Producer Spotlight: Baker Got The Keys
Baker Got the Keys (born Junaid Baker) is a Cape Town born-and-bred producer scaling the local music charts at a remarkable speed. The 24-year-old Muizenberg-based “finesser of keys” has made quite the name for himself-at the helm of production for South African artists Ka$hCPT, J Molley, and Tembisile, to name a few.
Baker describes having “never in [his] wildest dreams thought [he’d] be in the music industry, or a producer.” In 2014, Baker had his first taste of the music industry. Having sung lead in a high school concert, the then 16-year-old was approached by some fellow schoolmates to join their vocal boyband. As a singer no less, Baker made his first splash in the South African music pool, advancing to the semi-finals of South Africa’s Got Talent in 2017 as well as performing on SABC’s Espresso Morning Show.
Baker’s move to production was influenced by two things: First: taking charge of recording and making beats for the members of his band. He explains that this is where he “fell in love with the craft” and began expanding his skill set and growing his clientele as a producer. Secondly, Baker’s foundation as a singer and performer provided an additional element to his production abilities. His experience on both sides of the industry has proved to be useful as he builds his reputation in and outside the studio.
Commenting on his resourcefulness, Baker had this to say: “When it comes to genres I make anything...RnB is my bread and butter, obviously boyband, pop, hip-hop, trap…I think my versatility sets me apart”. And it most certainly does. Baker Got The Keys’ juxtaposition of melodic RnB songs, paired with beat-heavy trap tracks and bass-heavy Amapiano tunes display his range and versatility.
Baker’s notable production of the song “Amen” by Tembisile (feat. Lordnelle), is a unique display of his skillset as a producer trained in the ear of RnB. This catchy, flipped-version of Snoh Aalegra’s ‘Nothing to Me’, takes a slow and instrumentally-light ballad and transforms it into a groovy banger. The cooing edited vocals of the ballad in the background with a few turntable-replicated scratches, accompanied by a driving and clear kick; this is a certified head-bopper. Knowing exactly when to add and remove, Baker is masterful at both teasing the listener and inviting them to keep listening.
Baker Got The Keys’ prominent work with Ka$hCPT has gained significant traction in the growing trap scene on the continent. Baker describes having been “blown away” after meeting and recording Ka$h for the first time about 3 years ago, deciding collectively then and there to move forward together. Their sonic compatibility has remained strong throughout the years, and Baker is a notable producer of most of his tracks, mostly featured on his recent tape ‘CAPE TOWN RADIO’.
The friends and Baker’s “favorite collaborator” have made use of multi-layered electronic sounds; from replicating a flute, to an electric organ, grounded in progressive 808’s and drums. The song “Other $tuff” balances each of its elements perfectly, taking its listener on a vivid and cathartic explosive sound journey of color.
As for what’s next, Baker hopes to continue using his flair and finesse to secure a number 1 song on major streaming platforms and hopes to someday land a SAMA (South African Music Award) for Producer of the Year.
Maglera Doe Boy takes us to his hometown of Makazana to reflect on his past life, multicultural upbringing, and why community is such an important part of his enviable rise in the South African music industry.