Inteview with Goldkeyz, a Nigerian music producer
Interview with Ayo Onaduja for More Branches. ________________________________________
Why did you name yourself Goldkeyz and what do you understand by being a producer ?
Goldkeyz : Actually didn’t name myself ‘Goldkeyz’. It was given to me by Bankyondbeatz. He inspired me to start making music. Big shouts to him. What I understand by being a producer is more than just getting on a DAW and making a beat. You have to be conscious of the artists’ style, know what to do to bring out the best in him/her, even instruct the artists from the recording stage when necessary.
I want to talk about the relationship you have with Bernie And Banky? You all are friends from college and somehow feed off each others’s energy
Goldkeyz : Bernie is my cousin, friends with Banky for years now since high school. Basically brothers to me. Yeah about that, it’s just good vibes. We know where we’re coming from and where we intend on going with our plans. We just keep ourselves in the loop: when new projects are recorded we link up, listen, rub minds, pure vibes.
My sound is dark and spiritual; easy to sink into. I pay attention to the percussions in my music- Goldkey.
Explain the music you create ?
Goldkeyz : I make laid-back music-simple and mellow. During production of instrumentals I make sure all the elements I’m adding counts and I pay attention to every detail; makes it easier for the artists to work with. I can say I make timeless music too- doesn’t age over time, still sounds fresh when you listen even when it was made years back.
Define your sound, the elements and tone of your music.
Goldkeyz : My sound is dark and spiritual; easy to sink into. I pay attention to the percussions in my music. it really gives that drive, then the rest just comes honestly. Grew up listening to African music from the likes of King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Fela Kuti and so on. My dad played them a lot when I was younger. Even till date i really love the percussions in the music, the way they swing. I picked that up and tend to fuse it with the new school drums.
Let’s talk about your debut body of work ‘Afrocentric’, the story behind its inception, what inspired it and the direction of your music moving forward ?
Goldkeyz : ‘Afrocentric’ that project is still very dear to me. Then I believed I’ve found my sound. There’s this exotic sound I created with the afro music, you could hear that on Mainland Cruise, Roulette and the rest. Most songs were recorded way back and was lying around on my computer. When I came up with the idea of having a project out for listeners I just compiled them and made some more,; staying true to the culture. Now music is evolving day by day so holding on to bits of afro elements and blending it with different sounds is one way I’m pushing my music forward, plus I’m working on a project and I have some plans lined up for that.
Defining the music of my generation I would say is almost impossible because music on its own is wide and can’t be boxed.
Define the music of your generation from a perspective of the sounds being infused and created by producers ?
Goldkeyz : Defining the music of my generation I would say is almost impossible because music on its own is wide and can’t be boxed. Essentially, as a music producer it is very easy to be creative with the beat selection and fusing different sounds for the artiste I’m looking to work with just because this generation is exposed to a whole range of music.
African music is globally recognized, how does that affect your mindset in creating ?
Goldkeyz : To be totally honest with you, when I create music, I don’t put all you’ve mentioned in consideration. I just put sounds that I am comfortable with together and I create, anywhere my sound reaches, the people there would relate and enjoy my music.
