Local star, Gemini Major shines at Coke Studios Africa 2017
JOBURG — Gemini is one of the eight best African producers tasked with engineering music fusions between top African artists.
South African artist and record producer, Benn Gilbert Kamoto, better known as Gemini Major, is one of the big name producers among the Coke Studio Africa 2017 team, which has come to be known as the Super 8 Producers.
Being part of the team means that Major spent a few weeks in Kenya as he was tasked to produce tracks for three major artist collaborations comprising Shekhinah from South Africa, Jano Band from Ethiopia, Sheebah from Uganda, Asgegnew Ashko from Ethiopia, Tresor from South Africa and Locko from Cameroon.
“It has been an amazing experience working with different artists and sharing their culture. We have learned so much from each other,” Major said of his first experience in Nairobi.
Major, often referred to by his friends as Gem, broke into the South African music industry in 2014 and solidified his status when he started working with artists such as Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick and Nasty C.
He is inspired by artists such as Bob Marley, Bongani Fassie and I-Octane and describes his sound and style as ‘Rockstarfari’. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading producers and most versatile artists.
During his time in Kenya, he reminded people once again why he is the leader of the new school. On Coke Studio Africa 2017, Gemini joins seven of the best African producers tasked with engineering music fusions between top African artists.
Other members of the Coke Studios Super 8 Producers include: Nahreel from Tanzania, Sketchy Bongo from South Africa, Gospel on the Beatz from Nigeria, Killbeatz from Ghana, Legendary Beatz from Nigeria, Shado Chris from Ivory Coast, Masterkraft from Nigeria and Maphorisa from South Africa.
“Kenyan people are very friendly, down to earth and everybody seems humble. I see myself returning to Kenya really soon.”
The new season of Coke Studio Africa 2017 is currently aired in more than 30 countries across Africa. The production includes artists from South Africa, Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe, Togo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, DRC, Ethiopia and Cameroon.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
Read: New SA indie pop band Colour Faction releases colourful debut project
