South African producer Mercedes Mahlatse Boshego, professionally known as Mr Mercedes, is opening up about the ambitious creative process behind Thabo Smol’s jazz album Di Thupa Tsa Smol.
The project grew from five planned songs into a 28-track release and a Grammy consideration.
Also see: Thabo Smol’s Grammy consideration translates to sold-out show
For Mr Mercedes, the collaboration was an opportunity to explore a sound he and the former Black Motion member had wanted to develop for years, drawing on their shared appreciation for jazz and African traditional music.
“Although we have both gone through the commercial music phase, we have always had a deep love for jazz and African traditional music,” he explained to BONA.
From 5 songs to 28 tracks
What began as a small project quickly expanded as the team experimented with different musical ideas.
Mr Mercedes, who was raised in Soshanguve, said the original plan was to create five songs, but the creative process kept producing more material. Eventually, they had made more than 35 songs before selecting 28 for release.
He focused on the musical elements, while Thabo Smol contributed the distinctive rhythms that helped shape the album. Producer and mixing engineer Spice Drums also played a significant role in bringing the sound together.
The goal was to create something that felt new without losing the familiarity of music listeners had grown up hearing.
View this post on Instagram
Also see: Black Motion’s Thabo Smol releases jazz-inspired project
Creating S’PHARELA alongside Thabo Smol’s album
While working on Di Thupa Tsa Smol, Mr Mercedes was also developing his own jazz album, S’PHARELA.
Working on both projects simultaneously presented a creative challenge. He revealed to BONA that he worked on more than 50 songs in less than five months, making a conscious effort to avoid repeating familiar basslines, melodies and chord progressions.
He describes S’PHARELA as a reflection of memories and emotions that are difficult to express verbally.
“Each song was made to create an environment in one’s mind,” he noted, adding that he wants to introduce elements that are not commonly used in jazz and take the music somewhere unexpected.
What comes next?
For Mr Mercedes, Grammy recognition would be both a privilege and an encouragement to keep exploring his craft.
“It would be such a privilege and a reassurance that our people still have our backs and still love us as much as we love them,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes to take S’PHARELA on tour across South Africa, with international shows a possibility if the project receives the right response.
He is also working with Spice Drums on an upcoming album, The Seasoning, alongside plans for further collaborations.
For the producer, the focus remains on pushing creative boundaries while making music that connects with listeners.
Featured image: Supplied
Also see: WATCH: Thabo Smol confirms Black Motion split had nothing to do with DJ Zinhle
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
