Get to Know Herc Cut the Lights: The Producer Learning to Define Himself With His Music
After numerous golden projects like ‘Tshwala Bam Remix’, ‘Kwenzekile’ and ‘Champion Sound’, Herc Cut the Lights solidified his reputation as an acclaimed producer with his 2024 debut single ‘Tholakuwe’, an ode to self-love and the journey it took to get there.
The self-taught producer, recognized for his work through two ‘Producer of the Year’ nominations at the SA Hip Hop Awards, has always been focused on music. While music has represented various things for him, it is currently calling him to embrace self-love and untangle from society’s pressures through this his first single as a lead artist.
“The song is deeply personal because it involves understanding the essence of love to love myself again. Naturally, we set goals and can get misled by the internet, shifting from our goals and ourselves.
“So, this process of loving myself again shifted the focus back on track, giving me the confidence to keep doing my thing and trust myself,” he said.
Herc Cut the Lights | SUPPLIED
He collaborated with Sjava, Blxckie, and Young Stunna on the song, people who just happened to be at the right place at the right time offering themselves to his work. This, for him, again speaks to what happens when you positively work on yourself. You attract the right people, in this case Sjava, Blxckie, and Young Stunna – who perfectly fitted in what he was trying to achieve.
Herc Cut the Lights’ career, which began 7 years ago on Soundcloud, can be summed up with one word: Inspirational. Starting with just a dream and vision, to now rubbing shoulders with industry greats and becoming one of the most sought-after producers and engineers.
All it took was pacing himself to perfect his craft.
“Starting from my mother’s garage to traveling the world is surreal. Envisioning something and actually manifesting it is wild,” he said.
His exposure to music was sparked by his late father. He reminisces about long drives to his father’s hometown in Malawi, a journey sometimes taking up to 3 days, with music shifting from jazz to reggae, to kizomba, to maskandi.
“I believe that’s where my love for music was cultivated. As a kid, I naturally leaned into different types of music because of my diverse experiences. That exposure has inspired my sound selection up to today, setting a foundation that makes me adaptable to all sounds.”
Herc Cut the Lights in action | SUPPLIED
Herc Cut the Lights shares that, despite not having the opportunity to attend a higher learning facility, he taught himself engineering and how to mix and master.
“I initially wanted to be an accountant, but family circumstances didn’t allow me to go to school. Music became my saving grace when I thought things wouldn’t pan out for me. I had to carve my own path out of my situation.”
Born in Hillbrow and raised in Midrand, Herc describes himself as a loud, inquisitive child who was always told to sit down. Despite favorable early years, life took a tough turn.
“In school, I found it hard to sit still and concentrate. I had to reteach myself everything at home, and I did the same with music. Since I couldn’t attend school, I used my friends’ books to teach myself,” he said.
Herc Cut the Lights | SUPPLIED
Through these struggles, he learned the art of hard work, attributing his achievements to his tenacity.
“This single is an expression of what I was going through at that moment. I see music as a way to articulate each part of my life. When I can’t express something verbally, music does it for me.”
Herc Cut the Lights is working on a full project, with ‘Tholakuwe’ serving as an introduction.
“My name is attached to many genres like amapiano, giving me room to experiment. This project will reflect that. It’s about quality, and I’ll release it when it’s ready. I let my music speak for itself, which is why I avoid putting myself out there too much. I know what I want to achieve and won’t be pressured by others’ moves. My work is meaningful and genuine. The upcoming project will introduce me fully. I’m excited to express myself completely and share it with the world,” he said.