Nitefreak
by Parag Shah
Editor’s Note: I met Bheki Mabhena, also known as Nitefreak, after seeing him play a gig in LA. I went up to him after the show and asked if he’d be open to an interview for 1993. He kindly obliged, we exchanged info, and on an October afternoon in Los Angeles, we had a wide ranging conversation about life, creativity, and roots.
About Nitefreak: Bringing a fresh approach to progressive Afro House, Nitefreak is at the forefront of this exploding genre. His musical journey began in 2009 as a self-taught DJ and Producer, and by evolving and crafting his sound over the years, Nitefreak has received immense praise, play, and support from Diplo, Black Coffee, Shimza, and many other globally renowned acts.
From releases with Francis Mercier to collaborating with Blond:ish, Nitefreak has amassed over 2,000,000+ streams on Spotify, and received co-signs from the likes of Keinemusik, Gorgon City, Nore en Pure, Odesza, Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1, has reached the Top 5 on Beatport, and even composed music for the UFC’s official documentary for the Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou.
He is widely viewed as the fastest-growing DJ/Producer coming out of Zimbabwe .
1
9
9
3
Who are you?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I'm a DJ and producer, and I focus on Afro House. It’s more than just a genre—it’s a reflection of my culture, my upbringing that’s shaped me.
1
9
9
3
When I saw you in LA I noticed how many international sounds and songs you mixed in. I specifically remember an Indian track that really stood out. Is this something you will continue experimenting with?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Absolutely. Music has no boundaries. When I’m DJing, I play for a diverse audience, and I’ve learned that music from all over the world has something to offer. I’ve performed in India, and their traditional music—especially their percussion instruments—share a lot with African music. The drums, rhythms, and patterns are familiar, and I can easily relate to them.
But when I mix international sounds, I stay true to Afro House by keeping the drums as the foundation. No matter where the top melodies or vocals come from, the heartbeat of my music is always African. As long as the drums stay true to Afro House, I’m open to blending in sounds from anywhere.
1
9
9
3
In an interview about six years ago, you mentioned that the music scene in Zimbabwe felt fragmented. Do you feel like that’s still the case, or have things changed?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I remember that interview. The Afro House scene in Zimbabwe has grown immensely, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a part of that from the beginning. We have local producers making their own music, and I play some of that in my sets. We’re even organizing our own shows, drawing thousands of people—something that would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. There’s still work to be done in other genres, but Afro House? It’s thriving, and it’s incredible to witness.
1
9
9
3
What do you think it is about Afro House that has led to such explosive growth?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
To be honest, I don’t know. I’ve seen other Afro House producers before me - guys from South Africa, Morocco, Angola - all so talented but the only Afro House beacons we had were Black Coffee and THEMBA.
But yeah, I don't know - I think the pandemic could have maybe played a role in it?
COVID was so unfortunate for all the reasons we know but it forced so many people to sit down and explore so many parts of the world digitally and also figure out themselves and that included discovering music beyond the mainstream, and Afro House was one of those genres people stumbled upon.
I also think people saw the magic of going to a show where a DJ is taking you on a journey.
There’s such an intense connection between you and the DJ -- you’re literally experiencing so much music that isn't searchable on Spotify whereas if you go to a show of an artist in many other genres, there is a defined set list of what they will play -- but in our world of music, you are going to experience new sounds and songs constantly. So yeah, it was like a hidden gem that already had a strong fanbase but it finally got its moment and broke through. People started appreciating the soul of it.
1
9
9
3
I’m interested in your background and upbringing. From what I’ve researched, you’re self taught which I find incredible and also goes into my working theory that so many younger people are figuring out how to learn things on their own (instruments, building businesses, coding, etc.) through the likes of YouTube, trial and error, and general online resources. And on top of that you grew up in a musical family—your dad is a music lecturer, right? Was music always part of your life?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Yeah, my dad is still a music lecturer, and music was always around me growing up. But it wasn’t something forced on me. It was there, and I was curious about it. I decided to pursue it seriously after high school. I was studying mechanics at university, but I couldn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life and I knew I wanted a career that was going to fulfill me so I decided to transition and focus on music. I knew I had to follow it.
