Beyond The Music with Shayzar

You know, when you think you have an idea about a person and then boom! You realise they are a much bigger deal than they had made it seem. You realise the only definite thing you know about them besides how talented they are is that they never smile.

That's Shayzar Zimanyi of Mix Masters International. His track record is hella impressive.
So, I've known Shay for a long bit. From back in the days when I presumed he was paying his dues and earning his stripes working with a very(back then) unknown Gigi LaMayne kanti guy has been at this long long way before.

He starts by telling where and how it all began for him.

"I began producing music at the age of 15. Recording artists in the neighbourhood and steadily expanded from city to city.I was fortunate enough that my family was already involved in the music industry locally and regionally."

And he says this made breaking out an easy transition as he had the age advantage and the connects.

"I started at a very tender age (10 years) and had been introduced to some of the finest musicians in the continent by family proxy.
For example, Bob Marleys former bassist who resides in Zimbabwe was one of my mentors.

As a child with parents and grand parents from different nationalities and mixed races (South - Zimbabwe, Ethopia, Portugal), it helped me break through different African markets. From Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi.

I had the privilege of working with all the top artists and that became a culmination of my name being nominated and winning best producer of the year in 2011 in different parts of the continent simultaneously."

Notable songs in that year are from Zimabwean acts Carlprit, Metaphysics and “Cindy Munyavi” who won best Afrimma award to South African artists such as Khuli Chana, Big Star, Gigi LaMayne mixtapes (before signing to Mabala), Siya Shezi and Zakwe.

And he has continued on to make more and bigger moves. From International American, British and Jamaican acts such as, Sizzle Kalonji, Sean Kingston, Elephant Man, Brick n Lace and many others.
"I have mixed and mastered for nearly all mainstream South African rappers' singles over the past five years and I was the chief musical engineer for Lady Zamars multiple award winning album "King Zamar"

With those milestones in the bag he still wants more and says he'd also love to work with the likes of Sia , Kanye West , No ID, Salaam Reemi, Teckno, and just do a whole lot of producer/engineer collaborations.

So, for someone who is this achieved, how does he keep it together and keep such a low profile?
"I'm nowhere near a flashy person because i guess I’m an introvert. I believe in making people see the work than talk about it, you know. Love to prove myself all the time." Says Shay, who has  truly proved himself overtime.

He adds on to say "To never lose it all one has to be focused. As cliché as it sounds what it means is that an artist or producer needs to have an objective and a deadline to that objective. Improving on communication skills, attending workshops, seminars and networking within the music industry.
Always do it for the love first and not for the money, that way you are never depressed when things work out wrong. I need to stress that deadlines are important!
Also move with trustworthy friends and when you do make it. make sure you put them on in positions in your company.
They have to be trustworthy people you are comfortable and grew up with."

Shayzar who describes himself as an "artistic, calm, honest, persistent and a perfectionist"
mentions that he has the most fun producing for Hip Hop because "it is the most complex one and is a great challenge."  With that said, he points out that "Hip Hop is easy to produce but too many conflicts and bad blood between artists hinder it's musical growth"
He prefers dance music as it is by far the "most rewarding financially in the South African music industry."

Adding on about the complexity of being a producer he says one thing he doesn't particularly like about being one in Africa is the lack of understanding between artists, record labels, publishers and producers over credits and financial split sheets.

"I had to accept to have to consistently be working for free (pro bono) to get to where I am and know when and who to charge production fees.
 I had to accept that money makes people and situations change too.Producers/composers , creatives and engineers always receive the back end and are the last and least paid."

Although he doesn't specifically identify only as a producer, he enjoys listening to BeatMochini productions, Master A Flat ,orrrrr Soulistics, the legendary Amu and a couple others.

"I'm not longer just a music producer anymore. I'm more or less a creative. I can do music production, engineering, photography, cinematography, designs, artist development and other spheres that requires a creative touch.
Our website contains and explains a lot of what Mix Masters International is about and also showcases the entire canvas of our production label."

They say the more you do, the more you want to do more and Shayzar is on that tip. He's got some moves he wants to see play out.
"I expect Mix Masters International to have or be involved in winning multiple Grammy's before 2023!
The next level for Shayzar is working with Grammy nominated artists from next year onwards. Hoping i can produce or engineer for a South African artist that will break that mould."

It seems these "let your work speak for you" and " move in silence" phrases are the real deal and this guy is the proof. But a lil stunting here and there never hurt nobody right.

So next time your hear the "Mix Masters" tag on song, just know Shay been putting in the work.

S/O to all the creative genius's in the background living their dreams who don't get enogh credit for their work. Don't sleep on yourself and remember to always be as authentic as you can be.

Get in touch with Shayzar on
Twitter - @Shayzar
Instagram- @shayzarzee

Connect with  us across all socials @Tan89Media