By Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
Born Truman Mlilo, upcoming musician Mlilo De Priest recently dropped an EP titled Club Genesis which tackles issues such as the party life amongst youths. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his EP.
Hle Nkomo: I know you recently released an EP, how well has it been doing?
Mlilo De Priest: To be honest I feel like that release was rather premature, because I released it in May. So it didn’t do so well because hadn’t gathered enough ears for it. I wanna release another one early next year. I feel now I have gathered ears and a bit of awareness.
Hle Nkomo: Given that, how did you venture into Amapiano music?
Mlilo De Priest: I was always a big fan of the genre since it’s underground days before the general public even knew it existed. Plus it’s more of a hybrid of deep house mixed with kwaito and those were my favorite genres growing up, it was only natural. I love how the genre places importance on the producer more as compared to other genres, so I wanted to do a genre where my production skills will be more appreciated.
Hle Nkomo: So who or what inspires your music?
Mlilo De Priest: What inspires my music is that I wanna introduce a new sound to the genre, a new, never heard before sound which I believe in so much. In terms of who? It’s DJ Maphorisa. I love how he turned amapiano into a lifestyle, which I’m also trying to do here in Zim, I’m trying to introduce this lifestyle through this event called the Glow Sunday for local amapiano
Hle Nkomo: Amongst the musicians that you have worked with, who has been your most favourite and why?
Mlilo De Priest: SheKnows Koko of Club Excellence because he’s the most flexible person musically and half of what I know production wise I got it from him. It’s very easy to work with him because he’s brilliant and he know everything there is to know musically. Also because every time I work with him I learn something new.
Hle Nkomo: What is your favourite song to listen to in the EP?
Mlilo De Priest: Rova Ngoma.. featuring Sean B and Smallfeet. Mostly because I wrote it and it speaks to my personal experiences and the way it was expressed by the vocalists.. it was perfect
Hle Nkomo: Who would you love to work with in the future?
Mlilo De Priest: Our very own ShaSha because she is an inspiration. She is regarded by many as the Queen of amapiano