I didn’t want to die knowing I spent the majority of my formative young years doing something I didn’t love. I decided I won’t allow myself to live with that regret.
You know, I’ve been around family members who work so hard but still wake up and say "ahhh I don’t want to go to work today." I knew I didn’t want that. I wanted to look forward to whatever it was I was going to spend the majority of my time doing.
But for the record, I still love cars.
1
9
9
3
What was your first gig and professional gig like?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
My first gig was during Christmases at my home. And my first professional gig was in 2015 at a local event called Chronicles of House. That was a defining moment for me, realizing that I could do this professionally. But my first international gig was in Kenya in 2022, and that was on another level.
1
9
9
3
Can you say more about that? Why was it on another level?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Because I was scared bro.
Like genuinely terrified.
I went from playing for 40 to 100 people max at home and then I’m performing in a different country and I look out and there are like 1,000 - 1,200 people waiting for me to come on stage AND I’m the headliner!
It was a cauldron of emotions man - it was everything in one - happy, scared, nervous, everything. I was even scared to play my own songs, questioning whether they would like it, you know? But then I played Premier Gaou, and the reaction by the crowd was euphoric and I thought to myself, wow this is it, this is the feeling I want, this is where I was meant to be.
1
9
9
3
You’re self-taught, which is really inspiring. Do you feel like that has influenced your creative process?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Definitely. Being self-taught means trial and error - no one comes and tells you the rules. You keep trying stuff until you find something that works.
1
9
9
3
Love that. I remember someone saying this to me that when someone is pursuing a goal, everyone around them and sometimes even the person themself, is so fixated on the results, but what should be celebrated is the pursuit itself - the learning process that the individual is going through. The outcome is the outcome, but the process - that’s the special part.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Exactly. Like when you hear Premier Gaou - understand that there are other songs before that and years and years of work to refine that sound which I was able to gather and then imbue into that remix. But it’s that freedom and learning process – when applied to your craft can create something special.
1
9
9
3
What is Art to you?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
An expression of imagination. Emotions. Yourself. Environment. Culture. And sharing it with strangers.
1
9
9
3
When you’re not DJing or producing, what do you do?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I like my personal space. I have a lot of acquaintances, but a small circle of friends. I spend time watching documentaries, tutorials, learning about history, a bit of gaming, and generally just staying curious. I’m always trying to learn something new. I’m very inquisitive, like, I’m fascinated by how the world works—whether it’s ancient history or business, I’m always digging for knowledge. Also I travel a lot, so if i go to a place, and don’t have the chance to spend a lot of time there, I’ll go online or watch a documentary and learn more about it. I also love trying new foods but I only seem to ever have time to experience the food culture in Arab countries like Morocco, Georgia, and Lebanon, which is always so incredible.
1
9
9
3
How do you balance the creative and business side of things? I find those things can sometimes be oil and water at times and can be enhancing or limiting depending on how you structure it.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I’m very direct about things - especially about my career. I don’t have a plan B. So this has to work, so I am hands on everything - whether it’s my social channels, agency, or creative freedom. I made that extremely clear, that I get the final say.
1
9
9
3
Yeah I mean that’s nice because you also then control your own brand.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Yeah exactly.. I was very fortunate to become friends with the people before I signed with them and they knew me at an individual level so it was extremely beneficial from that point of view. The passion I have towards my own project they may see as a job.
1
9
9
3
A layered approach.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
First it's a hobby, then it's a passion, and then turns into a business. It’s a business now but I'm still passionate about it - I still have a beginner's mind and appreciation for everything I do.
1
9
9
3
I love how you use your socials - especially your stories and groups. You genuinely interact with your fans.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
To be honest, I don’t like the word fans. I come from a difficult space - my country. So to see people that may be going through stuff and for them to spend time with your art - that’s more than just being a fan. This person is waking up to your music, going to the gym, fixing their relationships, dancing with their kids to my music, or going through live events. That’s more than hey glad you like my stuff. That’s a friendship to me. I view my fans as mutual friends in a way. The word fan and the way it’s been defined can feel impersonal.
