• Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

IDM Mag

Electronic Dance Music News, DJ Gear & Tech, South Africa

  • Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
You are here: Home / Featured / Marian Nyako-Lartey -“it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing”

Marian Nyako-Lartey -“it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing”

September 22, 2016 By Nyasha Themba Dhliwayo

Marian Nyako-Lartey -“it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing”

 Marian Nyako-Lartey on hosting the Rolls Royce of radio shows.

Marian Nyako-Lartey

…it’s a spiritual thing, a body thing, a soul thing”

 “Not everyone understands House Music…” professed Eddie Amador in his 1999 song which has since become an iconic salute to the sophisticated nature of the genre.

            For those that do “get it”, 22:00 every Friday evening is a special time as eager fingers turn the radio knob to the Urban Beat show on Metro FM.

            Hosted by Marian Nyako-Lartey and featuring the cultured selections of South African House Music royalty, Vinny Da Vinci and DJ Christos, each three hour show is a journey into the deeper side of House Music.

            We had had a heart-to-heart with the award-winning radio hostess about anchoring the Rolls Royce of radio shows.

What’s the one thing you look forward to about the show each week?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: Enjoying the quality and exclusivity of the music that the guys bring onto the show.

            It’s not the type of House Music you hear on radio every other day, so I as much as the listeners really get excited once Friday 22:00 hits!

13427810_500361213496881_6263824093287501149_n

Vinny Da Vinci and Christos are undisputed legends. How has it been working with these two malumes of SA House Music?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: One can never deny the impact and amount of respect the two have within the industry.

            I am but one of thousands, if not millions worldwide, who have always and still do have the utmost respect for their work.

            Vinny and Christos are such a pleasure to work with.

We laugh genuinely together.

            Saying they are humble is but just a tip of what they both are.

When it comes to work, they allow me to be me making our working relationship pleasant.

How exactly did you land the role of being the presenter for SA’s leading Deep House Music show?

mirian

Marian Nyako-Lartey: I joined Metro FM in 2012 and in that same year I received an MTN Radio Award for “Best Commercial Music Presenter” for my work at my previous station (OFM).

            Zeal, who had been hosting the Urban Beat with Vinny, Christos and Siyanda since day one, left the station in 2014 to pursue other opportunities which left her spot vacant.

            I received communication from Metro FM management soon after her departure requesting to meet with me.

            We met and it would seem the MTN award I mentioned earlier worked to my benefit, making me the first choice replacement for Zeal.

            The rest as they say is history.

2016 has been a great year for local House Music.”

When exactly was your first broadcast of The Urban Beat and what do you remember about that particular inaugural show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: June 2014 was when I first presented the show as the new host.

            I remember being nervous because the team had been and grown together for about four years, which is a very long time no matter how you look at it.

            This realisation would shake anyone.

What unique undeniably Marian personal attributes have you brought to the show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: That it really is okay to be YOU.

            I pride myself in not being or becoming part of the/a system.

What has been your most memorable episode/s to date and what made it so memorable?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: This is an easy one. Smiles

            Each and every Urban Beat show.

The music on the show is really such a beautiful thing and seeing how the listeners respond to it, the cherry on top.

Are the any “rituals” that you perform before going live on air?

mar

Marian Nyako-Lartey: Nope, unless I have had a really hard and long week will I stock up on the caffeine.

            Other than that I just allow myself to be fully taken by the music so I am on par with the Deep House head listening on the night.

Talking of being live, call-ins enliven radio and make it exciting, yet there’s always that inevitable conversation that leaves you as a presenter somewhat bewildered. What’s been the weirdest live conversation that you have had on the show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: Firstly before a presenter catches feelings they should understand the nature of the show they host.

            With this said the Urban Beat is on air over the weekends and in the evening so given these facts you need to be light hearted when engaging with a caller.

            The only thing you shouldn’t stand for is if someone outright swears at you, which thankfully has not happened.

 “Diroba“, the segment that features some really talented but quite “underground” producers, is quite popular. How exactly did this section get the name “Diroba“?

marian

Marian Nyako-Lartey: It’s a phrase that came about during the original Urban Beat term.

            I think Vinny came up with it.

It is a feature on the show where we celebrate local talent.

            The mix is always 100% local and the track selection highlights and celebrates some not-so-known but world-class producers.

House Music is about a feeling, it always will be.”

How do you guys dig up some of these hidden but really soul-stirring gems?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: Vinny and Christos are on the road a lot.

            They are all for unearthing new talent and I love that about them.

This is where many producers approach them, I know I would.

Indeed SA House Music has made some really huge strides over the past decade. Where do you see the genre going over the next few years?

img-20141014-wa0005

Marian Nyako-Lartey: House Music has remained a stable genre in the country for years.

            2016 has been a great year for local House Music.

