XtetiQsoul is one of the rapidly rising stars on the Afro House scene, releasing on top labels in the genre such as MoBlack, Afrocentric, Nulu, Soulistic Music, Iklwa Brothers Music and more.
We grab a chat to find out more as he returns to the Afrocentric label with his new single “Better Places.”
Hi XtetiQsoul, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today, how’s 2018 been and what have been your highlights so far?
Hello and thank you for the opportunity. It’s been a hectic 6 months in studio for me so far. My ‘Retro Compilation’ release is one highlight close to me this year.
What music did you listen to growing up and who are your biggest musical inspirations?
I started out on electro/progressive house music. I than later got really inspired within the afro deep house sound by childhood inspirations Âme, Henrik Schwazs, Culoe De Song and many more.
The South African house scene has been hugely vibrant for a number of years now, who or what first turned you on to making dance music?
The dance culture in my country is incredibly large. Dance music is part of everyone’s weekend here, so making the decision to create and perform dance music was easy for me.
What’s been your most successful release so far?
My Fantasy Album, which was released back in 2015 has to be my most successful.
What have been your biggest challenges in breaking through on the scene and how has your sound evolved since you first started out?
The biggest was probably getting a team entirely focused on the vision and goals of our brand. I believe my sound has changed specifically in quality the most, but the style has always been versatile within the afro house genre.
Your new single “Better Places” with Ay J is out now on Afrocentric Records, including a remixes from Martin Landsky and Luis Radio, please tell us about the release?
The song is about a love lost looking for something better and willing to leave those behind and comes with a deep Afro house vibe. Between Afrocentric label boss Cory Centric and the remixers, I believe everyone has put so much work in this great project filled with House and Tech styles.
You’ve released on Afrocentric before with We Are One EP, how did you first link up with label boss Cory Centric?
We actually linked up on Facebook, exchanged emails and then started working together and ‘We Can Be One’ came out last year.
Looking to the future, which artist would you most like to produce with or make a remix for?
There are many great producers I’d like to work with worldwide, but currently it has to be Manoo. A remix for Dele Sosimi would be great to do also!
You’re part of the IKLWA Brothers collective, tell us about that…
I work as a Producer / Co-Owner for the Iklwa Brothers brand. We are working to establish great a foundation for the afro house sound in our country by creating opportunities for upcoming producers to showcase their talent through our label and beyond.
Your ‘Retro Compilation’ has just been released, what can we look forward to hearing?
Here you can hear the ‘young’ XtetiQsoul. This project is filled with some of my best deep Afro/Afro-Tech remixes from the past for artists such as Agoria, The Layabouts, Kent, Black Motion and others . Its showcases a creativity that I would love to tap back into for future releases.
Which dance track hold the most precious memories for you?
DJ Hush – Ambience.
Who are your top 5 current producers?
Armonica, Upercent, Kususa, Da Capo, Soulholic and 7Options.
What do you most like and dislike about the current house music scene?
I like how the genre is growing in many parts of the world. Only positive things to say, I have no dislikes about it currently.
What’s been your favourite gig to date and where would you most like to play in the future?
My favourite has to be “The Deeper Shades of Nairobi” event in Kenya. I would like to play at Sonar one day.
What else do you have planned for the rest of the year as far as touring and releases?
I’m planning to release a 7 track Ep towards the end of the year that I’m finishing up. Meanwhile myself and the team are working on getting more tour dates around Africa.
