Mage the Producer, born Orhue Moses Odia, is a Nigerian-born musician, sound engineer, and producer who is rapidly making a name for himself in the vibrant Afro-music scene. With his unique sound and dedication to his craft, Mage has collaborated with top artists like Libianca, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr, producing hits that have earned international recognition. His work on Libianca’s “People” has garnered a BET award, VMA nomination, and platinum status in multiple countries, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Mage’s journey in music production began in 2016, driven by a passion to create a distinctive sound that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. He has honed his skills through tireless effort and a willingness to learn, resulting in a distinctive style that blends Afro, Rock, RnB, and Pop elements. This innovative approach has captured the attention of artists and fans alike, earning him a reputation as a producer who pushes boundaries and defies genre conventions.
Mage’s creative process is deeply rooted in his emotions and personal experiences. He draws inspiration from life’s challenges and triumphs, channeling his feelings into melodies and rhythms that speak directly to the heart. His music is a testament to the power of vulnerability and authenticity, offering a sense of connection and understanding to those who listen.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music production, and what drives your passion for creating unique sounds?
Mage: I have always had talents in the arts, and music was one of the best ways I could express myself. When I found out I had a knack for music, I doubled down on it and said to myself, “This is what I must do.
Your work on Libianca’s “People” has been a massive success. What was it like collaborating on that project, and how did it feel to see the song’s impact?
Mage: I really didn’t know the beat was going to blow up. It wasn’t the best beat I had made personally, so I was quite surprised when it began to chart globally. It was honestly mind-blowing for me. What really made me happy was how the song began to impact people positively worldwide. That had been my aim in the music industry since I began, and it was great seeing that happen right in front of me.
You’ve worked with numerous notable artists. What draws you to a project or collaboration, and what do you look for in an artist?
Mage: when choosing an artist to work with, I prioritize creativity and a deep understanding of their craft over following trends. I prefer collaborating with those who genuinely value artistic concepts rather than those who have inflated egos or delusions of stardom. I aim to avoid working with the latter whenever possible
Your vision is to create a pioneering subgenre by fusing Afro, Rock, RnB, and Pop. Can you elaborate on this goal and what it means to you?
Mage: As humans, we all like different things, especially when it comes to our music tastes. So I thought, “Why not fuse different genres together?” This helps me reach more people and solidify my name in the sea of music.
What advice do you have for aspiring producers and musicians, and what message do you hope your music conveys to listeners?
Mage: My advice for aspiring producers and musicians is to believe in themselves and never give up on whatever goal they are trying to achieve with music. Keep making improvements, keep researching, and keep building yourself. You never know how close you are to achieving that goal, trust me.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on so far, and what made it stand out to you?
Mage: One of my favorite projects would be the one I did with Zion Foster, a popular artist from the UK, and also the one I did with Abracadabra, another popular artist from the UK. The reason I like these tracks is how easy these songs are to relate to, giving inspirational words and valuable advice.
What’s the most challenging project you’ve faced, and how did you overcome any obstacles that arose during production?
Mage: One of the most challenging projects I have worked on would be the track “Ski” by Khaid. We were on that project nonstop for two months. At a certain point, I took a step back and began to bring out the sound and vibes that Khaid wanted. At the end of the day, everyone was happy with the outcome.
Can you share any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works?
Mage: Well, I have some interesting and exciting projects coming up. I have some tracks coming out with super-talented artists like Kaptain, Tomi Owo, and Tariq. There is a talented singer called Elmina. I have some tracks coming out with her as well, and I really love those songs.
