Harmonizing Rhythms: A Conversation with DJ Ryan Synth

Radio waves and club beats: For the past ten years, Ryan Synth has been a familiar voice on national airwaves, gracing radio stations such as ZiFM Stereo, Star FM, and Power Ace Radio. His seamless transition from the pulsating energy of the club to the captivating airwaves has made him a household name in Zimbabwe’s music scene.

Collaborations and musical journey: Beyond the turntables, Ryan Synth has left his mark through collaborations with a diverse array of artists. From the late Cal Vin to Nitefreak, Dj Stavo, Murphy Cubic, Freeman, Alick Macheso, Dj Scooby, and Miss Pam, his portfolio reflects a commitment to musical diversity and innovation.

Education and beats: A former student of Hugh Beadle Primary, Fatima High, Collen Bawn High, and Speciss College, Ryan Synth is not just a musical virtuoso but also holds qualifications in Information Communication Technology and Ethical Hacking from the National University of Science and Technology CCE. His academic background adds a unique layer to his creative prowess.

Upcoming single and beyond: As we dive into our conversation with Ryan, he reveals insights into his upcoming single featuring Simba Tagz and Asaph Afrika. Join us as we unravel the layers of his musical journey, exploring the intersection of technology, education, and beats that define the rhythmic world of DJ Ryan Synth.

Makhosini Mpofu (MM), had this unique opportunity to catch up with DJ Ryan Synth (RS).

MM: Can you share the inspiration behind your upcoming single? What motivated you to create this track?
RS: It all started when I wanted to experiment with different styles of music and collaborate with artists who have their own unique sound. I decided to fuse their styles with my own music, and that’s how “Take It Slow” was born. It was such a fun and creative process, and I’m so grateful for the talented artists I got to work with. I hope you enjoy listening to the song as much as I enjoyed creating it!

MM: How would you describe the overall vibe and mood of the song? What emotions do you hope listeners will experience?
RS: This song has the power to evoke good vibes and get you into a frenzy. It’s the type of song that you didn’t know you needed for all your personal playlist or DJ playlist. Trust me, it’s a must-have for any party or gathering. I hope this song surely gets the listeners’ party started. So, what are you waiting for? Add it to your playlist and let the good times roll!

MM: What makes this single stand out from your previous releases? Any unique elements or surprises for your audience?
RS: As I mentioned earlier, it involves fusing two different artists who specialize in different genres of music onto one of my productions. Can you imagine the result of three heavyweights from their respective genres collaborating on one song? It’s mind-blowing! When the artwork for this project was released, it took everyone by surprise. I think it was the best surprise before the actual release of the song.

MM: Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process behind the production of the track? Any interesting anecdotes or challenges you faced?
RS: It all started with a simple idea; a spark of inspiration that ignited into something truly special. I remember sitting in front of my laptop, playing with some sample beats, and suddenly the melody started to take shape. It was such an exciting moment, and I knew I was onto something. From there, it became a collaborative effort with Asaph Afrika and Simba Tagz, each bringing their own unique touch to the song. We spent countless hours in the studio, experimenting with different sounds and arrangements until we found the perfect balance. And let me tell you, it was such a fun and fulfilling journey. I hope you can feel the passion and love we poured into this track when you listen to it.

MM: Are there specific influences or artists that played a role in shaping the sound of this single?
RS: Having someone to critique and give feedback on your work is crucial in any creative process, and for me, that person is my go-to music critic. They have been with me since the beginning of my musical journey and have always been honest and real with me. Whether it’s a new song or an entire album, I know that their scrutiny will help me improve and grow as an artist. Their opinion holds a lot of weight for me, and I value their input immensely. I believe that having a second and third opinion on my music is essential because it allows me to see things from different perspectives and helps me make the best decisions for the direction of my music. Without their guidance and support, I wouldn’t be able to produce the music that I am proud of today. They are an integral part of my creative process, and I am grateful to have them as my trusted music critic.

MM: Did you collaborate with any other artists or musicians on this project? If so, how did their contributions enhance the final product?
RS: Working with ASAPH AFRIKA and Simba Tagz was such an amazing experience! As a fan of both hip-hop and Afrobeat music, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with these talented artists. From the very beginning, it was clear that we all shared a passion for creating music that would not only entertain but also inspire others. The energy and creativity that flowed between us during our collaboration was truly special. I learned so much from ASAPH AFRIKA’s unique flow and
Simba Tagz infectious beats. I feel grateful to have been a part of this collaboration and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two incredible artists.

MM: What message or story do you aim to convey through the lyrics or musical elements of the single?
RS: I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment that Simba Tagz expressed in his song. In today’s fast-paced world, it seems like we are always in a rush. We are constantly rushing to work, rushing to school, and trying to keep up with our busy schedules. But sometimes, we forget to slow down and just enjoy the moment. We need to take a step back, breathe, and appreciate the little things in life. As Simba Tagz said, there’s no need to rush. Let’s take it slow, savour the present, and make the most out of every moment. Life is too short to constantly be in a hurry, so let’s all try to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination. So, my friend, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s enjoy this beautiful journey of life together.

MM: How do you envision your audience connecting with this track? Any settings or situations where you think it’ll resonate the most?
RS: I truly envision this song connecting with the audience in a meaningful way. The lyrics are personal and relatable, and the melody is catchy and uplifting. I can’t wait for people to hear it and hopefully feel a connection to it. Music has the power to bring people together and I hope this track does just that. I’m really looking forward to sharing it with all of you and hearing your thoughts. Let’s spread some good vibes and positivity through music!

MM: Are there plans for a music video or any visual elements to accompany the release? If yes, can you provide a teaser or hints about the concept?
RS: Unfortunately, there won’t be a music video for this track. I know, it’s a bummer. I was really looking forward to seeing the visuals for this song, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. But hey, let’s not dwell on the negatives. The good news is, we still have the amazing song to listen to, and we can create our own music video in our minds while we jam out to it. Plus, maybe in the future, there will be a surprise release of a music video for this track.

MM: After the release, what’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or collaborations on the horizon?
RS: The upcoming Extended Play titled El Jėfé is set to be released in March 2024 and I couldn’t be more thrilled! One of the tracks on the EP, “Take It Slow”, has already been released and it’s amazing. What’s even more exciting is that it features some incredible artists like Prince Joel, Kinah The Music, and CUSTO, just to name a few. But that’s not all, there will be two more EPs following this release to seal off the year.

In conclusion, it’s evident that Ryan Synth’s upcoming single, “Take It Slow,” is a result of a unique and collaborative creative process, bringing together artists from different genres to create a truly special piece of music. The fusion of styles and the energy shared between Ryan Synth, ASAPH AFRIKA, and Simba Tagz promise a song that is not only entertaining but also holds the power to inspire and uplift listeners.

Ryan’s commitment to bringing positivity through music is clear, with a message encouraging everyone to slow down and appreciate life’s moments. Despite the absence of a music video, the anticipation for the release of his EP, “El Jėfé,” in March 2024 is palpable. With collaborations featuring remarkable artists, it seems like Ryan Synth has exciting plans for the year ahead.

As we eagerly await the release of “Take It Slow” and the subsequent EPs, let’s embrace the positive vibes and enjoy the journey of life through the uplifting melodies crafted by Ryan Synth and his talented collaborators. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your insights into the creative process and offering a glimpse into what’s to come in the world of your music. Wishing you continued success on your musical journey!