EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Wakyin’s journey from a school teacher to a globally recognized DJ and producer has been nothing short of transformative. The artist, whose music blends the rich textures of Latin roots with cutting-edge elec- tronic sounds, is poised for a stellar year in 2025. With his upcoming releases and dream collaborations on the horizon, Wakyin has navigated a path that combi- nes authenticity with experimentation. In this article, we dive into his evolving sound, inspirations, and the personal journey that has led him to the international stage.
NEW MUSIC AND UPCOMING WORKS
For Wakyin, the act of music creation is a dee- ply personal one, reflecting both his heritage and his forward-looking approach. His 2025 projects promise to further explore this unique blend, staying grounded in the sounds of his upbringing while embracing inno- vation.
“When it comes to releases in 2025, maintaining origi- nality is always a priority for me, while also incorpora- ting the sounds I’ve inherited from my upbringing. I love blending the music I grew up listening to with the music I enjoy creating, resulting in what I’d call ‘hybrid’ records that truly resonate with my audience.”
This commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of his artistic identity, yet Wakyin acknowledges that 2025 will also be a year of growth, with something par- ticularly exciting on the horizon.
“2025 is set to be a very special year; not only for the live aspect of my brand but also because of an exciting collaboration I’m working on. I believe this project has the potential to make a significant impact on the La- tin electronic space and even inspire a recurring sound within the genre.” With such high expectations for his forthcoming work, it’s clear that Wakyin is gearing up to make waves in the global music scene.
Despite the excitement, balancing tradition with ex- perimentation is no easy feat. Wakyin reflects on the challenges and breakthroughs he’s faced along the way, and how he manages to stay true to himself amidst the noise of the music industry.
“For me, staying true to myself is crucial when creating music, especially because of how easy it is to lose your way by trying to create something from nothing. I’ve found that balancing experimentation with my roots comes from having confidence in what I bring to the table and the music I create. While I spend countless hours in the studio exploring new fusions, I never try to force a direction. There are plenty of unfinished ideas sitting on my laptop because I’ve caught myself trying too hard to create a ‘banger’ or comparing my sound with another artist’s, instead of letting the process flow naturally.”
His approach highlights the importance of patience and letting creativity unfold organically, a mindset that has allowed him to avoid the pressures of com- mercial success while maintaining an authentic voice.
DREAM COLLABORATIONS
Wakyin’s musical journey has also been shaped by his aspirations to collaborate with both established and emerging talents. His list of dream collaborators inclu- des heavyweights from the global scene, and the com- bination of different musical worlds could yield some- thing truly unique.
“If I could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would they be and why? I feel like my response to dream collaborations is always evolving but if I could collaborate with any artist right now I believe it would Drake. I’ve always appreciated his diversity and appre- ciation for different cultures and sounds. I believe if we were to make something, it would have to be some- thing innovative that would make other artists want to emulate. Drake already has the iconic voice that can potentially make anything a hit; pair that with my pro- duction, I think we’d make something timeless.” The pairing of Wakyin’s distinct production style with
Drake’s versatility could undoubtedly produce a fusion of sounds that would captivate listeners worldwide.
However, Wakyin’s dream collaborations aren’t limited to contemporary figures. He also acknowledges the impact of legends like Michael Jackson on his musical development, and if given the chance, he would love to have collaborated with the King of Pop.
“If I can go back in time, however; I would without a question, choose Michael Jackson.” It’s clear that Wakyin recognizes the importance of connecting with musical icons, and the influence of both modern and classic figures continues to fuel his creative ambitions. In terms of Latin music, Wakyin is also looking toward collaboration with artists who have influenced his ca- reer and whose work continues to inspire him. He lists several key figures he’d like to work with, including Ju- deline, Tainy, Gordo, and Willie Colón.
“There are so many incredible artists worldwide that I’d love to collaborate with. Judeline is at the top of my list, her delicate voice brings such a unique beauty to every track she touches. Tainy is obviously another standout, not only for producing some of my favorite songs but also for his unparalleled creativity and vision. Gordo is another I would love to work with as he’s been an ins- piration from the beginning of my electronic journey, I think we have a similar creative genius that can func- tion well together. And, of course, working with someo- ne like Willie Colón would be a dream come true.” The mention of these artists underscores Wakyin’s deep respect for the Latin music world and his desire to bring new sounds to the genre through collaboration.
CROSSING MUSICAL BOUNDARIES
Wakyin’s ability to fuse genres has become one of his defining qualities. While his roots are deeply embedded in Latin music and electronic sounds, he’s not afraid to venture into new territory. Outside of these genres, Wakyin is drawn to other forms of music that could inspire fresh ideas for his work.
“Outside of the Electronic and Latin music spaces, there are several artists and genres that truly captiva- te me. November Ultra from France is an extraordinary vocalist whose ability to convey emotion is unmatched, her voice has a warmth and sincerity that I think would bring something truly special to any collaboration. Don Toliver is another artist I greatly admire; his unique tone and versatility feel like they could blend effortlessly with so many styles. Lately, I’ve also been exploring Arabic influences, and I’m on the lookout for an amazing Ara- bic singer. I’ve been working on a demo with Neyl from Morocco, and I feel like the right vocal could really tie everything together and elevate the track to some- thing extraordinary.” This openness to new influences shows that Wakyin is constantly pushing his artistic boundaries and looking for opportunities to bring fresh sounds into his music.
mixmagnl.com 31
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
