Being influenced by many different genres of music, Zeeshan Sewpersadh aka Zee Essential thrives to take his listeners on a sonic journey built up by dramatic intros and melancholic sounds of Deep, Deep Tech, Minimal and Techno.
Zee Essential has spread his true love for music both locally and internationally, appearing as a guest DJ on Ibiza Live Radio, Piko Music (Italy), Future Sounds (Touch HD), The Golden Boys Podcast and Afrikaburns’s Radio Free Tankwa just to name a few. From one of these features, he was given praise by Grammy Award-winning artist Swizz Beats.
Having the extreme fortune of learning from and being taken under the wing by some of South Africa’s electronic music giants, Zee Essential is slowly but surely making his mark in the industry. His main goal as an artist is to draw emotion out of his audience and have the music touch their soul. So here he is with a fantastic mix in our TGM Future Stars series. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
1. DJ Phono – Paper Aeroplane
2. Blanka Mazimela ft. Anelisa – Phezulu (Niko Schwind Remix)
3. Daddy Was A Mlikman – Ink (Ten Walls Remake)
4. Unreleased
5. Ejeca – Zatoria
6. Giorgia Angiuli, Lake Avalon – You Caress
7. Eli & Fur – Parfume (Athea Remix)
8. Rodriguez Jr. – An Evidence Of Time (Claude VonStroke Remix)
9. Florian Kruse, Hendrik Burkhard, – Sail (Original Mix)
10. Jerome Isma-Ae, Alastor – Timelapse (Extended Mix)
Tell us where you come from and tell us about what makes your area special and how nightlife looks like
I am a 22-year-old Electronic music DJ/Producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa has become a special place when it comes to electronic music. With regards to sonics, a lot of the world has been adapting and tapping into our sound with this whole afro/afro-tech scene, which is amazing. With regards to the nightlife, there are a few really cool spots and festivals that we host here at home, but I do feel like we are a bit behind when it comes to the ‘party’ scene as compared to Europe, but we are growing. When it comes to the crowds you play for, South Africans are the best! The people come out to dance and for the love of music.
How was Afrikaburn this year?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend this year. However, I did have a guest mix on their radio show which was broadcasted live at the event.
What have been the main influences that got you started with electronic music?
The pure maturity of the sound, to be honest, is what got me into it. I’ve always had quite a mature taste in music for my age. As well as looking at how big this electronic music scene is worldwide. Artists like David August, Bonobo and Adriatique have been my main influences in my sound as well as the artist I try to mould myself to be one day.
What or who inspires you—inside and outside of DJing and electronic music?
Music, in general, inspires me. To me, music is one of those things that keeps me going through everything that life throws my way, good or bad. If I had to choose someone who inspires me, Black Coffee would be one of them. What he has done for the scene and how has represented our country all over the world is truly inspiring. I would also choose my mentor Ryan Murgatroyd who is truly one of the best electronic producers in our country. Not only does he guide me in this world of music but also his guidance in my everyday life is what inspires me and keeps me going.
What makes you decide to play a particular record during one of your sets? Is there a criteria other than pure subjectivity, for selecting what to play at a gig?
I’m quite fussy when it comes to my selection of music both for mixes and my gigs. For me its all about taking my listeners on a sonic journey and building a set. No matter how hard the previous DJ is playing before me, I will always start and build my set from the ground up. I like choosing sounds that are particularly different from what is usually played, especially when it comes to my intros. Other than that it is what I am feeling on that day that allows me to choose the sonics for my set.
What can we expect from the mix?
I tried to represent the full spectrum of my sound as best as I could. I also tried to show a little of where I come from with my track selection starting with a more afro/afro tech sound by some of our local artists such as Blanka Mazimela and Kostakis. From there I’ve built the set up to a more hard techno style.
What is your absolute favourite track of the moment?
That’s a hard one haha. If I had to choose at this very moment it would be GHEIST – Frequent Tendencies. Loving what the guys have been putting out.
More fantastic Future Stars can be found on our website. Check them out »
