Versatility, vivaciousness, and vitality predicate the life force and essence of the rhythms birthed by the mind of producer and DJ Citizen Deep. Real name Tivani Ian Junior Mkhombo, the Soweto sound master has etched the exploits of his prowess in the books of afro-tech renown since the release of Deep Into Afrika, Vol. 1, A Riot of Colour and Heavy Duty back in 2013, and he has continued to consolidate his strength in the game through the years with a mind bursting with cross-breeding ideas when it comes to blending genres. And what better place to see the growth than on his Arcade trilogy which started in 2021?
Deep spoke about where his journey as a producer and a disc jockey began, taking it back to the home front.
“The love for music has been with me from a young age back at home. Because there was no exit and a way to go and stay out late since I was a young boy, the safest option was to learn from within, and I desperately wanted to contribute. My blood brother was a deep collector and an IT guy. He found this software that I ended up obsessing over for all these years, and it ended becoming a way for me to contribute to the music scene without making my parents mad,” he said.
Citizen Deep | SUPPLIED
Mkhombo talked about the creation process behind his latest single, “Sharp”
“My latest single came together in two parts. I usually get work done in studio, but this time I was chilling on the couch with my laptop. You know, sometimes the vibe catches you outside of your natural workspace. That was the first stage, and the energy was dope when I created the beat. The second session was where I completed the song, and it’s when I also added Tete and Leko M. Everything about that part was unplanned. I got a call very late and I was in PJs when I made that song – I had to be there in studio at all costs to make the song with the gents. I was super excited to share this idea I came up with on a couch and they vibed with it. There was a lot of synergy and we just gelled quite well,” he said.
Listen to “Sharp”:
Every song has a unique sonic anatomy, from the drum patterns to the heartbeat of the basslines. No two songs, no matter how similar, ever assume the same shape. The ever-changing world with constantly evolving people make for a creative ecosystem which diversifies the DNA database that feeds the network of inspiration. Deep spoke about how he tackled each song.
“Sometimes making music is the most boring thing on earth when you don’t know which instruments to find. The art of producing is basically troubleshooting, and it’s always about trying to make something sound better at all times. So, each and every song you hear from me has a different process and approach. The inspiration always differs and there isn’t a set blueprint that I use as a reference whenever I start working on a song such as which drums to use or what instrument I should begin with. For me it’s about energy and what I feel at that time. The world as a whole inspires me and the inspiration hits different at all times,” he said.
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The record producer shared which instrument he loved going back to when making songs.
“I like the piano the most. To me, it’s everything when it comes to making music. If you listen to anyone playing it, from the 80s, the 90s to now, it’s still such a beautiful instrument. It’s the go-to for me, and if it could speak, it would probably ask for me to give it a break!” he said with a chuckle.
Citizen dedicated a special tribute to his late friend and partner-in-studio Keys, whom he cited as being of great influence to his craft and in him understanding music.
“There’s a friend of mine who passed recently called Keys, and he was the one who taught me and brought me to studio. Most of the things that I know, even liking the essence of the piano. He blessed me so much and was instrumental to my career and he was a very big influence to me and my growth,” he said.
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Not a fan of riding the wave and being the It Guy right at the epicenter of what’s hot on social media, Deep talked about the crucial point of keeping up to speed with the music scene without losing one’s own lane chasing after another artist’s destination.
“I feel like the biggest problem is following what’s popping and what’s trending. I don’t like following trendy stuff because my aim is not to be here for a week and then vanish. I’ve been making music for a long time and I firmly believe in creating and putting out and creating and putting out. As much as things influence me, I don’t allow the music out there to influence me so much and to the point of me redefining myself. What I like, however, I will listen to, and I won’t let it interfere with my creative process. When you listen to the newer sounds like amapiano and 3Step, it shows that you can be yourself and do whatever it is you feel and still find success. That’s it. At the end of the day, I end up putting out music I feel is fresh to me and that I like to listen to,” he said.
The soundsmith had a few more parting words for his fans for the spring and the summer coming up.
“There’s a lot more music coming up for the rest of the year from me. It’s warmer now out. Let’s link up and groove together!” he said.
