DJ Katapila, Cult Ghanaian Producer, Dies At 50
Photo by DJ Katapila, Ishmael Monastery
DJ Katapila, the Ghanaian producer who started out as a funeral DJ and later built a loyal following with his discos and marathon sets, died on Sunday, January 28, after a brief illness. This was reported by the Awesome Tapes From Africa label which helped Katapila reach international level. The label's statement described Katapila as "an inimitable producer, disc jockey and traveling party promoter", noting that he "left behind a loving family that includes daughters and sons as well as his 92-year-old mother". He is 50 years old.
DJ Katapila, born at Ishmael Monastery in Accra's Jamestown area, started producing in the mid-30s, using simple software called FruityLoops to create upbeat, energetic songs that combined house and techno influences. dance music. He often speaks and sings in Twi, English, and Era, on or in between songs, blending the beats with skilled live drum pads. He has released three albums on Awesome Tapes From Africa, starting with Trotro , before releasing his latest EP , Techno Africa, on Club Yeke in 2022.
In an Instagram post, Awesome Tapes creator Brian Shimkowitz wrote, in part:
DJ Katapila came to mind during a trip to Ghana in 2015 after discovering his recordings. We released three albums together and toured Europe at least four times. We did a lot of shows together, so I have vivid memories of our journey together and all the shenanigans that came with it. Ishmael's kind and calm nature has touched the hearts of many people over the years. Working with him wasn't always easy or stress-free, but I really appreciated what I learned from him.
With the incredible support of @qujunktions staff, we collaborated to solve the terrible visa process that African artists face. Along his journey, Ishmael experienced many humiliations and detrimental failures, but he always remained strong, remained positive, and persevered. His lifelong commitment to creating music is as unrelenting as the music he has created over the years. Having recently entered the world of music production (he started working with Fruity Loops after 20 years of non-stop DJing), he balances the simplicity of his studio with the passion of his production.
Originally appeared on Pitchfork