Local Spotlight
Studio Insights with Bonke Bunu of Zonke Bonke Productions
In Issue #004, we introduced Bonke Bunu, a seasoned sound engineer with over two decades of experience and the latest partner in our BANG Collective. We sat down with him to get his invaluable perspective on the realities of music production for today's independent artist.
What's the most significant change you've seen in music production in SA over your two decades in the industry?
The most significant change is the digital revolution, which has made recording more accessible through cheap technology and has transformed how music is produced, distributed, and consumed via streaming services. This allows artists more independence from major labels and gives them a potentially wider reach.
For an emerging artist, what is the primary role of a Sound Engineer, and what’s one thing you wish they understood before coming into the studio?
The role of a sound engineer is to create and manipulate all audio for a production—including sound effects, music, and dialogue—to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere. It involves technical and artistic skills such as recording, editing, and mixing sounds. My advice is: be on time and don't over-schedule. Most jobs take longer than you think they will. Don't wait until later to clean up your gear, cables, and mics.
From your experience, what’s the difference between a self-funded project and a label-funded one?
The difference comes down to the question of who pays and who assumes insurance. A self-funded, independent artist uses their own money to finance their work. They maintain full control by avoiding debt from labels or investors but it can be slower to build their career. Whoever pays for the recording owns the master. If you did not pay the studio to record you, they own the master.
How important is professional mixing and mastering? Can a "good enough" home mix still compete?
It is extremely important for an independent artist today. High-quality sound that stands out on crowded platforms ensures your music sounds polished and professional across all devices and formats, helping you grab listeners' attention against major labels. Yes, a good mix can compete with a pro mix on platforms like Spotify.
What's one piece of advice you'd give an artist to prepare before booking studio time to avoid wasting money?
Set a clear budget. Know exactly how much you can spend before you start looking to avoid overspending. Have a detailed plan to avoid wasted hours—have all your song arrangements ready to go before you enter the studio.
How can artists get in touch with you for professional mixing and mastering services?
Artists can contact me via Calls on 079 597 9980 or on WhatsApp at 063 108 7888.
Your Next Move is Clear
Bonke's insights highlight a clear path forward for the independent artist: professionalism, preparation, and a commitment to quality are non-negotiable. To compete, you need to treat your art like a business.
At BANG Entertainment, we specialize in providing the tools and expertise to make that happen. Through our BANG Collective, we connect you with professionals like Bonke to provide services that make you A&R-ready:
- ✓ Professional Production: Access world-class mixing and mastering to ensure your music stands out.
- ✓ Brand Development: We help you define and build the unique brand identity that gets you noticed.
- ✓ Business Strategy: We guide you through the business side of music, from funding to release planning, so you can focus on your art.