By Moffin Opilio
Nairobi, Kenya: Idd Mohamed Ngomba alias Mocco Genius has remarkably carved out his niche in the music world as East Africa’s most renowned music producer and singer.
His journey in music started off at the early age of 17, and through his deep interest in music and storytelling, he has since grown to have an ear for all things aesthetically pleasing and a passion for curating breathtaking beats.
As a producer, Mocco leveraged his expertise by founding Imagination Sound, a music recording studio that has so far nurtured and promoted the talent of celebrated artists and music genres across East Africa. He has produced beats for several A-list artists including Alikiba, Diamond Platinum, Zuchu, and Mbosso, among others.
In 2022, he made the difficult decision of venturing out as a singer of Bongo Flava with his debut single being Napendwa, and Mocco’s star quality has reached new heights, ushering him into releasing viral hits like mi nawe featuring Marioo , mchuchu featuring Alikiba and yamenishika featuring Nandy.
Speaking to Moffin Opilio, Mocco reveals that much of his music comes from his life story as he hails from the humble township of Kilwa in Tanzania.
Through his unique perspective and approach to music, he has helped shape trends in the industry as well as set standards for young musicians and producers aspiring to make their mark in the world of music.
How did you get into the world of music?
I grew up listening to music. The people who surrounded me loved the 80s and 90s classics, and this heavily influenced my desire to explore music. As a beginner, I visited several studios, trying to master the art of music mixing, and in 2017; I made the bold move of venturing into music production as a profession.
What was your first successful project as a music producer?
I started off with Chege’s wafoo. The project was a success in that within weeks of release, the song went viral across East Africa. This fueled my confidence in the craft and contributed an increase in my clientele.
Who do you look up to as a music producer?
I don’t think there’s a specific one, but rather a few key players that have nurtured me thus far. I admire and give my respect to the legendary music producers like Master J and P-Funk who shaped the way for us.
According to you, what must a successful producer have?
First, you’ll need to have ears! Without great ears, you won’t have a chance. What I mean is that you need to know what works musically and sonically and what doesn’t work. You also need conviction and a solid gut.
You must have the ability to leap tall buildings and gently motivate and inch your artist toward his or her best performance without ruffling any feathers along the way. You need to gain the trust of everyone in the control room without alienating anyone and instinctively know when to keep your mouth shut and just let the music happen. A great producer has the inherent ability to understand and feel what the public will find infectious and want to hear repeatedly. This is the producer’s single greatest challenge, gift, and reward.
What are you most proud of as a music producer?
Producing viral songs that end up being widely accepted by the target market in East Africa and beyond.
Where is your focus right now?
Currently, I am focused on elevating my unique brand into accommodating my venture as a musician. Since 2022, I have been committed to releasing great music, and so far, so good. I have released songs like Mchuchu, Mi nawe, and Mar gaya, all of which have been widely accepted across East Africa, and beyond.
You’re a pioneer of Kompa, a genre of Music that has roots in Haiti and sang in Creole. What pushed you into producing Kompa?
Kompa is a genre that caught my ears as soon as I listened to it. I loved its beats and thought of ways I could merge it with Bongo Flava, thereby introducing Kompa to East Africa. As expected, production of Kompa has turned out to be one of my best projects, elevating my brand as a music producer and musician.
Mocco, you’ve been a huge influence on shaping today’s music. Please tell us a little bit more about the actual impact on the lives of fellow youths.
A thousand times over and over, I want to teach them music and how the industry runs. I have a great passion for giving back what I have learned. I want to use my platform as an acclaimed music producer and musician to raise awareness about the industry and how it operates in Africa and globally. I believe I influence the lives of fellow youths in various ways. Through Imagination Sound, I am able to mentor and produce songs for artists, including those who are young and budding artists and are yet to find themselves. Whether directly or indirectly, I am a force to be emulated. I know that so many youths look up to me and I am using the opportunity to teach.
On the advice he would give to aspiring music producers, particularly youths, who are looking to start their own recording studio?
Do not put money first. Try to be valuable, and money will flow in effortlessly. Be reliable and do not overpromise. The music industry is sensitive, so you must be very careful. Your reputation is worth more than money.
On the most valuable lesson he has learned in his journey as an acclaimed music producer, and how it has shaped his approach to business?
I have learned that you have to be very professional when dealing with clients (In this sense; fellow musicians and producers). Embrace your craft as a business, Know your superpower, and focus on it. Do not jump on every project without thorough research.
