Self taught producer yearns to make it

Security guard Albert Mabhena’s dream for the future is to be a professional music producer. He has worked at Autumn Field complex in Buccleuch for seven years. He is a trained plumber and helps with renovations around the complex – but when he is not working his shifts to make money for his wife and daughter, he is producing his own music. Using a programme called FruityLoops, a complete virtual studio that creates music tracks, Mabhena taught himself the process of production. According to him, the programme offers a diverse range of sounds and instruments that are layered and looped to make sample tracks. He then collects instruments through plug-in devices on his laptop and uses the keyboard as a mini control pad. He said each instrument is built up in four or eight counts, which determines the pace of the song. Mabhena said that music was his talent when he was younger but he never had the time to pursue his dream. He was introduced to FruityLoops through a friend. “It was challenging in the beginning, but this is what is in me,” explained Mabhena. He is inspired by various genres, but really enjoys producing deep house tracks. “DJ Fresh is a guy who really impresses me in the industry,” he added. Mabhena has finished three albums and wants to share his music with the public. Specialising in house, hip-hop, rhythm and blues and gospel, his goal is to record in a studio with professional microphones and monitors so he can start producing for artists and learn about mixing and final mastering. “I even did a tribute to Mandela album. Most people who live in Soweto really enjoyed these beats,” said Mabhena. He is passionate about music and wants the opportunity to develop producing into a career. His fellow security guards know him as DJ Alistos, and they all hope he can make it in the industry.