REVIEW | WATCH: I attended Sphura Thee Level’s Live Recording Session, and It Was Epic!

Last Saturday, 4 April 2026, I found myself stepping into the pulse of Yeoville, Johannesburg, to attend a live recording session of musician Sphura Thee Level.

As I saw the Maybach Holding Records studio, I could already feel it — something raw, something real was in the air. What I thought would be just a live recording session was about to turn into an unforgettable experience as I was about to watch Sphura Thee Level link up with Nigerian musician Tony Lawz and Ghanaian musician Youdhat to bring their upcoming track Black Sheep to life. With the song set to live across all three of their albums under the Kuningi Blind! project, I knew something big was coming.

A warm welcome before the magic began

So as I stood at the gate, the first person I saw was Sipho Mathebula, Sphura Thee Level’s PR manager. The moment he spotted me, he quickly dashed inside the studio to grab the keys to open the gate for me. And when I finally walked in? Yoh… he greeted me with the warmest hug ever — like, the kind that instantly makes you feel at home. And mind you, the recording session was set to start at 11AM, but I was way too early… and little did I know, things wouldn’t even get started until 3PM because everyone else was running late.

While we were still outside, just getting into introductions, Nosipho Batshwadi, the studio assistant, appeared with a bright smile, like she already knew me and she gave me another warm hug. At this point, I couldn’t help thinking, “Wait… what is going on here? Why is everyone so happy to see me?” So she chatted with me briefly before heading back inside, leaving me feeling so inlove with her, like…I just fell inlove with her right there and then.

Sipho then took me on a quick tour of the studio, and that’s when I met the sound engineer, Silas Raseruthe. When we walked in, he was focused on his MIDI controller keyboard , but the moment he noticed me, he stood up, gave me another warm hug, and started chatting. In less than five minutes of arriving, I already felt completely at home. It didn’t feel like a visit; it felt like I had walked into a space where I was meant to be.

Not long after, the man of the hour, Sphura Thee Level, arrived. And guess what? Sphura came in with full-on energy, practically flying toward me with a hug and conversation. Yoh guys… haybo! Just from the warmth and energy of Sipho, Nosipho, Silas, and Sphura, I knew this day was going to be unforgettable.

Shortly after, Mr George Ndlovu arrived — the Founder of Maybach Holding Records, Founder of The Dunhill Distillery, and Founder of the Maybach Lounge. Honestly, if no one had told me he was the boss, I would never have guessed. He walked in, greeted me with a warm smile, and joined me on the couch to chat. From the moment he sat down, it was clear — this was a man who carried his success lightly, without ego, without needing to announce himself. We laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the conversation like old friends catching up. Yoh guys…George, the man behind all these incredible ventures was so approachable, kind, and down-to-earth — it hit me that yes, humble bosses still exist out here. You could feel the respect George gives without him demanding it. That moment made me realise greatness doesn’t need to shout; it’s in how someone treats others, and George? He set the bar high!

Soon after, the rest of the team began arriving: the drummers from Malawi, Kassim and Said, with their manager Kelcy Holconnb; Youdhat from Ghana with his manager Stella Phiri; and Tony Lawz from Nigeria with his manager Samuel Dickson Aleogho. Just like everyone else, they walked in with that same warmth and energy, and we all started talking, introducing ourselves, joking, and naturally breaking the ice. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from a live recording session as I had never been to one before, but I felt calm, excited, and ready for whatever was about to unfold.

And right before we officially started, George, Sipho, and Nosipho made sure we were all set with drinks— because, hawu… how can we sing and make music on dry throats? Lool.

When Black Sheep came to life

As the clock finally struck 3PM, the studio seemed to awaken — like it had been holding its breath all morning, waiting for this moment. Sphura Thee Level was first on the mic, and you could tell this was his song, his canvas to lead. The moment he stepped up, yoh… he gave everything — and I mean everything. His voice carried the raw emotion of the story, painting vivid pictures for everyone in the room. You could feel every word, every phrase, even as he switched between IsiXhosa and English.

Oh and by the way, Black Sheep is a story of a boy discovering he doesn’t belong to the family he thought was his and searching for answers. You can’t listen to it without feeling it somewhere inside yourself —because the story is one that resonates with so many of us, in one way or another.

Then came in Tony Lawz with his verse, adding his Nigerian flavour to the track. His flow, his energy, his unique style… it gave the song a whole new texture and life, like adding spice to an already perfect dish. And when Youdhat stepped up with his verse, singing in his Ghanaian language, he didn’t hold anything back either. Like the others, he poured all of himself into every line, and together, the three of them created something that felt bigger than just a song.

Guys, the energy in that studio… you could literally feel it shift. Hearts beating faster, emotions rising, and electricity hanging in the air… THEY GAVE US THAT THING. You know what I mean, right? That unspoken magic that makes a song unforgettable. What made it even more special was how they worked together—listening, respecting each other’s ideas, blending their styles, and building something as a team.

Even before they finished, everyone in the room — me included — was invited to share thoughts, give input, feel part of the process. And let me tell you… I already knew, deep down, that this track was going to leave a mark, climb charts, and resonate with people everywhere.

Not just recorded… but Born

After the first takes, the studio shifted into full-on creative mode. It wasn’t just about singing anymore —it was about crafting the song, moment by moment. Sphura Thee Level, Tony Lawz, and Youdhat huddled together, debating lines, laughing at spontaneous ideas, and just being crazy. Silas was everywhere at once — tweaking sound levels, adjusting headphones, and giving subtle nods when something landed perfectly. George, true to form, sat back on the couch, observing with that calm, humble presence, smiling when the energy hit just right, and let the artists take the reins while still being fully there.

I got to see all the little things that make a song come alive — hand gestures pointing out a timing cue, quick whispers over a line, a spontaneous clap or hum to test the feel. Nosipho and Sipho were floating around too, making sure everyone ate and had what they needed. The room was full of laughter, intense focus, and this shared excitement made me realise just how rare it is to witness this kind of collaboration in action.

As I continued watching, I felt it sinking in. The creative process isn’t always smooth or perfect, but when talent, respect, and energy collide like this, something extraordinary happens. Black Sheep wasn’t just being recorded — it was being born.

A day to remember, A story to tell

As the day wrapped up and the last notes echoed through the studio, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. From the moment I stepped through that gate, I felt so welcomed and so respected. Watching Sphura Thee Level, Tony Lawz, Youdhat, and the whole team bring Black Sheep to life gave me chills, and I honestly can’t wait for people to hear it when it drops. Trust me, you are going to want to listen.

And I have to say, Maybach Holding Records deserves nothing less than a perfect 10 out of 10!

From the way they treated me to the way they nurture and produce incredible artists and music, it’s clear this is the kind of record label any artist — whether rising or a legend — would be lucky to find if they are serious about growing their career. The professionalism, the warmth, and the sheer dedication to quality is unmatched. Honestly, being there, witnessing the process, and feeling the energy, I left the studio not just inspired, but in awe of what real passion and excellence look like.

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