Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Khayelihle Ngcobo, better known as Vertic, discovered his passion for music at a very young age, inspired by his brother’s love for Deep House. In 2016, he began producing his own music with FL Studio, determined to turn his passion into a career. Since then, he has performed at major events and shared stages with artists including Black Coffee, Shimza, Culoe De Song, Da Capo and Enoo Napa. Driven by the belief that music can change lives, Vertic is now focused on strengthening his sound and making his mark on the scene. Let’s get to know him better with this face-to-face interview.
Who inspired you to become a DJ?
Back in the days when I wanted to do music or go into the industry of music, I used to look up to a lot of artists who really did music that spoke to me deeply, but the ones who stood out for me in those days were Black Coffee, Culoe De Song & Da Capo. They really had the type of sound I really wanted to be a part of, create, and grow, or be a part of in the game.
Which kind of music did you listen to when you were a teenager?
Way back when, I used to be a deep house & tribal house lover. I used to buy all the original House Afrika CDs and also watch Hit Refresh since they used to book all the artists that were part of the House Afrika sessions. My favourite one was when they booked Culoe De Song, where he’d come drop so many exclusives from his list of tracks.
And now?
Now I listen to a lot of abroad guys like Maz, &Lez, RBØR to name a few, because the sound they create resonates with my sound.
Your upcoming projects and label?
My upcoming project is called Voices In My Head, which will be dropping under TIIK. I had so many ideas towards the journey I’m on and had to put them into the music. I felt TIIK is the perfect label to get this project out there and to the right ears, where people can really feel and hear my story through music, so TIIK as the label will get my project into the right spaces.
What is the next release you are most excited about?
I’m always excited about all my releases because they are full of creativity and always show a different side of me, and each release has a different motion to it, where I express through each element, sound, or voice that is within the song. I’m excited about this one I’m dropping with TIIK because it will space me out from everything, creating my own lane, with the sound standing out from the rest.
Which platform do you use to listen to music?
I use Spotify & Apple Music, where I get to create playlists and also explore the many producers I didn’t know, but the shuffle mode helps me come across them.
Why is Africa becoming so important in the electronic music scene?
We saw a gap in the market and saw a huge space in terms of sound. We then created something that can’t be ignored, something that really caught the ear. The sounds we use capture moments and create movements on the dancefloor where everything blends as one. The music created in Africa has really changed the house scene worldwide and is still growing rapidly.
Your favourite DJs and producers.
My favourite DJs are Black Coffee, Shimza, Dlala Thukzin, and favourite producers are Culoe De Song, Da Capo, RBØR & Argento Dust.
Your favourite clubs and festivals.
Favourite clubs are Muze, Zues, favourite festivals are Kunye, Cercle, Anywhere In Your City, to name a few.
The most important record in your box?
Georg Levin: (I Got) Somebody New.
Your all-time favourite track?
All-time favourite track is by Tevin Campbell, titled Can We Talk.
How to send you promos?
Promos can be sent to my email, which is verticmusic19@gmail.com.
Your favourite food / actor / football team / TV series
I’m a foodie, so I have many favourites, but the one that always stands out for me is the McFeast from McDonald’s, which is out of this world with its taste. Favourite actor is Vin Diesel due to his calmness and always having solutions to every problem, and always knowing how to take care of any challenge. I’m a Manchester City supporter; I feel it has shown more than what’s expected of it. Favourite TV series is The Beauty In Black.
Your hobbies?
I love travelling and playing a lot of PlayStation to get my mind off things, or when taking a break from the studio.
Your lifelong dream?
It’s to become a person that never stops giving the best of my ability, never gets lost in the game, and never gets distracted by negative energy. To become the best at what I do and to never change in my lane. Create a sound that will live for many more years after me, and for the ones after me to love and give more to it.
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