Masterpiece, known as “bae wama 2000,” recently sat down for an enlightening interview with the Spreading Humours Podcast. During the conversation, he clarified DJ Maphorisa’s role in the creation of their hit song “Manzi Nte.” Previously, it was suggested that DJ Maphorisa’s contribution to the track was limited to the dance challenge associated with the song. However, Masterpiece provided a detailed explanation of why DJ Maphorisa’s name appears on the song and his actual involvement.
Masterpiece began by explaining the intricacies of their recording contracts and the roles of their respective label heads. He noted, “You must understand, for instance, Tyler is signed to New Money Gang and I am signed to Piano Hub, so we have what we call label heads. Our contracts stipulate that there’s nothing we drop that does not go through the label head.”
He elaborated on the process, stating, “So, for example, if DJ Maphorisa decides there’s something he can add or feels like we can master it this way or actually let’s arrange it like this and put that, then he has every right to be on the song. The moment I drop something, it needs to go through Kabza De Small first. I can’t just drop music and say, ‘Here are my songs, it’s out.’ They need to listen to it, and we’d have a sit-down with a whole Sony team, and they would decide if they like the song or want changes. That’s how the songs are approved.”
This insight sheds light on the collaborative and hierarchical nature of the music industry, especially within their labels. Masterpiece emphasized that label heads play a significant role in the final production of songs, often adding their touch or making necessary adjustments before a track is released. This process ensures that the music meets certain standards and aligns with the label’s vision.
Masterpiece’s explanation highlights the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, where contributions may not always be immediately apparent to the listeners. It shows the importance of label heads and their influence in shaping the final product. DJ Maphorisa’s involvement, as described by Masterpiece, goes beyond just the visible elements like dance challenges and extends into the core production and arrangement of the music.
By clarifying DJ Maphorisa’s role, Masterpiece provided a valuable educational insight into how their industry operates, explaining why certain names appear on tracks even when their voices or beats are not overtly recognizable. This transparency helps fans and listeners appreciate the collaborative effort that goes into creating hit songs like “Manzi Nte.”