1
9
9
3
Wow, that’s such a considered point of view. I never thought about it like that but yeah, I guess fan can feel like a cold and distant word for something that can be so important to someone’s day to day life. You mentioned earlier that you like your space and energy to be right when creating music. How do you handle creative blocks?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
For me, creativity flows best when I’m around positive energy. I absorb that from my close circle of friends. I had a routine back home—wake up and make breakfast for my grandmother and brother, then clean the house and then I’d head over to a friend’s place for a smoke session. We’d brainstorm, laugh, and just vibe. That energy would fuel me, and I’d go back home, sit in front of my laptop, and create. I limit my sessions to about four hours because that’s when my brain starts to tire. After that, I’d share the music with my friends and get their feedback. Their honesty was crucial because they aren’t producers, so they’d tell me straight up if they like it or not. Creativity, to me, is all about the energy you surround yourself with. When you’re in the right space, physically and mentally, that’s when the magic happens.
1
9
9
3
Any personal mantras?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I have a personal mantra that I live by: 'Focus, Focus, Prayer, Patience, Ambition.' I say “focus” twice because I believe it’s that important. It’s easy to get distracted, but if you lose focus, it doesn’t matter how much talent or potential you have. Focus is what keeps you on your path. Prayer is essential—it reminds me to stay grounded and connected to a higher purpose. Patience is key because nothing happens overnight. And ambition drives everything forward. It’s a simple philosophy, but it’s kept me on track.
1
9
9
3
What’s next for you? Any projects you want to share with the readers?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I have a new song out called Not the Same. I’m really excited about it—the reception so far has been great. I’m also hosting my own shows in Kenya in December and bringing together local DJs. It’s all about giving back and creating a platform for other artists. I wouldn’t be where I am today without people giving me a shot, so now it’s my turn to do the same. I may not have the biggest platform ever, but I am grateful for the position I am in and want to give back.
Check out Nitefreak's Music on Spotify Here
Stream Nitefreak's Remix "Black Coffee"
Nitefreak
By Parag Shah
Editor’s Note: I met Bheki Mabhena, also known as Nitefreak, after seeing him play a gig in LA. I went up to him after the show and asked if he’d be open to an interview for 1993. He kindly obliged, we exchanged info, and on an October afternoon in Los Angeles, we had a wide ranging conversation about life, creativity, and roots.
About Nitefreak: Bringing a fresh approach to progressive Afro House, Nitefreak is at the forefront of this exploding genre. His musical journey began in 2009 as a self-taught DJ and Producer, and by evolving and crafting his sound over the years, Nitefreak has received immense praise, play, and support from Diplo, Black Coffee, Shimza, and many other globally renowned acts.
From releases with Francis Mercier to collaborating with Blond:ish, Nitefreak has amassed over 2 million monthly streams on Spotify, and received co-signs from the likes of Keinemusik, Gorgon City, Nore en Pure, Odesza, Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1, has reached the Top 5 on Beatport, and even composed music for the UFC’s official documentary for the Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist, Francis Ngannou.
He is widely viewed as the fastest-growing DJ/Producer coming out of Zimbabwe .
1
9
9
3
Who are you?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I'm a DJ and producer, and I focus on Afro House. It’s more than just a genre—it’s a reflection of my culture, my upbringing that’s shaped me.
1
9
9
3
When I saw you in LA I noticed how many international sounds and songs you mixed in. I specifically remember an Indian track that really stood out. Is this something you will continue experimenting with?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Absolutely. Music has no boundaries. When I’m DJing, I play for a diverse audience, and I’ve learned that music from all over the world has something to offer. I’ve performed in India, and their traditional music—especially their percussion instruments—share a lot with African music. The drums, rhythms, and patterns are familiar, and I can easily relate to them.
But when I mix international sounds, I stay true to Afro House by keeping the drums as the foundation. No matter where the top melodies or vocals come from, the heartbeat of my music is always African. As long as the drums stay true to Afro House, I’m open to blending in sounds from anywhere.
