Five minutes with rising star Mayten on being authentically African

TimesLIVE

a day ago

Mayten, real name Meshack Siwela, is a Pretoria-based singer on a mission to leave his mark in the industry.
His debut hit single Karolina positioned him as one of the freshest new talents to watch out for in Mzansi. He's worked with celebrated artists including Blxkie, S1mba, Kelvin Momo and Lady Zamar.
With his new single Let Me Love You, Mayten hopes to make an impact beyond South Africa's borders.
'The song is an ode to love and anyone that is in love. With so much happening around the world, people forget to share their love with family, partners and even strangers. This is a reminder of all,' Mayten told TshisaLIVE.
We spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures:
How would you describe the sound of the single Let Me Love You?
The sound is unapologetically Afrobeats. It's what I love because it is chilled and just about spreading positive vibes.
You could have chosen to make any genre — why Afrobeats?
I started off doing hip-hop music and as time went by I fell in love with Afrobeats and found my style. Growing up I listened to a lot of reggae music but I just couldn't get myself to make reggae. I wanted something that was antithetically African and not limiting. Something that could put Africa on the map.
How long have you been making music and what keeps you motivated?
I started at church — I was in the choir and this is where I received my foundation. I once performed at a huge church service with more than 60,000 people at the FNB Stadium and that is where I saw myself as a global superstar. I went for it — I have been making music now professionally for three years.
Who and what inspires you and who do you wish to work with in future?
There are a lot of people who inspire me, but life and everyday situations are the inspiration in my music. People who have been influential in my brand, sound and style, and I also know I will soon work with them, are Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
What are some of your career highlights?
Man, I have done a lot. My album Karolina reached one million streams on Spotify — that was a proud moment. I can also say working with some of the top artists in the country has been an achievement. And with every artist or project, I try to challenge myself and bring something different and unique, and I enjoy the challenge because I always want to be better.