Mothuse Ryan Synth Balule, widely known as Ryan Synth, is setting dancefloors ablaze with his electrifying sets and signature productions, establishing himself as one of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after DJs. Ryan has seamlessly transitioned from club king to radio royalty, gracing the airwaves on national stations like ZiFM Stereo, Star FM, and Power Ace Radio for over a decade.
Boasting an impressive discography, Ryan Synth has collaborated with class acts such as the late Cal Vin, Nitefreak, DJ Stavo, Murphy Cubic, Freeman, and Alick Macheso. Wearing multiple hats as a club DJ, music producer, and IT consultant, Ryan’s journey is a masterclass in consistency and evolution. His latest project, EL JÉFÉ, stands as a testament to his dedication and his ability to craft a progressive sound that transcends cultural boundaries.
Reflecting on his journey, Ryan recalls how his musical odyssey began around 2009-2010, sparked by an introduction to FL Studio by his cousin. He spent countless hours on his laptop, learning to combine sample sounds to create songs. It was a challenging and often frustrating process, but with perseverance, he began to compose and arrange his own music. By 2012, Ryan had honed his craft, recording in studios, and collaborating with other artists, marking significant milestones in his career.
Ryan’s musical influences are deeply rooted in the eclectic tastes of his uncle, whose vast music collection ranged from Bob Marley to Michael Bolton to Bon Jovi. This diverse exposure helped Ryan develop a profound appreciation for music across genres. His mother, a ballroom dancer, also played a pivotal role, sparking his interest in dance. He even won the Grand Prix Dancers’ competition in the Beginners Latin category in 1999. Although his dancing days are behind him, his love for music and dance remains strong, thanks to the influences of his uncle and mother.
Ryan’s primary goal has always been to create music that he enjoys. “Before releasing any work, I ensure that I am truly satisfied with it. Once it’s out in the world, having people appreciate and connect with my music is a bonus,” he explains. Recently, his focus has shifted towards reaching a global audience, a goal evident in his latest project, EL JÉFÉ. This project incorporates elements of Latin sonics and African rhythms, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “My ultimate aim is to create music that resonates with people all over the world,” he shared with the Southern African Times.
The process of creating EL JÉFÉ in May 2023 was both exciting and challenging. Collaborating with CUSTO, Prince Joel, and Kinah the Music, Ryan aimed to create something unique and captivating. Their first song, “Rio Grande,” perfectly fused modern sounds with Latin traces and African drums. “It was a moment of experimentation and creativity, culminating in a magical experience when Kinah The Music added guitars to the track,” he recalls. Completing the mix and master for “Rio Grande” within a week was a significant achievement for the team.
Ryan’s favourite track from the project is “EL JÉFÉ” itself. The fusion of various elements, cultures, and styles in this song is captivating. Every time he listens to it, it resonates differently, showcasing his ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive and compelling sound.
With each project, Ryan invites listeners on a journey through groovy, melodic, and thumping basslines, witty chants, and eclectic samples. His latest EP, EL JÉFÉ, is no exception. It transports listeners to Mexico and back home without ever leaving their seats, a testament to his ability to craft immersive musical experiences. “Being open-minded is crucial when embarking on any project, especially when it comes to music. The possibilities are endless and as long as it sounds good, it will make sense,” he shared with the Southern African Times.
Despite facing challenges such as dealing with rogue promoters and club owners, Ryan has learned to navigate these issues by implementing protective measures like upfront payment contracts and thorough research on potential events. “These measures may seem like extra work, but they are essential for protecting myself against such situations and ensuring that my hard work is properly compensated,” he notes.
Ryan’s recent EP launch at Haus of Gumeni was a spectacular event supported by Harare’s top DJs Langton B, JAY, HALU!, and ACE FRVR. The night was an occasion of celebration characterized by an electric atmosphere and an enthusiastic crowd. The unique setup, with DJs surrounded by the audience, created an intimate and immersive experience. House music is gaining traction in Harare, with the crowd’s love for the genre feeling palpable, underscoring the growing popularity of house music in the city. “The atmosphere at the event was simply electric. The crowd was absolutely amazing, with their infectious energy and vibrant spirit,” Shared Ryan when reflecting on his EP launch.
Looking ahead, Ryan plans to release more music before the end of 2024, with 2-3 more projects lined up. He also aims to perform more gigs both within and outside Zimbabwe, continuing to push the boundaries of his musical journey.
In reflecting on the state of Zimbabwean music, Ryan acknowledges the industry’s challenges but remains optimistic. He believes that staying true to one’s craft and focusing on a niche audience is key to success. Despite the lack of a well-established music industry in Zimbabwe, artists should continue experimenting with different sounds and styles. With the right support and investment, Zimbabwean music has the potential to achieve global recognition.
