G R O O V E M E T E R : B R I A N S O K O
Representation matters when it comes to mainstream media . Africans have seen their flags flown high as they make strides on the international scene . Some of these names include Trevor Noah , Nomzamo Mbatha , Wizkid , Tiwa Savage , and Burna Boy , to name but a few . Zimbabwe holds its own stake with names such as Danai Gurira , Tongayi Chirisa , Makho Ndlovu and David Alford . On the music landscape , one of the biggest names out of the 263 is Brian Soko . Brian made history as the first young Zimbabwean to win a Grammy award . His impressive resume includes working with Beyoncé , Lil Wayne , Tinashe , Nicki Minaj , Wiz Khalifa , Cassper Nyovest , K . O ., MaE and Chad da Don . In addition to the impressive songwriting and production credits , he is part of the Anashe Media Group . The company is family run with brothers Arnold and Prince Soko focused on the African music and entertainment sector . Brian has set his eyes on being his own artist by releasing several singles . At the time of this interview , Brian Soko had just released the single ' Moola '. He has since then released several singles including ‘ Champagne & Shisha ’, ‘ Runway Walk ’, ‘ Don ’ t Like Me ’, ‘ Valentino ’, and the collaboration with Blaq Pages and Nick & Navi on ' Whistle n Whine '.
What makes Brian Soko the hottest export from the African continent ? Check out our interview with the super producer and artist ..
GMI : Welcome to Groove Magazine , this interview has been a long time coming . Congratulations on your fourth Grammy win , how are you feeling ?
Brian : I feel great thank you very much , appreciate you guys and love the work you are doing .
GMI : Speaking of the Grammys , some of our audiences aren ' t aware of your list of achievements on the global scene , please share your production and songwriting credits to date ?
Brian : I ’ ve worked on a quite few projects but the biggest ones I have worked on so far are Beyoncé ’ s ‘ Beyoncé ” album where I did ' Drunk In Love ' and ' Jealous '. I also worked on Drake ' s “ Nothing was the Same ” album . I did “ 305 to my City ”, “ Own It ” and “ Paris Morton Music 2 / Pound Cake ” Lil Wayne “ No Worries ” and locally Cassper Nyovest “ Phumakim ”, K . O . “ Mission Statement ” 7 Chad Da Don “ EFT ”.
GMI : What other producers , songwriters and / or artists have been pivotal inspirations for your career ?
Brian : My early inspiration came from the African / Zimbabwean greats of the ’ 90s , such as Oliver Mtukudzi , Simon Chimbetu , Chicco Twala , Lucky Dube and so on . The music you listen to growing up is typically the music your parents listen to .
GMI : You are based in what would probably be entertainment ' s capital , the USA , what have been the advantages and challenges of your current location for your career ?
Brian : I live in LA now which is the entertainment capital of the world . The benefits are that most record labels have an office here and most artists come here a few times a year , so it ’ s amazing having people from around the world come to you instead of having to chase after the talent . The only negative side is the cost of living is very high and the traffic is ridiculous .
GMI : As both a Zimbabwean and African on the global stage , what ' s the best advice you could offer Africans trying to penetrate the international market ?
Brian : I would say social media is your best friend best friend and you never know who is going to see your content so try to make unique and interesting content , upload it and see what happens and be consistent . Keep dropping music , and videos of whatever you do .
GMI : What is distinctive about a Brian Soko , or AMG production ?
Brian : I ' m not sure we have a distinct sound and I think the fact that we are always changing and every release is a new experience for the listener is what makes it different . Being creative is inevitably about taking risks .
GMI : Can you describe , briefly , your creative process for a musical project ?
Brian : I don ' t have a set process , I usually analyze the artist I ' m working with , their previous releases and then I decide what vibe and tempo I think they ' re missing . Then I start on chords and ideas and the last thing I do is usually Drums and Bass but that ' s not set in stone .
GMI : What proudly Zimbabwean element do you share in your projects or branding ?
Brian : I suppose my name “ Soko ” when I decided to become an artist I was thinking about a good name and I couldn ' t think of anything better than my actual last name “ Soko ”. I speak fluent Shona and Ndebele and have been writing songs lately in both languages .
GMI : Do we expect more Zimbabweans on your roster in terms of production and artist management ?
Brian : Yes , of course , you already know about Jazz Prosper and YoungNash . I work all the time with my peers and good friends Mr . Kamera and British-based producer Troy Picasso .
GMI : Whilst on the subject of Zimbabwean creatives , which Zimbabwean artist do you believe has the potential to level up to global status ?
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