1
9
9
3
In an interview about six years ago, you mentioned that the music scene in Zimbabwe felt fragmented. Do you feel like that’s still the case, or have things changed?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I remember that interview. The Afro House scene in Zimbabwe has grown immensely, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a part of that from the beginning. We have local producers making their own music, and I play some of that in my sets. We’re even organizing our own shows, drawing thousands of people—something that would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. There’s still work to be done in other genres, but Afro House? It’s thriving, and it’s incredible to witness.
1
9
9
3
What do you think it is about Afro House that has led to such explosive growth?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
To be honest, I don’t know. I’ve seen other Afro House producers before me - guys from South Africa, Morocco, Angola - all so talented but the only Afro House beacons we had were Black Coffee and THEMBA.
But yeah, I don't know - I think the pandemic could have maybe played a role in it?
COVID was so unfortunate for all the reasons we know but it forced so many people to sit down and explore so many parts of the world digitally and also figure out themselves and that included discovering music beyond the mainstream, and Afro House was one of those genres people stumbled upon.
I also think people saw the magic of going to a show where a DJ is taking you on a journey.
There’s such an intense connection between you and the DJ -- you’re literally experiencing so much music that isn't searchable on Spotify whereas if you go to a show of an artist in many other genres, there is a defined set list of what they will play -- but in our world of music, you are going to experience new sounds and songs constantly. So yeah, it was like a hidden gem that already had a strong fanbase but it finally got its moment and broke through. People started appreciating the soul of it.
1
9
9
3
I’m interested in your background and upbringing. From what I’ve researched, you’re self taught which I find incredible and also goes into my working theory that so many younger people are figuring out how to learn things on their own (instruments, building businesses, coding, etc.) through the likes of YouTube, trial and error, and general online resources. And on top of that you grew up in a musical family—your dad is a music lecturer, right? Was music always part of your life?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Yeah, my dad is still a music lecturer, and music was always around me growing up. But it wasn’t something forced on me. It was there, and I was curious about it. I decided to pursue it seriously after high school. I was studying mechanics at university, but I couldn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life and I knew I wanted a career that was going to fulfill me so I decided to transition and focus on music. I knew I had to follow it.
I didn’t want to die knowing I spent the majority of my formative young years doing something I didn’t love. I decided I won’t allow myself to live with that regret.
You know, I’ve been around family members who work so hard but still wake up and say "ahhh I don’t want to go to work today." I knew I didn’t want that. I wanted to look forward to whatever it was I was going to spend the majority of my time doing.
But for the record, I still love cars.
1
9
9
3
What was your first gig and professional gig like?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
My first gig was during Christmases at my home. And my first professional gig was in 2015 at a local event called Chronicles of House. That was a defining moment for me, realizing that I could do this professionally. But my first international gig was in Kenya in 2022, and that was on another level.
1
9
9
3
Can you say more about that? Why was it on another level?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Because I was scared bro.
Like genuinely terrified.
I went from playing for 40 to 100 people max at home and then I’m performing in a different country and I look out and there are like 1,000 - 1,200 people waiting for me to come on stage AND I’m the headliner!
It was a cauldron of emotions man - it was everything in one - happy, scared, nervous, everything. I was even scared to play my own songs, questioning whether they would like it, you know? But then I played Premier Gaou, and the reaction by the crowd was euphoric and I thought to myself, wow this is it, this is the feeling I want, this is where I was meant to be.
1
9
9
3
You’re self-taught, which is really inspiring. Do you feel like that has influenced your creative process?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Definitely. Being self-taught means trial and error - no one comes and tells you the rules. You keep trying stuff until you find something that works.
1
9
9
3
Love that. I remember someone saying this to me that when someone is pursuing a goal, everyone around them and sometimes even the person themself, is so fixated on the results, but what should be celebrated is the pursuit itself - the learning process that the individual is going through. The outcome is the outcome, but the process - that’s the special part.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Exactly. Like when you hear Premier Gaou - understand that there are other songs before that and years and years of work to refine that sound which I was able to gather and then imbue into that remix. But it’s that freedom and learning process – when applied to your craft can create something special.
1
9
9
3
What is Art to you?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
An expression of imagination. Emotions. Yourself. Environment. Culture. And sharing it with strangers.
