Belgo-Congolese Legend Asaiah Wala aka HOTTRAK Takes on Musa Keys in Latest Remix Magic

R.D Congo’s very own Asaiah Wala, known in the music industry as HOTTRAK, has carved out a remarkable place in the game. His impressive catalog of productions for a plethora of superstars has positioned him as a reference of innovation and excellence. Asaiah’s journey is a captivating tale of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of musical boundaries to craft hits that resonate across continents.

Asaiah’s unique flair has led to chart-topping collaborations across genres such as Hip Hop, Pop, Afro music, and Gospel, underscoring his versatility and finesse. 

With major artists like J. Cole , Wiz Khalifa, Tyga , and Jul to name a few, he has not only produced music but also shaped cultural dialogues, bringing the African rhythm and global beats to a global audience. 

Asaiah, through his entity HOTTRAK Entertainment, stands as a testament to the universal language of music—melding cultures, inspiring artists, and captivating listeners worldwide.

With entrepreneurial he has launched a clothing line, ‘Africa Issa Vibe’, further emphasizing his multifaceted approach to creativity.  Asaiah Wala, or HOTTRAK, is not just a music producer; he is a visionary whose works transcend auditory experiences and manifest into tangible expressions, connecting people, stories, and experiences across the globe.

As we dive into this exclusive interview with Asaiah Wala, he offers Lisoro Magazine readers an exclusive treat — his fresh remix of Musa Keys’s “Kancane”. Available here below.

CONVERSATION:

LISORO: How did you start making music?

ASAIAH: It may sound surprising, but I actually learned music on a broken synthesizer with no sound when I was just 15. I had to imagine the notes in my head. When my cousin, who happened to be an electrician, finally repaired the synthesizer, it was a moment of revelation. This experience sharpened my ability to visualize notes before hearing them.

LISORO: With a background in various genres and your early love for basketball, how did these diverse experiences influence your musical style?

ASAIAH: Looking back, I realize that my biggest musical influence comes from growing up in church. Learning music there taught me to see it in its purest form. It’s not about personal fame, but serving something bigger than yourself, serving God through music. I do music for others. Not me.

LISORO: How has FL studio helped your production techniques, and what unique elements do you think it brings to your music?

ASAIAH: Regardless of which software you use, it should be user-friendly and facilitate creativity. For me, FL Studio allows me to lay down ideas quickly, usually within five minutes. Its versatility can be overwhelming for beginners, but it offers multiple approaches to beatmaking, which is invaluable.

LISORO: You’ve worked with an impressive list of artists. could you share a particularly memorable experience from your collaborations?

ASAIAH: There’s not really one experience that stands out more than others. I choose my collaborators wisely, so most of the sessions are fun, positive energy, and good music.

LISORO: You have done a remix of Boddhi Satva and DJ Maphorisa’s “Toumbalo” due on March 23rd 2024, what can people expect sonically?

ASAIAH: First of all, collaborating with legends like Boddhi Satva and DJ Maphorisa is an honor, especially so early in my artist career. In all my projects, I try to evoke emotions in listeners. With this remix, normally you’re supposed to feel one of your legs move, then the other one and suddenly you’ll be on the dancefloor without knowing!

LISORO: Your sound pack in collaboration with fruity loops is also coming out this year. what directions are you exploring in these projects?

ASAIAH: Regarding the sound pack, while there are many amapiano packs on the market, I wanted to offer something authentic. I’ve spent countless hours studying the genre to ensure my FL Studio sound pack reflects its essence, respecting the culture while bringing my own touch.

LISORO: Regarding your contribution to the album “Trouble Fête” by Badi and Boddhi Satva, what was your vision and how did you infuse your unique sound into this collaboration?

ASAIAH: It felt right from the jump. I can’t explain it. When you are in the same vibe, the rest is easy. Badi is a guy I can talk to for hours and hours about anything. When we do music it’s easy. Ideas come fast. Even when I receive stems from Boddhi, I understand his creative vision, allowing us to complement each other harmoniously. It’s all about serving the song and the artist, with humility and a shared goal.

LISORO: The remix of Musa Keys’s “Kancane” is a special giveaway through this article. can you divulge the creative process or personal resonance behind it?

ASAIAH: I’m a producer, I’m a dj, and a musician. After 25 years of doing music, you connect dots pretty easily. Mashups are a common thing in the dj world. I just heard these two songs together (“Kancane” by Musa Keys and “yeah” by Usher). I don’t know how. Ask God, lol.

LISORO: We’ve seen you promoting the concept/brand Africa Issa Vibe for a few now, how did this came to life and what are your plans with it?

ASAIAH: I was looking for a way to contribute to Africa’s growth. Basically, « Africa Issa Vibe » is an association with 2 purposes.

1. Exposing African “Art Excellence” to the world. Basically, we want to shut the mouth of haters lol… or not.

2. Raising funds to open the biggest school of music in Africa. 

We have amazing talents and self-taught musicians on the continent. We want to help them become the biggest musicians walking on the surface of planet earth.

LISORO: through the grapevine we heard that you are also a deejay. Is that true? If so when are you planning to bring this new offering to the world?

ASAIAH: Yeeeeah. I’m in now! Count me in the deejay community. When I thought about starting a solo career, deejaying made the most sense. ’cause I could have taken the mic, ’cause I have a little voice too. But deejaying is an extension of beatmaking. Since I know how to make songs, it’s easier for me to blend them together. The next thing is to handle a crowd, but again… I learned that skill at church ;-).