With interests in video production, photography, television and radio, as well as music production, David Muthami can only be defined as highly creative. Kijiji Records latest addition to its production crew has been in full time music production for only a short while, but is already showing immense promise as one of the finest in the industry.
 He was born the first of three children in 1981 to highly religious folks, with his father serving as a reverend and mother completing her doctorate in theology. He gave his life to Christ while only ten, thanks to Congolese neighbors who strongly influenced him.
At the tender age of 7, he was fortunate enough to get his very own guitar. His mother, who still leads worship at her church, taught him his very first chords. Realizing he wanted
to develop his gift further, he pushed his parents to buy him a guitar book, and soon he found himself practicing guitar all day long.
Along with his cousin, he found himself seeking training from friends in his neighborhood. However, as he approached upper primary, his interest begun to wane, getting more interested in sport.
He credits Daystar University, from where he got his Communications degree, for re-igniting his interest in a big way. He begun playing guitar at their chapel services, and took up drums and keyboards as well, becoming a self-taught musician. He admits he only got interested after seeing how lax the instrumentalists on campus were, and wanted to further develop the music scene there.
In 2002, he made a decision that was to be critical in his development as a producer; he took a year off from school to avoid burn out, but also to pursue his musical ambitions. One would think with such highly educated parents, such a move would be discouraged. Amazingly he credits his parents for their support all along. The only demands they had on him being to ensure he buffers himself from the volatility of the music industry by first getting a quality degree.
This was a fruitful year of discovery and experimenting. Along with a Ugandan friend Moses Achoka (a.k.a. Biggie Mo), David started practicing his keys and messing around with beats on the keyboard. He then discovered fruity loops and other similar software, and trained himself to the point where producer Richard Kasika was impressed with his work, allowing him to do some work at his State House Road studio. Here he had the opportunity to produce a number of independent artists, including Holy Dave and Word Deep.
Eager to get a full-time opportunity at one of the local studios, he put together a portfolio of his work, prepared to hit all studios. Kijiji Records was his first stop. Having no real studio experience, he admits he was a little freaked out when he met Kijiji proprietor Kanjii, along with established producer Aaron "Krucial Keys" Rimbui. An interview was arranged where he had to sequence a couple of tracks; as they say, from there, the rest is history. He was offered a 3-month internship, which he handled with aplomb.
While working at Kijiji, the name Blackman stuck. Cheekily, his family coined him the name Black Boy, reflecting his dark skin. While working with Kanjii , the name evolved to Black Man. There, he had the opportunity to work on Suluwe, Chizi's debut album, producing tracks that featured amongst others Wyre, Neema and Richard Kasika.
In addition, he's produced music for Aida Onyango (US based singer and actress from Tear of the Sun, Syd, Melody, Gowi Odera and Kanjii himself.
Even though he is still fairly new to the industry, this multi-talented producer has a lot to share. He feels that the biggest issue in the industry is the mediocrity and lack of growth of many of his peers.
His opinion is that too many producers choose to operate within a clearly defined comfort zone, hardly ever venturing out to discover what else may exist out there. He appreciates the work and bravery of Kijiji in releasing a full saxophone album (Hellon) as well as a piano project (Aaron Rimbui).
Locally, he confesses his admiration for the production talents of Aaron "Krucial Keys" Rimbui and Richard Kasika. Nonetheless he reserves his loudest plaudits for Tim "Ennovator" Rimbui, whose influence is obvious in Blackman's own work. Small wonder they share the same overseas influences of Warryn Campbell, Darkchild, The Neptunes and Kanye West. Blackman defines his style as a fusion of hip-hop, neo-soul and urban gospel.
His influences include Cross Movement, Gospel Gangstaz and B-B Jay, as well as neo-soul practitioners Maxwell, Floetry, Spiritual Pieces and Angie Stone.
It's hard not to see an amazing future for this great talent.
» Post Comment
» 4 Comments
1"Producer"
at Monday, 17 November 2008 06:43
Great going, man! I love your work, especially the pieces you did on AStar's album - The Light. I think you are currently East Africa's hottest Hip Hop producer. Keep it up, bro and God bless!
2Comment
at Thursday, 29 January 2009 14:13
God akubless so much for ministering to us throu this ministry
3"Musical Phenomenon"
at Sunday, 04 July 2010 15:55
I Luv Richard Kasika's Music....could any one pliz tell him to contact me....or call +256702320740....thanx alot!
4"mr"
at Thursday, 09 September 2010 09:30
I am touched by your profile and achievement in music production. I have an album that i want to produce as soon as it possible. kindly get in touch with me via the address
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 0720362176. thank you
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