Levi Love: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Ahead of his appearance at Audio Farm Festival this weekend, he puts together a mix that paints a picture of the flourishing South African underground scene, showcasing music from solely South African producers, including a couple of his own tracks.

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

My name is Levi Love, I am a DJ/producer and Label owner of Mas O Menos Records. I am based in Manchester although originally from Mzansi (South Africa) and have been a resident at the multi-award winning SOUP, Manchester for nine years.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

My music sounds like Ethnic sounds meet Eurocentrisim aka AFROFUTURISM!!

Where was the mix recorded?

In my home studio in Manchester City Centre.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

I am afraid the mix could ignite a fierce dancing sensation so perhaps where there are no hard objects and it’s suitable for dancing.

What should we be wearing?

Loose clothing is preferable, there will be a need for letting go!!

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Ideal location would be in the townships of Johannesburg at one of the famous Shisanyama (Barbecue) places. Club standard equipment: 2 X SL 1210 Technics/Bozak Rotary mixer/2 X 2000 Nexus CDJs.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Levi Love – ‘Commonality of Being Human’. I played it last weekend in a basement and it went offffffffff.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

SNO’s Msanzi Special NTS show.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Ron Trent. He is the only DJ that could accentuate my deepness when it comes to Deep house.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

I had two Belt drive turntables. I think they were Numark and they came with a two channel pioneer mixer. I also bought Tannoy speakers and a Marantz amp – I bought these in Tottenham Court with my first salary in 2005 when I arrived in the UK. My current set up is 2 X SL 1210 turntables and a Pioneer 850 mixer. I borrow CDJs, I am still pretty much a vinyl-only DJ.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

The track I start with.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record was “Its Yours” by John Cutler and what arrived today in the post is “The Indigenous Afro Jazz Sounds of PHILLIP TABANE” (literally today).

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

It would be Chicken Chow Mein.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A snail.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

KIPPIE MOEKETSI – BLUE STOMPIN.

Upcoming in the world of …

Upcoming in the world of storytelling.

Anything else we need to discuss?

My friend Tash is hosting me and Mas O Menos records alongside Matt Ward of Piccadilly on the 11th of September as the post-Audio Farm Festival special at her six tree restaurant in South Manchester.

Tracklist
Guyu pane – Ba xolele
Maphorisa – Banyana
Kabelo – Love me or leave me
E monate byao – Levi Love & MaKO MCR
Nutty Nys – Ascend
Levi Love – Let’s just kiss and say goodbye
Sondela – Flyod Levine
Zakes Bantwini – Wasting my time
Levi Love – Commonality of Being human

Follow Levi Love. Buy tickets for Audio Farm.