Internationally thanks to the likes of Black Coffee and Culoe De Song.

            Locally Prince Kaybee and Mobi Dixon have also had a great year.

I hope, if anything that the success of 2016 will show others in Deep House that the world is ready and the time is now.

Currently who are your favourite local and foreign House Music artists, DJs and producers?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: The likes of Avicii, Rocco and Lars.

            Let me limit it to this before I get carried away.

Locally…WOW where do I begin…

            Vinny, Christos, Black Coffee, Mobi Dixon, Chymamusique, Da Capo and those who I feel are the ones to lookout for…Roque, Lilac Jeans, Thap’ Soul are just but a few.

            We have some really great producers and DJs in South Africa.

The international and local pie is big enough, it’s only a matter of time…

How do DJs get their mixes onto the show and what are the actual requirements for the mix?

cbm0zf8w8aay-93

Marian Nyako-Lartey: They can either get in contact with Christos or Vinny who are very open to social media engagement.

            I also do accept and receive mixes on marian@metrofm.co.za.

The mix should be 30 minutes long, should have a high local music percentage and lastly the track list should be attached.

What kind of preparations do you make before each show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: I try to be well informed on any House Music breakthroughs week on week so I can share that knowledge with the listener.

            Lastly each time I enter the studio I tell myself I have now entered an exclusive Deep House party.

How many other people are involved in putting together the show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: I wish I could give a list of people but to the surprise of many a man, I do everything myself, from the technical to the anchoring of the show, to the Tweeting during the show.

            I receive the mixes from the guys then from there I get into fifth gear.

What other interesting things about the show would you would you like to share?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: House Music is about a feeling, it always will be.

            Everyone who tunes in over the weekend is fully in tune with that.

It’s a movement made up of great loyal family members.

            You can’t not fall in love.

When the show is done and dusted what do you usually get up? Do you head straight home or it’s time to party?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: I have a 60/40 split between going to party or going straight home.

            As you can tell it’s the music which stays winning and I end up going out clubbing.

What innovations can listeners expect on upcoming episodes of the show?

Marian Nyako-Lartey: The same quality they have grown to love over the past eight to nine years on Metro FM and possibly a feature where we get one on one with producers and DJs.

CONNECT 

WITH MARIAN NYAKO-LARTEY

FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Tagged With: Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Dj Christos, metro fm, Mobi Dixon, Prince Kaybee, Urban Beat show, vinny da vinci Filed Under: Featured

About Nyasha Themba Dhliwayo

In between listening to the voices playing at 120BPM in his head, Nyasha loves to write and write and write some more...A proud "tattler", Nyasha gets his "high" from *#$#! as well as from telling stories not quite like they have been told before. Oh, by the way he is also a trained journalist and PR practitioner.

Contact

info[at]idmmag.com

Tel: +27 84 2090168

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

idmmag

South Africa's definitive online electronic music publication ⬇️ #idmmag

"I love diversity in music, and I think that most "I love diversity in music, and I think that most successful artists aim to have a lot of variety in their productions.”

Psytrance extraordinaire, @zozofenface sat down with @genetrick_music to chat about his otherworldly debut album 'Starseed' - Out now on @ibogarecords 💫

Read the full interview here ➡ 🔗 in bio!

#idmmag #Genetrick #ibogarecords #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
Tag a DJ who brings a USB to every party! 😁😂 Tag a DJ who brings a USB to every party! 😁😂

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
@goldfishlive having a blast at @burningman! 😎 @goldfishlive having a blast at @burningman! 😎

5.30am sunrise sets in the desert. 🎷

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
@therealmurgs bringing the vibes with a scintillat @therealmurgs bringing the vibes with a scintillating new remix of @alexliteraturamusic & @ian_ludvig's ‘Invisible’! 🎶

It’s got dancefloor anthem written all over it! 😍

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
The weekend is right here, right now! 😉 📽 @ The weekend is right here, right now! 😉

📽 @jameshype 

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
Accurate?! 🤣🤣🤣 📽 @troysheperds #idmm Accurate?! 🤣🤣🤣

📽 @troysheperds

#idmmag #amapiano #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
"I see my music as a tiny window of opportunity fo "I see my music as a tiny window of opportunity for people to escape daily life. A place for people to go, to feel embraced by melodies and ambiences." 

@zozofenface chats to @audiodact to get the scoop on his debut album 'Reveries' - Out now on @ibogarecords!

Read the full interview here ➡ 🔗 in bio!

