What a week this has been, from the rain in Lagos to the cold in Nairobi and the calm in Kigali. Having traveled through three different cities in less than five days, we had the opportunity to meet Efe Mac Roc, the Lagos-hailed producer who is always busy doing many things. There’s something somewhat otherworldly about Mac Roc; he has a graceful demeanor that makes you feel lucky to be in his presence.
When it comes to music, many can only dream of the type of success experienced by the decorated producer. Whether collaborating with infamous names such as Johnny Drille and Omolade or seeing his creations, the Mac Roc Sessions trending on social media such as Instagram and the streaming video website YouTube, the talent has experienced it all.
“Before starting a task, I think about the finished product and the market value. I visualize what I want to see and hear and remember that during the process. For instance, if I want to create a cover of a song, I create it from finish to start, and that guides my mixing, production, and mastering. I listen to reference tracks a lot, and it guides me,” Mac Roc explains when speaking on his creative process. His quiet confidence has got him far with a career in music production and vocally arresting cover music videos.
Now, in a bid to continue on his wildly successful journey through the world of music, Mac Roc disclosed he’s working on his original projects, “I am working on a couple of original projects that will be out soon. But, before the release of the Original project, my cover compilation titled “Mac Roc sessions Unstripped Volume II” will be out very soon.”
Without breaking a sweat, the producer sat down with Lambo to discuss his career, the music business, and more.
Efe Mac Roc is a composer, music producer, computer scientist, talent coach, talent developer, mixing and mastering engineer, and branding expert.
Having to wear so many hats is quite challenging as I am very intentional about the quality of the
things I put out there for the world. The number of talents in Nigeria and Africa is rising, and scouting the good ones is challenging.
Growing up was pretty much fun and nomadic for me. Having moved from over four cities during my childhood, I finally settled in the South-south part of Nigeria, where I started learning how to play the piano from my Mum and in my local church. It was then my passion for Music started.
So basically, before starting a task, I think about the finished product and the market value. I visualize what I want to see and hear and remember that during the process. For instance, I want to create a cover of a song, I create from finish to start, and that guides my mixing, production, and mastering. I listen to reference tracks a lot, and it guides me.
I got into the business of music pretty late. Although I was a talented kid, I didn’t know about the music business as I was only engrossed in talent and music and saw it as a hobby. Knowing I could monetize my gift and talent was an eye-opener/deal breaker. Also, understanding that I could help myself through music has made me who I am today.
In an afro-beat concentrated industry, the acceptability of my sound has been a major challenge.
Having to sell something that isn’t in popular demand is a struggle. Also, Working with some artists who don’t give credit to producers and building a reputable brand in the music industry is another major struggle. Still, I have stayed afloat in the Music space with consistency and resilience.
As a producer and talent manager, I face many challenges, especially from artists. Many artists are all about the glam life and epicurean lifestyle but are not patient enough to go through the process that will shape them to live the life they dream of finally. Only a few are willing to put in the work.
It is always an amazing time working with fellow creatives and Industry professionals. Working with these artists was so much fun and exciting, and I look forward to doing so much more with them and other talented creatives.
From the outset of collaboration, it is important for composers to agree on how their contribution to a song will be determined. Signing a split sheet is not enough, as other documents need to be signed to properly determine who owns the copyright to the composition of a song. It is important to involve a lawyer who will negotiate and draft agreements to prevent future disputes.
Cohbams Asuquo, Michael Collins (Don Jazzy), Hans Zimmer, David Guetta, and DJ Khaleed are major influences in my Music career.
In recent times, Afrobeat is one genre of music that is spreading like wildfire all over the globe. It
has a bright future as we can already see a lot of collaboration with foreign artists, which has put the country on the map and the Continent at large.
The Mac Roc Session started in April 2019 in my living room with just my phone camera and a microphone. Mac roc Session is a platform designed to showcase and export world-class Nigerian and African artists worldwide. There are a lot of unheard amazing singers looking for platforms to be heard and seen, and the Mac roc session is an avenue for them to be seen and heard. Mac Roc Sessions is also an avenue to support and encourage these amazing creatives.
I am working on some original projects that will be out soon. But, before the release of the Original project, my cover compilation titled “Mac Roc sessions Unstripped Volume II” will be out very soon.
