Mentor – Mentor Kolektiv
Born in Kenya, Mentor grew up in West London and started music learning tabla in the Temple at an early age. He experimented with other musical endeavours such as DJing and rapping whilst picking up production techniques from older brother Rishi Rich. Mentor's first production was a track on the VR1 album "Voices".
After gaining an Audio Engineering Diploma at the SAE Institute of Technology,
Mentor went on to produce a number of tracks on the huge selling Asian series Pure Garage I, II and III.
In 2002, he moved to
Tanzania and set up Poa Records, an independent label which promoted Swahili Hip Hop and R&B. Mentor signed a number of artists including T.I.D, Zig Zag Kru, Complex (R.I.P) and Big Dogg Posse, as well as working with top East African artists like Lady JD, Mr Nice, Ray C, Suma G, AY and Majizee. Mentor went on to be Nominated Best Producer at the Tanzanian Music Awards 2003, POA Records artist T.I.D. won Best Artist Category and his album "Sauti Ya Dhahabu" (Produced by Mentor) won Best Album.
In June 2003,
Mentor returned to the UK to set up his studio. Since then he's remixed songs for he likes of Jon B, Timbaland and Magoo feat. Missy Elliot, Craig David, Nitin Sawhney and Blacksmith feat. Naila Boss, as well as producing the majority of Juggy D's self titled debut album, Veronica's "Theen", and songs on Jay Sean's debut album,” Me Against Myself".
He has also scored TV ad's for McDonalds and Sharwoods, and title music for TV programs including Nickelodeon's "Control Freaks".
Apart from music production,
Mentor also teaches through various organisations including Point Blank London and London School of Sound. Working with young offenders, under privilaged kids and private students, Mentor has taught music production courses across London, helping to keep kids out of trouble and off the streets.
Forming Mentor Kolektiv in 2004, the producer released and promoted "Mentor Kolektiv Mixtape Vol 1" independently, shortly after the group's formation. After gaining exposure from the mixtape,
Mentor has now completed the groups debut album "Broke" which was released on 24th October 2005.