INTERVIEW // Catching up with music producer The Tunnel // Listen to ‘Hupenyu’

Born and raised in Tsakane, east of Johannesburg, Sibusiso Sithebe, aka The Tunnel,  is a self-taught producer /remixer, who has been inspired by the likes of Culoe Da Song, Da Capo, Black Motion and many others. Driven by his passion and love for music, he has developed a unique signature style that is locally / internationally accommodating and lends towards an Afro-house infusion with tech-house and other electronic music genres.

Tell us about your earliest musical memory?
When I was 12 or 13 years old, I used to record Dj Kent’s mixes every Friday so that I could listen over the weekend. Mind you,  I had to travel a very long distance to a friend because he had a phone that could record FM radio. I did not mind travelling the distance, all I wanted was a new Dj Kent’s mix.

At what point in your life did you have that moment where you said to yourself “This is it. This is the type of music I want to create?”
I knew I wanted to create House Music when my brother played me this record Anthem by Dr Duba which was on Dj Fresh Definition Of House Two back in 2005. Even though I had no idea of how to create music, I told my self that one day I will create huge records.

Please list some of the most influential albums on your creative outlook and output:
Indigo Child by Da Capo, and King Zamar by Lady Zamar.

What key pieces of gear/software are you using to define your sound?
I use VST synthesizers that sound as close as possible to analogue synthesizers, mostly stuff from Arturia

What inspires you outside of music? What do you turn to when the creative well runs a little low?
I just watch motivation and tutorials videos on YouTube

What is your opinion on the ever-spreading sub-genre vine? Are there too many? Do you think there’ s perhaps a sub-genre that doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
In South Africa there’s a new sub-genre every day, which is a great thing, more families are being fed, the aim is to fight poverty. Yes Afro Tech doesn’t get that attention it deserves yet, but we are getting there

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, what do you prefer?
I prefer studio work and music production

As a music artist, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
Equality between independent and signed artists, like fair airplay between both artists, etc.

Any new or upcoming artists on your radar? Who shouldn’t the world sleep on?
Lemon & Herb and Kususa

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I’m dropping a two-track EP end of the year titled Izwe Lethu, under Campo Alegre Productions (USA)

Famous last words?
Talk less, listen a lot