Interview: MO3Z Percussionist & Producer
Mo3z is no ordinary producer; far from it. The Nubian-American percussionist and producer seamlessly connects the rich and vibrant musical language and essence of Africa to the landscape of global contemporary music. Now his work can be heard in features and collaborations with world renown artists such as Cheb Khaled, Carole King, Jason Mraz, and many more. His productions shatter barriers with his diverse creations in the realm of modern world music, working with the likes of Vasuda Sharma (India), Mayssa Karaa (Lebanon/America), multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy winners, K.C. Porter and Javier Limon (Spain). No categories apply here, as Mo3z’s unique sound traverses land and sea with cross-continental collaborations that whisk your ears to worlds unimaginable.
As a powerful creative force in the industry with many accolades to his name, Mo3z has channeled his expertise to forge a new path as the founder and curator of his label Konafa Republic. This label hosts a collection of Mo3z’s works, as well as influential releases with some of the most talented emerging contemporary world music artists of today. Always staying true to the diverse origins of his artistry and experience, the label features the best of modern and innovative sounds from every corner of the world.
You produce, record, remix and tour. Out of all of these, what do you enjoy the most?
I think I have to go with remixing, even though I do it the least, there is just something special about reimagining a song and putting it in a new world. It’s also one of the few times where it’s just you and the song, it’s not a collaboration it’s your take on the song. Recently I did a remix of a song called “piece of my heart” by one of my favorite Arabic singers “Hussain al Jassmi”, and I’m sure that my Afro beats, heavy bass lines and his beautiful Arabic melodies would never be “approved of” if this was the original. There is just less pressure and more creative freedom in remixing.
As a producer, what are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?
I always love working with my friends, Lydia Lyon- Femme EP is one of my favorites, we did it during the beginning of COVID lock downs world wide and it was hard but satisfying to work together in that way and get it done in time . I made most of the music in America and Lydia wrote and recorded her parts in Amsterdam (lots of FaceTime calls and what’s app voice notes). Gene Blaze recorded his verse in South Africa. Then finally it was mixed and mastered in Cairo, Egypt at dream studios. Mayssa Karaa- Versailles remix is also one my favorites, even though it was a remix it ended up being one of the singles of Mayssa’s debut album and the version used in the music video. I’m also the percussionist in the original version of the song, so to have multiple roles in multiple phases of that song's life makes it one of my favorites.
Who are some of your greatest influences? What have they taught you?
This is such a tough question for me. I’m influenced by cultures from around the world. Whether that’s the culture of a country or the culture of a business or a culture around an art form. Musically I usually love artists who are a little outside the box and have something to say. Even though I’m a really silly person who’s always joking around even when it’s inappropriate.I really love Bjork, M.I.A, Cheb Khaled and Afro-beats, Afro-pop, Afro- Anything. I learned that it’s ok to not fit within the perimeters set by “the system”, do you. Do it for your people, do it for your culture no matter how big or small or how uncomfortable that may be.
PC: Young Kim
Your primary instruments are percussion, what are your favorite percussion instruments to play?
I love playing my djembe with brooms with singer-songwriters in a coffee shop somewhere, it’s a vibe. But if I have to solo I love my tubal (darbouka/doumbek). I feel like I can do the most damage with that one.
You have had the honor to play on some very prestigious events. What is the most memorable performance you’ve had the opportunity to play?
One of the most memorable definitely has to be performing with Cheb Khaled at the Greek. Such a legendary artist at such a legendary venue. I believe it was also his first time performing in America in over a decade. So for him to call me up to be a part of that was really special.
After having worked with a number of renowned groups and artists you have now moved on making your record label Konafa Republic. Does the label have a genre of music it is focused on? What is your vision for this project?
Konafa Republic mainly focuses on bringing the East and West together. No specific genre but always elements of African and eastern music mixed in with urban genres. Konafa in Arabic is a dessert. In Egyptian slang Konafa is a mess or a hodgepodge of things. Sonically the goal of Konafa Republic is just that, bringing things that don't traditionally fit together and trying to make them work and pushing the boundaries a little.
PC: Young Kim
Tell us a little bit about what you look for from the artists you approach to be added to the roster.
We don’t “add artists to the roster” per say as much as we collaborate with artists on projects. Konafa Republic was started out of necessity to help those artists that couldn’t get the support they needed from other indie labels because they didn’t fit into their box. For now we mainly work with world music artists and artists targeting markets and genres that are outside the U.S, but we are just getting started.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on a song with my good friend Mayssa That I’m excited about. Soon I have a song coming out under Konafa Republic with my friend Ahmed Kamal (one of the best singers in Egypt).I also have a few songs coming out under Konafa Republic with Niu Raza (Madagascar), Gene Blaze (South Africa), Vasuda Sharma (India), Gyovanni (Benin) and Baz King (South Africa). There is also a mix of lofi beats with a hint of world music up on the Konafa Republic YouTube page with more to follow soon… insha’allah.
MO3Z Links:
Watch MO3Z perform with Mayssa Karaa!