#idmmag #Antinomy #ibogarecords #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
Crazy vibes from @maksimdarkofficial at @temporary Crazy vibes from @maksimdarkofficial at @temporary_events last weekend 🔥 

📽: @deliriant_music

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Happy weekend! 🎶🥳 #idmmag #electronicmusic Happy weekend! 🎶🥳

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Who can relate? 😂 📹 @lil_machine6 #idmmag Who can relate? 😂

📹 @lil_machine6 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
What are your thoughts on popular rock n roll lyri What are your thoughts on popular rock n roll lyrics incorporated into dance music? 😊
 
📽: @taleofus at @afterlife_ofc 

Track: @ericprydz VS Pink Floyd - 'Proper Education' 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Soundtrack for the weekend! 😉 @eitan_reiter's Soundtrack for the weekend! 😉 

@eitan_reiter's full set from @boomfestivalofficial 2022's Alchemy Circle is up on his YouTube! 🔥

🎶 Listen now 🎶

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
@iamzlatanibrahimovic vibing on stage with @stroxl @iamzlatanibrahimovic vibing on stage with @stroxler is one of the coolest things you’ll see today! 🤝 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
@davidguetta has remixed @bennybenassi’s ‘Sati @davidguetta has remixed @bennybenassi’s ‘Satisfaction’ in honour of its 20th anniversary! 🔥

What do you think of his fresh take? 🎶

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
The visuals at the @ericprydz 'Holo' show in Amste The visuals at the @ericprydz 'Holo' show in Amsterdam looked ridiculous! 🤿🤿🐋🌊

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Tag your producer friends! 😂 📽 @kylewatsonm Tag your producer friends! 😂

📽 @kylewatsonmusic 

#producer #musicproducer #productionlife #djlife #techhouse #techno #newmusic #producers
Groovy beats and juicy rhythms to start the day. 🍋

📽 @Giorgia_Angiuli

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
#FestivalFriday!⏰ @coyote.duo laying it down th #FestivalFriday!⏰

@coyote.duo laying it down thick at @baziquefestival 2022! ⚡️

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
This is scarily true 😂 📽: @musicbylukas #i This is scarily true 😂

📽: @musicbylukas

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse #flstudio #flgang #musicproducer #producermeme
@astralprojection opening the @ozorafestivaloffici @astralprojection opening the @ozorafestivalofficial 2022 stage looked crazy!  The energy on the dancefloor is 🔥📽 @Regan_nano  #Ozorafestival #Psytrance
Happy 60th birthday to legend that is @carlcoxoffi Happy 60th birthday to legend that is @carlcoxofficial ! 👑

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
View from the dancefloor during @astrixofficial li View from the dancefloor during @astrixofficial live at @boomfestivalofficial 2022 🔥

🎥 Vídeo: Lixeira do Trance

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
Music is like sunshine for the soul ☀️ 📽 @ Music is like sunshine for the soul ☀️

📽 @desiree_rsa

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
@boomfestivalofficial starts today! 😍 Any Saff @boomfestivalofficial starts today! 😍

Any Saffa's heading through to the ultimate psychedelic experience in Portugal!? 🇵🇹 🇿🇦

📽: @djtristanofficial 

#electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
“I think for dub music, the dirty noise and crac “I think for dub music, the dirty noise and crackles that come from a record make this kind of genre even more magical on wax.” 🔥

Don’t forget to check out our interview with Ace Ventura about his latest LP ‘Ace Ventura in Dub’! ➡ 🔗 in bio!

#idmmag #djaceventura #ibogarecords #dub #lowfi #electronica #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic
This is ICONIC 🏆 @champagnepapi with all the l This is ICONIC 🏆

@champagnepapi with all the love for @realblackcoffee at @hiibizaofficial 🔥

#idmmag #champagnepapi #blackcoffee #realblackcoffee #housemusic #hiibiza #techno #electronicdancemusic
On your way to work on a Friday like... 😎😂 E On your way to work on a Friday like... 😎😂 Everyone's in the mood for the weekend! 

📽: @suatism 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
"I aimed for a timeless release that would be list "I aimed for a timeless release that would be listenable at any state, whether casually in the car or at home, or as a deep after party dive, and I’m really happy with how it all turned out.” 

@davemac77 chats to @dj_aceventura about his recently released eleven track compilation 'Ace Ventura in Dub'. - out now on @ibogarecords 🔥

Read the full interview here ➡ 🔗 in bio!

#idmmag #djaceventura #ibogarecords #dub #lowfi #electronica #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
This is so dope! 😎 Creating an Amapiano Beat w This is so dope! 😎

Creating an Amapiano Beat with her voice 🙏🏽

📽: @killorbeezbeatz 

#idmmag #Killorbeezbeatz #imaliAmapiano #instagramreels #reels #fyp #fy #trending #amapiano
Just pure vibes from @followthefishtv x @declanric Just pure vibes from @followthefishtv x @declanrice & @jackgrealish 🔥

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Follow on Instagram

Tweet to @idmmag

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
Click to show error
Error: Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons. Type: OAuthException

© 2025 IDM Mag. All Rights Reserved

Website by Terri Love Designs


Return To Top
MENU
  • Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Accept