Q+A with Kid Fonque: Inside the ‘Rodeo’ Remix, and More

We had the opportunity to sit down with South African DJ, producer and label owner Kid Fonque, a true pioneer in the electronic music scene. With a career spanning over two, Kid Fonque has become renowned for his creative and eclectic approach, blending Afrocentric grooves with deep house textures to create a unique and captivating musical style. In this interview, Kid Fonque opens up his latest project, a remix of RAH & The Ruffcats’ Afrobeats inspired anthem ‘Rodeo’ releasing on January 23rd. Sharing insights into his creative process, the art of reimagining tracks for the dancefloor, and his vision for blending global and local influences, Kid Fonque offers a glimpse into the mind of one of Afro-house music’s most innovative figures. 

What do you think is the recipe for a great song?  

Soul, Groove and Emotion

Describe your studio space in three words

Minimal, Clean, Efficient

Looking back, what was your earliest entry into music appreciation? And music production? 

When I was young, around 5-6 I took to all the music my Dad played in the house.  Music production came much later and I entered into it with my tune 2Sides back in 2013.

How has your approach to music changed over the years, and how do you stay inspired to push boundaries in your sound? 

I really like making music I can play in a DJ set and that could mean any style from house to broken and Afro.  I work in music every day of my life so surrounding myself with tunes always inspires me musically.

Outside of music, what inspires you? 

Travel and family. 

What’s the most memorable collaboration you’ve had, and how did it influence your own musical journey? 

I wrote a broken beat track for my debut album with featured UK Hip Hop artist TY.  Now that I live in the UK and see his murals on walls after his passing it reminds me of what I do and where it takes me.

For your remix of ‘Rodeo’ coming out January 25th, how did you approach reimagining such a rich and layered piece for the club while maintaining its essence and narrative?  

I followed the groove and landed up making more of a dancefloor joint which felt right to me.

Your remix adds pulsating Afro-house beats and melodies to ‘Rodeo.’  How do you balance blending Afrocentric grooves with contemporary club textures, and what elements of the original track inspired your creative direction?  

The original definitely has a Fela inspired groove which I built on and took into more of a club space.

As the host of Selective Styles, how do you select tracks for the show, and what’s your goal with each episode? Do you approach it differently from curating music for your own performances or albums?  

Selective Styles is more of what I love to listen to mixed with club tracks that are moving me at the moment, my DJ sets are more focused on the dancefloor.

As a prominent figure in the music scene, what role do you believe music plays in mental health, especially in South Africa? How has it personally impacted you, and how do you feel about its power to connect people?  

Music really is such a spiritual thing to many South Africans.  I have seen fans telling artists that their music change their lives and saved them from depression and sometimes suicide.  We really do have a very special scene in South Africa where music is felt.

What do you believe the future holds for the South African electronic music scene, and how do you see it evolving in the coming years? 

SA is the future!  We have so much talent and a beautiful scene.  Watch this space 😉

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or releases in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?  

So much happening this year, I have a lot of remixes dropping, a few singles, some great DJ dates and I’ll be pushing out some amazing music through my label Stay True Sounds.

Pre-order ‘Rodeo’ while you read our interview with Kid Fonque HERE

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