Mobi Dixon has a Tribal Soul

Mention of Mobi Dixon brings to mind his memorable 2014 hit single “City Rains” and more recently his chart making remix for Tresor’s “Never Let You Go”.

Less spoken of is the East London born DJ and producer’s nearly two decades slog in the industry which is fortunately now bearing the fruits of success.

With a Metro FM Award nomination, gigs across the country and records in high rotation, Mobi Dixon has finally arrived.

The love and passion for music kept me going.

I truly believed that God gave me a gift that I needed to share with the world.”

He was also nominated in the Best Dance Album category at SAMA 2016, announced last week for his album Tribal Soul.

Join us as we catch a few moments with the Tribal Soul muso.

City Rains is probably the song that brought you into the wider mainstream. What’s the background to this particular track?

Mobi Dixon: It is indeed a very special song for me.

We originally recorded the song in 2013 and it took me about a year to fine tune it and release it.

It’s a song that defines Tribal Soul.

The name of your album is also Tribal Soul. How does this tag describe your particular sound?

Mobi Dixon: I call my sound or style Tribal Soul which is a fusion of ethnic African grooves with elements of soul and jazz as well as touches of R&B.

You are no newcomer to the industry. How many years exactly have you put into your craft before gaining the recognition you are currently enjoying?

Mobi Dixon: It feels like I’ve been doing music all my life but if I count it is 16 years now.

What kept you plodding on in the music industry when you could have thrown in the towel, polished up your CV and applied for a 9-5 working gig?

Mobi Dixon: The love and passion for music kept me going.

I truly believed that God gave me a gift that I needed to share with the world.

What are the key lessons to date have you learnt in this long musical journey?

Mobi Dixon: Perseverance and hard work.

Tribal Soul was nominated for a Metro FM award in the Best Dance Album category.

How did you feel when you first received the news?

Mobi Dixon: It was a great feeling to be acknowledged for the great work I did.

Not eventually walking away the award must have been a disappointment of sorts. How did you deal with it?

Mobi Dixon: Not at all.

Our goal was to be nominated and we achieved that.

Late last year you dropped a banging remix of Tresor’s “Never Let You Go”.

How did this remix come about?

Mobi Dixon: I was honoured to take the opportunity when Sony and Vth Season approached me to do it. For me it was about adding the Tribal Soul touch without loosing the feel of the original.

You regard Quentin Harris and Black Coffee as the artist that have had the biggest influence on you as a producer. What is it about their sound that has influenced you?

Mobi Dixon: I think it has to do with how their sound is emotional and soothing, yet punchy.

Each city and town has its own unique identity. What are some of the unique aspects of the music scene in your home town of East London?

Mobi Dixon: East London has a community of authentic artists who are naturally talented and passionate about music.

I never plan or predict because I feel it may limit me.

I always go with my gut feeling.”

Msaki is your home girl from East London and probably one of the most loudly kept secrets on the local music scene. How was it working with her on Love Colour Spin?

Mobi Dixon: She is an all time friend so it was a pleasure working with her.

Love Colour Spin was the first song she ever recorded and even though it took me months to get her into studio it only took her seven minutes to record the song.

Are we likely to see future collaborations featuring Msaki and yourself?

Mobi Dixon: Yes definitely.

What’s your production setup like?

Mobi Dixon: I use Logic Pro.

If you were to find yourself about to play to a crowd that has never heard you play and possibly are not familiar with House Music. What would your opening track be?

Mobi Dixon: It would purely depend on the atmosphere at the time.

I never plan or predict because I feel it may limit me.

I always go with my gut feeling.

What’s your take on the whole CD vs. Vinyl vs. laptop debate in terms of showcasing a DJ’s skills?

Mobi Dixon: They are all mediums which have evolved with time and technology and it’s a matter of preference how you use them to your advantage as a DJ.

What’s your personal preference when playing?

Mobi Dixon: I play with USB.

Earlier this year the internet was abuzz on the back of reports that Don Laka had published onto his Facebook page a lengthy post that implied “DJs are not musicians” mainly because “turntables are not instruments”. What is your personal opinion regarding DJs being/not being musicians?

Mobi Dixon: Whoever is questioning that should check the definition in the dictionary.

That is what I live by.

In this age of DJpreneurs where DJs/producers have complementary revenue streams, what other lines of business are you involved in?

Mobi Dixon: I co-own an entertaining company called On Point Entertainment.

You were also signed to the iconic House Music label in the form of Soul Candi.

How did this relationship come about?

Mobi Dixon: They liked my music and afforded me the opportunity to work with them.

How has this arrangement benefitted you at a professional level?

Mobi Dixon: The helped me build my brand and get more exposure for my music.

Now that you are a “celebrity” of sorts what are some of the biggest personal adjustments you have had to make?

Mobi Dixon: You always have to be on your best behaviour.

On the upside what are some of the perks of being a public figure?

Mobi Dixon: I get to meet interesting people from different walks of life.

Late last year you had to be hospitalised due to fatigue. How are you taking care of yourself to make sure that you don’t burn out?

Mobi Dixon: Trying to eat healthily, exercise and sleep more.

Away from the music how do you spend your down time?

Mobi Dixon: I live music [laughs].

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Mobi Dixon has a Tribal Soul