MAGA on ‘Knockout’, Scenarios, and Finding Flow Between Friendship and Freedom
- Undrtone Blog
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Lisbon’s electronic scene has a magnetic pull right now, and Maga is right at the centre of it. The French-born producer, who cut his teeth running a club in Cape Town before finding his own voice behind the decks, has evolved into one of the most respected figures in melodic house. His latest collaboration, ‘Knockout’, with Emanuel Satie and Mâhfoud, released on Factory 93, captures that growth perfectly. Hypnotic, groove-led, and built for connection.
“When I was just starting out, I knew I had a ton to learn,” Maga recalls. “I loved Defected Records so much that I decided to try to bring a Defected showcase to South Africa. That was a huge step for me, my first time organising something big, and it really showed how much I loved electronic music.”
Those early after-hours DJ sessions in his Cape Town club proved just as important. They became a space to experiment, build confidence, and shape the approach that now defines his sound. “Those late-night sets were awesome for getting better, trying new sounds, and connecting with a nice crowd,” he says. “What began as a side thing outside the main events was slowly becoming an important part of who I was becoming as a musician.”
That sense of discovery never left him. Maga’s philosophy as a DJ revolves around keeping the floor alive while letting the music breathe and evolve. “Giving the crowd the necessary time and space to process thoughts and emotions, especially during the high of the set, by letting the music breathe,” he explains. “This has been the red thread guiding my sets and playing style for years.”
It’s an ethos he’s carried from intimate clubs to desert sunrises. Burning Man, he says, was a major turning point. “I had the chance to play an eight-hour set on a cool stage called Monkey Love after the two acts scheduled after me never showed up. I remember that moment like it was yesterday; it was my breakthrough.”
Fast forward to now, and Maga’s collaborative energy has found a permanent home in Scenarios, the collective he co-founded with Emanuel Satie, Sean Doron, and Tim Engelhardt. More than a label, Scenarios is a tight-knit family, with 24 shows lined up in 2025 and a reputation for crafting music that moves both body and mind.
“Our consistent dedication to the project, combined with the genuine friendship we share, makes this endeavour incredibly valuable to us,” Maga says. “In all honesty, this friendship has turned more into creating our own little family. I believe this is clearly reflected in our music.”
That collective spirit spills into ‘Knockout’, his latest team-up with Satie and Mâhfoud. The record merges house energy with cinematic flair and a touch of hip-hop cool. “We aimed for a hypnotic and rhythmic break, driven by a strong bassline,” Maga says. “Incorporating hip-hop elements, we discovered a really cool sample, and that completed the track.”
It’s this blend of styles that makes ‘Knockout’ stand out. You can feel Satie’s journey-driven production, Mâhfoud’s live instrumentation, and Maga’s instinct for rhythm intertwining seamlessly. “We knew we had something special when we layered the vocals with the bass and lead, creating a truly bouncy and satisfying sound,” Maga says.
While the record has global appeal, Lisbon has been the quiet anchor behind Maga’s creativity. “I’ve been living in Lisbon for five years now. While it is a capital city, it feels smaller, which I appreciate, as I’ve never enjoyed living in larger cities,” he says. “Its proximity to the ocean and consistently great weather contribute to my sense of peace and happiness here.”
That calm foundation balances the chaos of touring and studio life. It’s also where Maga continues to find inspiration, surrounded by friends who share his passion for sonic exploration. “Being in the studio together when time and place allow it, we enter into a state of creative flow,” he says. “It’s great to share our ideas, knowing we speak the same musical language.”
With support from heavyweights like Solomun, Rüfüs Du Sol, and Black Coffee, Maga’s music continues to resonate worldwide. “It’s always a great pleasure to receive such support,” he says. “The beautiful thing is that the support grows each year, which makes me want to do more and continue on my journey. It motivates me to create even better music.”
Looking ahead, Maga is focused on both deepening his collaborative projects and keeping Scenarios thriving. “I am deeply committed to Scenarios, as it is a project I am passionate about,” he says. “Additionally, I highly enjoy collaborative work, particularly when I can work with friends who bring me joy.”
That joy is easy to hear on ‘Knockout’, a track born from connection, trust, and shared curiosity. It’s the sound of three artists finding flow together, building something that moves with intention and breathes with freedom.
Comments