Exclusive Interview With Hyenah

Fairplay recent released three remixes of their latest track, ‘Latlal’, on Zatar music. One of those remixes comes from, Hyenah, a resident of Watergates’s famed RISE afro house parties. With his remix receiving much praise, we got the opportunity to speak to the creative about his version.

For those unaware, who is Hyenah? 

Some people say that Afro and Techno are not that far apart. That’s where I feel comfortable: Where Techno has soul and where Afro is punchy. I like to build bridges between different worlds and help connect people. I do that as the faceless Hyenah. Music and people coming together is what matters to me. 

Describe your sound in five words 

uplifting, deep, eccentric, raw, warm

Your recent remix of Fairplay’s song, ‘Latlal’, has a slick chilled-out vibe. What was the inspiration behind this remix? 

The song itself led the way, totally. My job mainly was to emphasize its greatness and epic feel by adding a few of my favorite ingredients here and there. I wanted to  showcase the emotional spirit of the original and add some Hyenah flavor.

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Listening to your debut album, ‘Love In Time Of Crisis’, we loved the production and unique sound. What is your favourite track on the project, and why? 

Thank you! The whole album is strongly connected to the pandemic times and the lack of connections that came with it. So I wanted to focus on human collaborations with other artists and cultures that I was not able to experience in real life.  There was this  feel of a claustrophobic grab and an unpredictable future. The strong vision of a positive outcome needed to remain throughout each song. 

… all tracks are my babies. 

Being a resident of Watergate’s famed RISE Afro House parties, you’re well versed in performing for crowds and filling dance floors. With that being said, is there a venue/festival that holds a special place in your heart and why? 

First of all I am amazed where my music takes me and how it keeps introducing me to new scenes every so often. There are so many beautiful places that shared their love with me. To mention a few. The Vic Falls Festival in Zimbabwe was mind blowing.  South Africa in general is always close to my heart. Also the pure love for music at Suncebeat in Croatia is incredible. Or the vibe in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Tunisia is insane. Ibiza and Mexico blow my mind each and every time, so does India. And I love RISE at Watergate and appreciate what we are experiencing there each and every time. 

Which producers have caught your eye recently? Who would get you to pay for studio time immediately…  

There’s so much talent out there and every day I discover new amazing artists. Especially the creativity of younger talents from South Africa keep on impressing me. Some of those  are Masšh, Mpho Wav, Vida-Soul and Lionayve, 

It would also be really really nice to experience Keinemusik do its magic in the studio…

What’s in the pipeline for Hyenah?

My remix for Sabo (Sol Selectas 100) is just about to come out. I’ll be back in South Africa for the Ultra Festival and tour India at the end of March. There’s a new EP coming out on Cacao Rec with a sharp Ivory remix.  On top of that I am working on new original material, experimenting with new approaches. And we are signing very interesting artists for our own RISE MUSIC label. Demo season is on!