Mage’s story is one of natural talent fitting into unceasing ambition. Starting from the four walls of the church premises where Mage discovered his love for music, his journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
An unwavering believer in staying true to one vision, Mage the Producer is a fast riser in the music production scene focused on his goal of cross-cultural fusion. His chart-topping global successes, like “People” with Libianca, and collaborations with other talented artists such as Becky G, Zion Foster and Cian Rhodes are significant career milestones that prove the attainability of this goal.
With his ever-evolving sounds and unrelenting curiosity, Mage is on a mission to produce music that transcends cultural barriers, establishing connections across diverse communities.
When and how did your music production career start?
My music production career took off when I started playing musical instruments in church, where my deep love for music was first nurtured. Over time, I delved deeper into music production and realized that I had a natural talent for it. That realisation solidified my decision to pursue this path, blending different genres and sounds to create music that resonates globally.
How has the journey been so far?
The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. From the early days of producing children’s songs like “Ski Wish,” which reached number 20 on Nigeria’s Hot 100, to collaborating on global hits like “People” with Libianca, the experiences have been diverse and enriching. Each project has brought new lessons, and seeing my music cross cultural boundaries has been a dream come true.
What’s your creative process like?
My creative process begins with gathering inspiration from various sources, whether it’s a melody, a sample, or even a mood I’m in. I then lay down a rough structure, focusing on the main elements like the beat and melody. Afterwards, I experiment with different sounds and layers, refining the track until everything fits together seamlessly. I take breaks to ensure the track maintains its energy, and finally, I polish the mix and master the track for the best possible sound quality across all systems.
What are your influences and motivations?
I’m influenced by various music genres, particularly EDM and Western music, but I’ve also worked hard to blend these influences with Afrobeats to create a sound that’s uniquely mine. My motivation comes from a desire to create music that resonates globally, breaking cultural boundaries and bringing people together through sound.
Run us through a couple of the personal philosophies you have consciously based your life on. In what ways have these philosophies been instrumental in shaping you into the person you’ve become?
One of my core philosophies is the importance of perseverance and self-belief. I’ve always believed in staying true to my vision, even when faced with challenges, like blending different genres while keeping my music original. This philosophy has helped me stay focused and motivated, driving me to constantly improve and evolve as a producer.
What’s been your favourite project to work on, and why?
Collaborating on the hit song “People” with Libianca has been my favourite project so far. The experience of working on a track that resonated so widely and seeing it gain global popularity was incredibly rewarding. The success of “People” marked a significant milestone in my career, showcasing my ability to create music that crosses cultural boundaries.
Are you currently working on any projects?
Yes, I have some exciting projects in the pipeline. I’m working on tracks with super-talented artists like Kaptain, Tomi Owo, Tariq, and Elmina. These collaborations are pushing my creative boundaries, and I’m excited to share the music with the world soon.
What advice would you give someone looking to get into a similar role?
Believe in yourself and never give up on your goals, no matter how challenging the journey may seem. Keep improving your craft, stay curious, and always be open to learning new things. Success in music production often comes down to perseverance, so keep pushing forward—you never know how close you are to achieving your dreams.
What should we expect from Mage moving forward?
You can expect more genre-blending, boundary-pushing music that resonates with diverse audiences. I’m constantly evolving and experimenting with new sounds, so stay tuned for some exciting new projects and collaborations.
