The innovative Sunset Gathering label from Mexico, under the aegis of Aaron Sevilla, is delighted to announce a new musical offering, “Isimanga,” a synergistic Afro-House collaboration between the Belgian music architect Aytiwan and the South African vocal virtuoso Lizwi. “Isimanga,” translating to “Surprise” or “God’s surprising grace,” is not only a track but an experience that fuses the rhythmic soul of Afro House with melodic progressions and the spirit of grace. Download/Stream it here from 26th January 2024: https://songshare.com/track/yzv4heba.
Belgium’s own Aytiwan, a stalwart in the Afro House and Afro Tech scene, is known for his eclectic beats and mesmerising soundscapes that have captured the global dance floors. Following the success of his acclaimed track “Iphathi,” Aytiwan brings his innovative spirit to “Isimanga,” incorporating progressive and melodic elements that promise to elevate the genre to new heights.
We recently caught up with Aytiwan for an immersive chat about his latest release, his own label, production process, influences and more:
Thanks for joining us, Aytiwan. Where are you writing to us from, and what have you been up to over the last few weeks?
Hello, and thanks for having me! I’m writing from Braine-l’Alleud in Belgium, soaking in the historic ambience of Waterloo and the vibrancy of Brussels. The last few weeks have been packed with creativity and hustle. I’ve been diligently working in my studio to put the finishing touches on some exciting musical projects. There’s been a strong focus on promoting new releases like my remix of David Hoppeman – Mire, which has received incredible support from Kasango, and my remix of Nico Efstratiou feat. Athimux – Ndibize, which made impressive strides on the Beatport Afro House chart. Behind the scenes, I’m coordinating the rollout of forthcoming tracks on the Deep In Your Soul label, which is teeming with gems that I’m eager for the world to hear.
Tell us about your journey into music and what led you to this point.
My foray into electronic music began at 14, entranced by club tapes and CDs. A pivotal birthday gift—a CD from a Belgian afterclub—unveiled the depth and beauty of house music to me. I started DJing on my computer with rudimentary software, eventually upgrading to turntables and immersing myself in the tactile feel of vinyl. My production journey kicked off with the early days of FL Studio but took a backseat as I honed my DJ skills, leading to residencies in local clubs. Joining Deep House Belgium marked a renaissance in my production career, pushing me to refine my sound with Ableton and a suite of VSTs. The Aytiwan alias was born from a deep affection for Afro sounds, with the launch of Deep In Your Soul label together with my friend Bastiaan (Amerlegna, Deep House Belgium’s owner) to showcase Afro House. My first release as Aytiwan, featuring a collaboration with Nes Mburu, was a turning point, capturing the attention of icons like Blond:ish and Magdalena. The moment Black Coffee played my track at globally renowned venues, melding it with Maxine Ashley’s vocals, was surreal. The support from such titans was more than just a career boost—it was an affirmation of my musical identity. These experiences have not only shaped my career but have also been emotionally profound, fuelling my passion and dedication to Afro House.
How do you effectively promote yourself as an artist?
Promotion is a multifaceted beast in today’s digital world. I’ve dived into numerous marketing trainings to build a robust online presence. There’s nothing quite like the organic buzz created when an artist of Black Coffee’s calibre shares your music—it’s a game-changer. For instance, a clip of him playing “Iphathi” at Hï Ibiza catapulted to over 12 million views on Instagram, which is mind-blowing. Starting from scratch with Aytiwan meant optimising visibility through strategic posts, occasional boosts, and savvy hashtag usage. On Spotify, I curated “Afro House For Your Soul,” a playlist that’s become a vehicle for promoting my sound and that of fellow label artists, growing to over 5k followers.
Tell us about your latest release, ‘Isimanga’, on Sunset Gathering.
The journey to my latest release was a dance of synergy and artistry. “Isimanga” is the fruit of my collaboration with Lizwi, whose vocals are a powerhouse of positivity and soul, perfectly complementing the musical vision I had crafted. The connection with Sunset Gathering label in Mexico was serendipitous, and Aaron Sevilla’s enthusiasm for the project was great. When Lizwi’s vocals graced the track, it felt like the final piece of a beautiful puzzle falling into place. The process from conception to release has been a labor of love and anticipation, and I’m counting down the moments until it reaches the ears of listeners worldwide.
What has the feedback been like so far?
The response to “Isimanga” during the promo was nothing short of stellar. The outpouring of support from industry stalwarts—Black Coffee, ARTBAT, Anii, Kadosh, Cincity, Kasango, Arodes, Auguste, Nicolas Masseyeff, Aaron Sevilla, Alessa Khin, Renaat Vandepapeliere—has been humbling. It’s been embraced on radio, featuring prominently on deeplomatikk, and has been added to several shows on 1001tracklists. The reception has set an electrifying tone for the release.
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How do you take care of your mental health?
In the whirlwind of life, mental health is my anchor. It’s about striking a balance—meticulously organising tasks to avoid being swamped and designating undisturbed time for focused activities. But the true elixir for mental well-being is the quality time I cherish with my family. My daughter, wife, and extended family are my touchstones, reminding me of life’s true riches beyond music.
Talk us through your creative process.
My creative process is often influenced by nature or my personal feelings and emotions, which I try to transfer into my music with as much positive energy as possible. Inspiration can strike anywhere—the rustle of leaves or a wave of emotion can spark a melody. I strive to encapsulate the vibrancy of nature and the rawness of my feelings in my music. Sometimes, it starts with a percussion instrument or a synth sound I have in mind. I craft the heartbeat of the track first, layering it with intricate sounds. I then develop the main part of the track using go-to VSTs like Arturia, Diva, Serum, and if I work with a vocalist, I ensure there’s room for their contribution. The mixing stage follows, where I fine-tune the track to get exactly the sound I want. It’s a dynamic dance of refinement and mixing, where sometimes the accidental notes become the crescendo that defines a track. The time to finalise a project can vary greatly, sometimes taking only a few days or up to several weeks, depending on inspiration.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Stay authentic and passionate. Don’t follow trends or move into a genre for the wrong reasons, such as the recent move many artists are making towards Afro House. Music is about emotion and should reflect who you are and what you feel. My evolution from Nico P to Aytiwan was a journey of self-discovery rooted in a deep love for Afro Melodic sounds. Embrace your unique voice, and let it resonate through your music—that’s what connects and endures.
What is your biggest goal this year, and how close are you to achieving it?
This year is about amplifying my musical footprint and fostering connections that resonate with my ethos. Collaborating with Lizwi was a testament to the kind of synergy I seek. I want to continue meeting amazing people in the industry who share similar emotions and beliefs. With the year unfolding, there’s a constellation of events and collaborations aligning, each one a step toward my aspirations for 2024.
Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future?
Looking ahead, you can expect more music and new collaborations with vocalists like Nomvula and Nes Mburu, as well as remixers such as Argento Dust, Native P., Chaleee, Jabzz Dimitri, and more. Also, keep an eye out for some surprise tracks, including an unofficial remix of a well-known song by a world-famous alternative rock band—a track that is very dear to me. I’ve already played the first draft with amazing responses on the dance floor, and I can’t wait to finalise and share it with the world. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share these new stories through the universal language of music.
Connect with Aytiwan
https://www.facebook.com/aytiwan
https://www.instagram.com/aytiwanmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uL2FZKW1ImI6oHVJ5gnn3
https://soundcloud.com/aytiwan