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Record Producer, Songwriter, Mixing Engineer, Composer & DJ
Apiwe Bubu is constantly and consistently record producing, songwriting, mix engineering, composing, and DJing, believing that creativity is the ultimate form of human expression.
He began classical piano training in middle school and at college level completed a Sound Engineering Audio Training Certificate at the Inhouse Audio Training Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then completed a Berklee Online Professional Certificate in Music Theory, Ear Training and Harmony. Equipped with these qualifications he worked in television media as a junior music composer for television shows and wrote for music libraries like Urban Rhythm Factory and had his first TV show original theme song aired via the popular TV show How To (Wenza Kanjani) at age 21. He also worked in radio sound design and production at Sonovision Studios as a sound engineer/designer focusing on radio jingles/adverts.
He received jazz piano tutelage for 4 years with renowned South African jazz pianist Andile Yenana (Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Award recipient). He wrote and produced music for the 2011 SAMA (South African Music Award) winning album "Nomisupasta" by Nomsa Mazwai and has traveled and performed with various theatrical and musical groups in countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, Norway, Spain, and the US.
As a full-time student at the renowned Berklee College of Music, Apiwe Bubu held the position of President of the African Club during the 2012–2013 academic year. A passionate advocate for South Africa’s rich musical heritage, he strongly believes that his artistic purpose and contributions are rooted in the distinct sounds of his homeland. Graduating cum laude with a dual major in Contemporary Writing & Production and Music Production & Engineering, along with a minor in Writing Music for TV & New Media (Video Games), he sees vibrant, creative hubs like Los Angeles and New York as ideal environments to refine his craft and further his artistic pursuits.
Upon completing his studies, he worked as a music producer and assistant engineer with the world-renowned mix engineer Tony Maserati (Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke). Under his umbrella production/studio company Mirrorball Entertainment, he made contributions to Grammy-winning/nominated albums such as Beyoncé’s 'Lemonade,' Keith Urban's 'Ripcord' and Gallant's 'Ology.' Envisioning his own path, Apiwe Bubu now operates his own studio Global Sound Studio LA and offers his sought-after recording, songwriting, mixing and production skills. He’s lent his talents to artists such as Chief Keef, Bridgit Mendler, Adam Friedman, 808 Mafia, Flip Dinero to name a few. In addition to dedicating extensive hours to the studio, Apiwe Bubu has gained valuable experience on the road as a DJ, performing alongside artists such as Sofía Reyes and at exclusive events for industry icons like Snoop Dogg. He is an active presence in the New York and Los Angeles music scenes, with performances at notable venues including Los Globos, The Resident DTLA, and St. Felix Hollywood. He is also the founder of Amagintsa eVybe, a bi-coastal media brand dedicated to promoting South African music culture in the United States.
"Berklee College of Music has put him in a unique position with a command of professional and creative techniques key to the success of any business in the entertainment field."
Tony Maserati
Grammy Award winning record producer and audio engineer
"His value to the past, current and future of South African music writing and production cannot be overstated. He has a stunningly fresh approach, sound and style."
Bakithi Khumalo
Grammy Award winning bassist; performed with Paul Simon, Gloria Estefan, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo
Favorite quote:
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The notion "press on" has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race."