Members of the Mentor Kolektiv:

Des-C, Mr Mak, Mentor, A.C

How did you first come about to joining the 2point9 crew?
I was running an independent record label and recording studio in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. After working out there for a couple of years, I had built up a large portfolio of songs. When I came back from Tanzania, Rishi played some of my work to his managers and they asked me to join the team.

What made you come about into making your own mixtape?
We were producing songs together for some time and wanted to get something out there. My album won't be out for a while so we decided a mixtape would be a great way to showcase the group's collective talents as well as giving us an avenue to create a street buzz.

How did you come up with the name Kolektiv?
We thought that it would be the most suitable name, as we are individuals with varied talents who come together as a kolektiv, but have separate identities. The spelling just makes it a bit more interesting and street. It's also the way a lot of people would spell it internationally, especially in East Africa, where I come from.  

How did you find other members of the Mentor Kolektiv Crew?
I met Des-C through a mutual friend and collaborator, Raxstar. Mak through the Rishi Rich Project and 2point9. I'd known AC for the longest time. We met at a TV station where I was presenting an Asian music program. We lost contact when I went to Africa, but luckily I bumped into him again outside a Kanye West Concert where he was selling mixtapes!

What input has each member of the Mentor Kolektiv crew put into the mixtape?
Starting with AC, he hosts the mixtape and raps on many of the tracks. He's also a fantastic Illustrator and animator, taking care of the artwork and design. Des-C is responsible for bringing the Punjabi element to the group, and the mixtape, with his raw desi vocals. Mr Mak mixed the tracks together and added his own special touch with top class scratching and fx. I produced and engineered the mixtape, and generally look after the group.

You have a variety of members from 2point9 on the mixtape, what made you chose Mr Mak?
Mak is the backbone of our live shows as he controls the decks. He's a very talented DJ and his skills needed to be showcased. You get a better idea of his abilities on the mixtape.

The mixtape is only available online, what made you think of this idea?
We wanted it to be quite exclusive. Hence there are limited numbers (only 1000 copies which are to be given away free with a small purchase from the forthcoming on-line store). Also it will reach an international audience.

Do you have videos planned for any of the songs on the mixtape?
Not at the moment. We're waiting for the right time and budgets to do what we want to do. We've got some great ideas involving animation and special fx. I rather not sacrifice quality for the sake of putting a video out. It's got to look just right.

What is your favourite track on the mixtape?
My favourite track on the album has to be "Pasand". It's got lots of energy and is a great party tune. Des-C's vocals and AC's rapping compliment the beat very well. An instant club banger! 

Who inspired you start producing?
My older brother Rishi Rich has been an inspiration to me my whole life. I picked up a lot from him when we were growing up. I look up to him, and other producers such as DJ Premier, Timbaland, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, as well as Desi producers like Kam Frantic, Dr. Zeus, Hunters and many others. I draw my inspiration from many things apart from music, like movies and animation.

What do you think about the Bhangra scene at the moment including the videos?
I think the quality is improving over all, although there's still quite a few dodgy videos and songs out there! There's a lot more we can achieve if we put more time and effort into it.  

To end off this interview I want to say a big thanx to Mentor for taking his time to let me interview him. The album is not available to buy in the shops, but will soon be availble over the website.