Mxshi Mo returns with his debut album titled “Nkanyiso” under the More Time label. The release features a dynamic blend of 12 tracks, including 9 collaborations and 3 solo pieces, with contributions from leading figures in electronic music such as Skream, Moonchild Sanelly, Hagan, and others.
Accompanying the album is the “6SENSE” documentary, directed by Amílcar Patel and Chris Kets and produced by Amílcar and Kamva Collective. This film explores Mxshi Mo’s personal battle with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye condition that has led to partial blindness. Over the last year, KAMVA Collective — the talented filmmakers behind the Boiler Room’s ‘Third Space’ Series — has been chronicling Mxshi Mo’s journey. The film delves into how he has navigated the challenges of producing music despite his visual impairment. We caught up with Mxshi Mo to discuss the new album, documentary, the challenges he faces and more.
Your new album “Nkanyiso” dropped on May 31st, and presents a sound rooted in GQOM and afro-house but also touches on trap and RnB. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this project?
My inspiration for ‘Nkanyiso’ came from observing and paying attention to various subgenres of electronic music from both international and local artists, producers, and DJs. I aimed to create something unique yet familiar, combining all my influences and life-changing experiences that electronic music has brought into my life. This project reflects my journey through GQOM, Ama Piano, House, and RnB/Soul, showcasing the diverse sounds that have shaped me.
Your story is incredibly inspiring. How has living with Retinitis Pigmentosa influenced your music and creative process?
Living with Retinitis Pigmentosa has profoundly influenced my music and creative process. Initially, it was a challenge due to the lack of DAWs with accessibility features for low-vision users. After much trial and error, I discovered Ableton Live, which offered reliable dark themes and intuitive keyboard shortcuts that were easy to memorize. This condition has made me trust my ears more when creating and mixing music. Additionally, it has motivated me to learn piano improvisation, allowing me to record MIDI notes directly instead of drawing them, which can be time-consuming with the zooming keyboard shortcuts on my Mac. I now see Retinitis Pigmentosa as a blessing in a way, as it has pushed me to develop skills and approaches I might not have otherwise explored.
You’ve collaborated with some interesting artists on this album, like Moonchild Sanelly, Skream, and Scratcha DVA. How did these collaborations come about, and what was it like working with them?
Most of the collaborations on this album came about through organic interactions on social media and referrals from More Time Records. It has been an amazing experience, especially since most songs were recorded remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the artists I collaborated with were based overseas. Working with them was a great learning experience, as it involved a lot of trial and error due to different influences and work ethics. Despite the challenges, these collaborations enriched the album significantly.
The album is being released on More Time Records, a label known for its innovative approach. How has the label supported you in bringing “Nkanyiso” to life?
More Time Records has been incredibly supportive in bringing ‘Nkanyiso’ to life. Working with them has been an amazing experience, teaching me so much about electronic music, the importance of building relationships, and creative strategies. The label truly understood my sound and vision from our early collaborations, dating back to 2019. More Time Records feels like a family to me, and I am grateful to have met them. I believe we will continue to release more music and push the envelope in electronic music together. Their innovative approach has been crucial to the album’s success.
Accompanying the album is a documentary created with Kamva Collective, Amílcar Patel and Chris Kets. What can fans expect to see in this documentary?
The documentary, created with Kamva Collective, offers a deep dive into how I navigate daily challenges and explores my creative process as a visually impaired artist. It also features images of the city where I grew up and highlights what my childhood was like with visual impairment. Kamva Collective did an amazing job capturing even the smallest details, providing fans with an intimate look at my journey, both personally and professionally.
The title of your album, “Nkanyiso”, means “light” in Zulu. Can you explain the significance of this title to you personally and what messages you hope listeners take away from the album?
The title of my album, ‘Nkanyiso,’ means “light” in Zulu, which holds personal significance for me as it is also my first name. In Zulu culture, it is believed that one’s purpose can be found in the meaning of their first name. As a young adult, I experienced a dark and lonely journey, but the meaning of my name gave me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Through this album, I hope listeners find inspiration and understand that even in difficult times, there is always light and hope.
Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to aspiring artists facing their own challenges?
Looking back at my journey, I would advise aspiring artists facing challenges to educate themselves about the tools and the music industry. New artists need to understand that you don’t have to fit in or conform to make an impact. It’s important to study other successful artists, not just in music, to gain broader insights. Additionally, recognize that your weaknesses can become your strongest assets or sources of motivation. Embrace your uniqueness and let it drive your creativity and perseverance.
What are your plans to support the release of “Nkanyiso”? Any upcoming projects or performances we should look out for?
To support the release of ‘Nkanyiso,’ our plans include continuous promotion through live performances and organic social media marketing. The main goal is to ensure the album reaches the right ears, with the aspiration to tour internationally, particularly in the electronic music festival scene where I believe my music fits well. More Time Records and I will continue exploring additional strategies as time progresses.
