Have you ever wondered who the mastermind is behind hard hitting drums that set the Nigerian music scene ablaze? Look no further than Michael Archibong, the creative genius known as Major Bangz.
Born in 1988, Major Bangz's journey in the music industry is one filled with innovation and talent. As a record producer and sound engineer, he has orchestrated hits that have become the heartbeat of the Nigerian music landscape. Notable artists such as Phyno, Lil Kesh, Olamide, and Kizz Daniel have all found their musical magic amplified by his artistry.
From shaping the iconic "Shoki'' by Lil Kesh in 2014 to crafting the magnetic "One Ticket" by Kizz Daniel and Davido, Major Bangz's name is etched in the annals of Nigerian music history. His contributions extend beyond individual tracks to monumental albums like "No Guts No Glory" and "2 Kings."
With a career that spans over two decades, his journey from secondary school enthusiast to industry titan is a testament to his unwavering dedication.
Recent accolades include his involvement in Hero Beer's Gen Uru - Worthy project, a celebration of creativity and industry. Collaborating with the musical collective Generation Worthy, Major Bangz continues to shape the AfroBeats narrative with his unique touch.
As we delve deeper into Major Bangz's story and creative process, we're excited to uncover the driving force behind his sonic mastery.
TTC: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background as a music producer? Major Bangz: I'm Major Bangz. I started producing in 2003. Before then, I'd been obsessed with combining sounds to make a beat using crude methods. I'd create beats on a Yamaha PSR 200 and save it on a floppy disk.
TTC: What inspired you to get into music production? Major Bangz: I’m inspired by Dr Dre, Timbaland, Just blaze and Ryan Leslie. Their discographies shaped my sound a lot.
TTC:Tell us about The Worthy Album, you worked on several songs. What's the concept or theme behind it? Major Bangz: "The Worthy Album" is a beautiful collection of records that touch every aspect of what makes a human worthy. The idea comes from the experiences that each and every one of us who made the records have had.
TTC:Could you pick a song from the album and walk us through the production process of its beat? Major Bangz: "Awawa!" is a street slang in the Akwa-Cross community, which means "we stand strong as men of valor." Making the beat for that record came from this theme. Ikpa Udo was vibing to it and it matched the drums cohesively. When Illbliss and other artists in the camp heard it, everyone was happy. Dan Dizzy and Ifex G insisted on adding their verses to the record.
TTC:What factors influenced your decision to include this particular song in the album? Major Bangz: I love records with tension, and the whole team shares the same opinion. It's an important part of the album, and I'm glad it made it to the project.
TTC:What was your approach to sound selection and design for this beat? Did you use any special instruments, plugins, or techniques? Major Bangz: The sound design for this record is unique because I intentionally selected a fat set of saw waves with polyphonic abilities. Then I played a catchy bassline and melody that would catch the attention of any listener. That was the plan.
TTC:Were there any specific challenges you faced while working on this beat or any unexpected creative decisions you had to make? Major Bangz: After the record was made, I was told by the team that we might need to add two more verses, one from Jeriq and another from Ikpa Udo. I had to tell them that the record would be too long. They agreed! I'm glad they loved it.
TTC:Could you describe your workflow from the initial idea to the final polished beat? Did you iterate on certain aspects? Major Bangz: My workflow for this beat is simple: hard-hitting drums with a bouncy rhythm and groove. Then I play a super catchy bass. I intentionally designed a synth sound made of some very fat saw polyphonic waves for the record. One of the sounds that caught my attention was the synth and the bounce of the track. It has a head bump feel. I also love the aggression the record has.
TTC:What are some of your favorite aspects of this beat? Is there a particular sound or moment that stands out to you? Major Bangz: For me, Sound selection is very important. It also depends on what exactly I’m trying to create. In “Awawa” the beat creation process came from creating a simple 4/4 Afro swing type drum pattern but with a lot of swing on the drums. Then I play a hard synth bass that goes exactly with the bounce giving it an aggressive feel. Blending it together with vocals made it even more dope. I love it
TTC:What do you hope listeners will take away from the beat and its contribution to the song? Major Bangz: I believe listeners will be intrigued by the sounds!
TTC:Are there any production tips or techniques you used in this beat that you'd like to share with aspiring producers? Major Bangz: The tips and tricks I would love to share with aspiring producers are:
- Sound selection is a priority. It's the foundation for a good, solid production.
- Understand how to separate your kick and your bass using sidechain. This is very important because it forms the bedrock of the record. If done correctly, every other element in the track will fall into place, including vocals.
TTC: Is there anything else you'd like to share about the beat, its production, or your experience working on this album? Major Bangz: Working on the album has been a blessing for me, and I'm honored to be a part of this project.