the industry may be alluded to the late legendary producer Joe Maseko.

“I was lucky enough to meet the late Joe Maseko who pointed me in the right direction and boosted my confidence in my music production skills. As l progressed in my journey, I was introduced to Nhlalo Maphosa popularly known as Big Troy on Skyz Metro FM who played a huge roll in my uprising and featured my music on his show Byo House Top 5 showcasing some of Bulawayo’s best house music,” he said.

Dr Breezy said he has three solo Extended Plays (EP’s) under his belt.

“My first EP was called The Doctor of Music released in 2019 with tracks Qinisela featuring Noluntu J, Indon’ Yamanzi featuring Zandie, Peaceful Thoughts, Journey to Africa and Afro Infinity. My second EP titled Unified Sounds of Afro House was released in 2021 with tracks Afro Central, USA and Umjolo featuring Zandie.

“This year I signed a record deal with South African Record Label named Dynastic Music Records based in Pretoria and released my third EP titled Mama which was a dedication to my mother for her love and support throughout my music career,” said Dr Breezy. 

He said the EP earned him recognition in the Afro House scene locally and internationally.

“The EP has opened more doors for me and has tracks Joy featuring Apollo Soule and Tiesha, Dance featuring Soulo Deep and Tiesha, Somandla featuring Tiesha, Uthando Lwangempela featuring Zandie and the title track featuring Apollo Soule and Tiesha.

“After this project’s release I got to work with the likes of Mdusevan a well-known DJ and record producer, Botswana record producer Kusterr and have released singles Umbo Umbo under Afreeka Records (United Kingdom), Mulanje under Groove Kulture Records (South Africa) and a joint EP named Emotions under Drum Kulture Records (South Africa),” said Dr Breezy.

He claimed to have worked with artistes including Helen, Tiesha, Lia, Noe (who is presently located in Namibia), and The Duo of Black Hearts, who are based in South Africa.

Dr Breezy is now working on the EP Uhambo (The Journey), which includes the songs Yahwee with Luchi Shiki and Uhambo with Luchi Shiki and Apollo Soule. The album will be released under Afreeka Records in the UK at a date that has not yet been announced. —@mthabisi_mthire