Category: South Africa
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HHAP Ep78: Eavesdrop on Cultivating Spaces for Authenticity in Hip-Hop
Eavesdrop is a multi-hyphenate artist who is an MC, a producer, a director, and an actor. She has been active in Cape Town’s Hip-Hop scene for almost 2 decades and as a lyricist she often produces meaningful lyrics, expressing ideas that have depth. In this interview, we had an important conversation with Eavesdrop about the importance of representation and authenticity. We talked honestly about sometimes feeling conflicted on how best to support younger artists, especially women. Strength and confidence are a prerequisite for being a Hip-Hop artist, and we reflect on how to support other women while encouraging them to rely on their own strength and confidence to excel. “If you need me to hold this door open for you, how are you going to learn the weight of this door?” Eavesdrop We also discuss South Africa’s political history and how that influences the presence and participation of women in Hip-Hop. Eavesdrop introduces us to the concept of “imbokodo” (“rock” in Zulu”), which emerged during the anti-apartheid movement. A common chant during the movement was “Wathint’abafazi, wathint’imbokodo!” (“You strike women, you strike a rock!”). “As an MC you’re seen as imbokodo, you’re seen as that rock, you’re seen as that pillar, and you are somehow helping to preserve that legacy that your country is known for … for its strong women” Eavesdrop We also talk about the cost of authenticity. Eavesdrop says that being authentic to yourself as an artist is freedom. It often does not mean wealth, but it does mean freedom. In an industry where some equate talent and success with material things, placing higher importance on wealth than on the actual art or the message, Eavesdrop reflects on the importance of being her authentic self “When you live in the ghetto, your TV is never off… It’s just constantly running a program on you.. we have a lot of work to do in terms of rewriting that code” Eavesdrop
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HHAP Ep77: DJ Azuhl on Hip-Hop & DJing Culture in South Africa
DJ Azuhl (djazuhl.net) is a prominent South African DJ with Beat Bangaz (beatbangaz.net), a DJ collective in Cape Town. He was born and raised in Cape Town and has been involved in the Hip-Hop community in Cape Town since the 1980s. DJ Azuhl started out breakdancing with the legendary Breaking crew Brasse Vannie Kaap (BVK). He’s a co-founder of the Beat Bangaz DJ Academy and Beat Bangaz Radio. He also works with Hip Hop Education South Africa. In this interview, DJ Azuhl talks about the early years of Hip-Hop in Cape Town, especially during the years that South Africa was under apartheid rule. DJ Azuhl also shares his perspective on DJing and Hip-Hop culture in South Africa, and the art form of the Hip-Hop DJ. Cape Town’s old-school artists are often heavily involved in mentoring young Hip-Hop heads, and DJ Azuhl talks about the importance of reaching back and giving back to the culture.
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Mixtape: Social Justice Within Africa
Introduction Africa is no stranger to protesting wrongdoings in their society. For decades countries have been protesting corruption, health issues, wealth distribution, racism, and police brutality. Yes, police brutality too. It may come shocking to some because why would countries of majority one race have these issues but they are there and exist unfortunately. Artists
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Jub Jub
Molemo Maarohanye or more professionally known as Jub Jub was born on June 29th, 1980, and is a South African artist born and raised in Soweto with a controversial past. From allegations of physical and emotional abuse to even serving prison time, regardless of all the bad decisions, Jub has chosen to change his life
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Nasty C is a ‘Zulu Man with Some Power’
Upcoming South African rapper has quickly become a force to reckoned with in the rap game. Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, better known as Nasty C, was born in Diepkloof, a borough of Soweto, Johannesburg, and developed his love for rap at a very early age. He learned basic production tips and techniques from his older
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Akon’s Impact as an African Diaspora Artist
Aliaume Dalama Badara, better known as Akon, is a Senegalese – American artist born in St. Louis, Missouri. Akon started making music in 2004 and his journey as an artist and individual is deeply rooted in Africa and his experience in the Diaspora. He credits much of his success to Africa and, therefore, often acknowledges
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Nasty C & His Effect on the Diaspora
Born in South Africa, Nasty C began rapping at the age of nine with inspiration from his older brother. What is even more surprising is that he dropped his first album at fifteen titled “One Kid, A Thousand Coffins.” His most recent album “Zulu Man with Some Power”, addresses the racial injustices in wake of
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Nadia Nakai- “40 Bars”ft. Emtee, DJ Capital
Brains and Talent! Unlike Waka Flocka and a list of other artists who have been given an honorary doctorate degree in philanthropy and humanitarianism, this beauty attended Monash University, Johannesburg where she got her bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, and media studies. Yes, introducing to some and presenting to others South African-Zimbabwean rapper, songwriter, and
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Moozlie
Nomuzi Mabena, professionally known as Moozlie is a rapper and television presenter. Moozlie was born on September 22, 1992 in Benoni Gauteng. However, she was raised in Daveyton, Gauteng by both her parents and her older sister. She went to school at St Dunstan’s College in Benoni then she enrolled at the Varsity College in Sandton
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Nasty C
Nasty C also known as, Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, is a popular South African rapper, songwriter, and producer. He was born on February 11, 1997 (25 years old) in Diepkloof. Unfortunately when he was 11 months old, his mother passed away in a fatal car crash which resulted in him moving to Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal to