Most musicians do not plan for the future and in the words of Fatboy Slim, it’s all about “right here, right nowâ€. But not so for young production team, Kentphonik, which comprises of three 20-somethings namely, DJ Kent, DJ Euphonik and Turni. “Why buy a Bentley when you can take that money and put it back into the business?†is their philosophy. These house DJs/producers are most famous for Ntsiki Mazwai’s huge club hit, Uwrongo, as well as tracks on the even huger Soul Candi Sessions 3. They have finally released their debut album, titled Kentphonik. Already some of their songs are proving to be hits through out South Africa and in high rotation in most radio stations. The album’s filled with more house mixes than anyone could ask for, and the transitions are so slick, you’ll be dancing to a new track without realising it. However, they are not perturbed as to whether it will sell or not. “This is a learning experience for us,†says Tumi, the business brain behind the crew. “We have learnt everything first-hand. Sure, we are still getting screwed along the way, but we see it as a learning curve.†“This album is the next logical step,†adds Euphonik. “The industry is right for us nowâ€. Euphonik was also recently appointed as a 5FM DJ. Apparently the station has big plans for him in the long-term. Meanwhile, both he and Kent are building up their reputation as house DJs in clubs. Kent, the quiet one in the group, is one of those producers/DJs who prefer to lose themselves in the studio and on the turntables rather than communicate verbally with humanity. Together, Kentphonik and their own record label, 88 Productions, have the potential to be among some of South Africa’s big independent record labels. They have the talent, but, more importantly, they have the vision. The bling is an extra to the fact that they live and breathe house music. Kentphonik also does a lot of stuff behind the scenes, from giving valuable input in other DJ’s compilations and other producers’ work to helping and organizing events. “Basically, we live house. We are trying to brew a legend, so that when we’ve gone they’ll feel it. We don’t live for now. That mentality can be quite destructive.†These boys also produce kwaito (working on their own kwato artist), Afro-pop and hip-hop. Kentphonik try to move forward by using ourselves as guinea pigs. From this album they will get enough experience and grounding to sign and help other people. Each one teaches one is one of their motors. Their vision is to expand outside of the industry and these boys really know their stuff. It is so refreshing to engage with artists who are not about the fast girls and the fast cars. Those will obviously come with time But, Kentphonik are a rare breed among today’s youth, who have a comprehension of the future. And, unlike most of their contemporaries, they will still be producing hits in 10 years’ time.