1
9
9
3
When you’re not DJing or producing, what do you do?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I like my personal space. I have a lot of acquaintances, but a small circle of friends. I spend time watching documentaries, tutorials, learning about history, a bit of gaming, and generally just staying curious. I’m always trying to learn something new. I’m very inquisitive, like, I’m fascinated by how the world works—whether it’s ancient history or modern business, I’m always digging for knowledge. Also I travel a lot, so if i go to a place, and don’t have the chance to visit the place, I’ll go online or watch a documentary and learn more about it. And interestingly enough, I love to try new foods but I only seem to ever have time to experience food in the Arab countries like Morocco, Georgia, and Lebanon, which is always so incredible.
1
9
9
3
How do you balance the creative and business side of things? I find those things can sometimes be oil and water at times and can be enhancing or limiting depending on how you structure it.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I’m very direct about things - especially about my career. I don’t have a plan B. So this has to work, so I am hands on everything - whether it’s my social channels, agency, or creative freedom. I made that extremely clear, that I get the final say.
1
9
9
3
Yeah I mean that’s nice because you also then control your own brand.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
Yeah exactly.. I was very fortunate to become friends with the people before I signed with them and they knew me at an individual level so it was extremely beneficial from that point of view. The passion I have towards my own project they may see as a job.
1
9
9
3
A layered approach.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
First it's a hobby, then it's a passion, and then turns into a business. It’s a business now but I'm still passionate about it - I still have a beginner's mind and appreciation for everything I do.
1
9
9
3
I love how you use your socials - especially your stories and groups. You genuinely interact with your fans.
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
To be honest, I don’t like the word fans. I come from a difficult space - my country. So to see people that may be going through stuff and for them to spend time with your art - that’s more than just being a fan. This person is waking up to your music, going to the gym, fixing their relationships, dancing with their kids to my music, or going through live events. That’s more than "hey glad you like my stuff." That’s a friendship to me. I view my fans as mutual friends in a way. The word fan and the way it’s been defined can feel impersonal.
1
9
9
3
Wow, that’s such a considered point of view. I never thought about it like that but yeah, I guess fan can feel like a cold and distant word for something that can be so important to someone’s day to day life. You mentioned earlier that you like your space and energy to be right when creating music. How do you handle creative blocks?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
For me, creativity flows best when I’m around positive energy. I absorb that from my close circle of friends. I had a routine back home—wake up and make breakfast for my grandmother and brother, then clean the house and then I’d head over to a friend’s place for a smoke session. We’d brainstorm, laugh, and just vibe. That energy would fuel me, and I’d go back home, sit in front of my laptop, and create. I limit my sessions to about four hours because that’s when my brain starts to tire. After that, I’d share the music with my friends and get their feedback. Their honesty was crucial because they aren’t producers, so they’d tell me straight up if they like it or not. Creativity, to me, is all about the energy you surround yourself with. When you’re in the right space, physically and mentally, that’s when the magic happens.
1
9
9
3
Any personal mantras?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I have a personal mantra that I live by: 'Focus, Focus, Prayer, Patience, Ambition.' I say “focus” twice because I believe it’s that important. It’s easy to get distracted, but if you lose focus, it doesn’t matter how much talent or potential you have. Focus is what keeps you on your path. Prayer is essential—it reminds me to stay grounded and connected to a higher purpose. Patience is key because nothing happens overnight. And ambition drives everything forward. It’s a simple philosophy, but it’s kept me on track.
1
9
9
3
What’s next for you? Any projects you want to share with the readers?
N
I
T
E
F
R
E
A
K
I have a new song out called Not the Same. I’m really excited about it—the reception so far has been great. I’m also hosting my own shows in Kenya in December and bringing together local DJs. It’s all about giving back and creating a platform for other artists. I wouldn’t be where I am today without people giving me a shot, so now it’s my turn to do the same. I may not have the biggest platform ever, but I am grateful for the position I am in and want to give back.
Check out Nitefreak's Music on Spotify Here!
Stream Nitefreak's Remix "Black Coffee"