Written by Izibele Maloyi
My earliest memories of the start of my journey with Hip Hop, involves South African groups, Skwatta Kamp and H2O. I remember walking the streets of Site B, Khayelitsha to buy prepaid electricity (there was no internet banking then, kids). While walking, I heard a song I thought was so cool. It was H2O’s Gish Gish, and I stood on the corner listening ‘till the song ended, and then I went about my way. I also remember memorizing and rapping along to Skwatta’s Wash’umkhukhu album. With every song on that album, I remember waiting for Infa’s verse, I liked how different his voice was.
I have been captured ever since. Kwaito was indeed my first love, but Hip Hop opened worlds I never knew were there.
Nasty C
I might not be his biggest fan, but the Zulu man indeed has power. Adding to what has already been a stellar career - he’s now signed to one of the world’s most iconic record label, Def Jam Records. No matter what generation you’re from, you definitely have to acknowledge this man’s impact in South African Hip Hop. I believe he’s currently at the forefront of the globalisation of the country’s brand. He’s smart, hardworking, and the people easily resonate with him.
Stogie T
Boitumelo Molekane, the man who has inspired more than one of my pieces (I can’t help it, what this guy does with the pen is majestic). For me, he is what a true MC is - poetry, battle rap, making Hip Hop music with a band, reinventing himself, you name it. This man has done it and conquered it all. What makes him so important is his continued hunger and passion for the culture, and his #FreestyleFridays campaign is proof of that. Age surely hasn’t taken a toll on his lyrical ability; it has instead matured it like a well-crafted stogie.
Phantom Slik
Although he’s no longer in the rush of creating music and performing, Siyabonga Metane (or Slikour) is still an untameable voice in the country’s Hip Hop scene. Founder of SlikourOnLife, he has created a great platform connecting the listener to their favourite artists. A legend, pioneer, and a patriot dedicated to empowering his fellow back community.
I mention these three individuals not out of favouritism, but rather out of appreciation for what they’ve done to move the culture forward. Evaluating SA Hip Hop is difficult because the majority of listeners today are young ones who don’t have the slightest idea of the incredible music we’ve had before now. Most participants in the culture now, are people who prioritize the number of social media likes over good quality content and sound.
Having said that though, I am not a ‘bitter old head’ as most young people refer to us fans of the golden era. I feel sorry for the new generation who missed out on incredible gems. So what do I think about our Hip Hop culture? Well, I think it is growing. I think it is tired of being quiet while the rest of the world dominates. I am not mad at the direction it’s taking; I think it would be absurd to expect it to grow with the same formula that was used pre-internet days.
I believe we’re on the right track. See what I did there?
* Cover image: bona.co.za.
コメント