Issue8

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SAHIPHOPHRGEAIAGDSIZHL|IAIDSMSKUAAEY8YN|ES|LNIKEOLUZR| | YAHKEEM | PEACEMAKER | STEERO | ANDY’A | BUGZITO 1
SIPHO THE GIFT | SPEEKA | VENUS | STEERO

Editor’s note

Ptheodhcea(satirnt)g olifveanfraormtist

There have been many versions of this issue from way back. There was a time I got stressed,
lost appetite for writing because every idea failed. When I thought I finally figured it out, I
texted JimmyWiz and he too was excited. But as fate would have it, that idea fell through.
But I trust in the Most High and this is the best issue I have ever made. Thanks to everyone
who has played a role, big or small.
2017 has been filled with lots of drama, and even though this is not the place to showcase
them, I feel we have grown from them. AKA’s Star Sign with Tumi should open a debate in
the game, and I hope it will be a healthy one. I hope it gets entertaining. My disappointment
though is that Notshi is still bubbling under. I feel that what happened to Jabu Pule might
happen to him. Such talent needs to be showcased and embraced.
My heart got broken with the court’s judgement with regards to Fifi Cooper and Ambitiouz
Entertainment. I remember the goose bumps I had when she dropped her debut album,
20Fifi. (I still do not understand why they didn’t shoot a music video for Sebokolodi). I am
not saying someone wronged someone, because I don’t know what is in the contract, but
I know I would not want that to happen to me. Silas Beats speaks about record labels and
contracts and I feel this should be enough to address the whole mess nje.
What I am looking forward to is JimmyWiz’s project, that is it. Thanks for the journey so far

Lefoko El Toneand for supporting this movement.

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Contents 3

4 VENUS
8 SIPHO THE GIFT

10 SILASBEATS
12 ZUBZ X THE ASSEMBLY

16 BUTAN
22 NELZ

24 SLIKOUR
26 STEERO

28 BUGZITO
32 RASHID KAY

34 YAHKEEM
36 PEACEMAKERS

40 GIGI LAMAYNE

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

Venus,
Is crazy hot

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he definitely is a breath of fresh air. Venus, born life that have carried me consistently.
Vanessa Ndlovu is from KwaZulu-Natal, is your real
@Crispyfrontiers commented that ‘War Cry’ was immense
S rapper’s rapper, too dope on the mic with authentic growth from ‘Pinotage’, and saying it is a great song. Do
raps. They come few and far apart. Some disappear you feel you have reached your peak and how has the whole
along the way. But with her attitude, talent, and skills on the process of growing as an artist been thus far?
mic it is clear she is vastly ahead of many. This one would To be honest, I don’t feel like I’ve even reached the beginning
effortlessly kill your favourite rapper on a song. of my peak. There’s still a lot of work to be done, a lot of
rules to be changed and a lot of doors to be broken down.
Having started writing and recording rap music from an I’ve been rapping for eight years but I’m only starting out
early age of 12, Venus continued cooking up experimental when it comes to having rap as a career. I’ve still got a lot to
music. Her move to Johannesburg, where she studied learn. The process has been amazing, L’s and all. It has been
fashion design and photography, opened doors for her and one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do big but
she started recording more music. Many of her following I wouldn’t trade any of this for anything else. I’m grateful for
would remember her single ‘Pinotage’ but it was ‘War Cry’ all the lessons I’ve learnt thus far and I can’t wait to level up
which truly cemented her place. It is the same song that some more.
got chosen by Ofentse Mwase as part of #OMF_WhosNext
where she won an all-expenses paid video. What has been your biggest inspiration when writing
music?
Venus, who also made an appearance on MTV Base cypher, Life. I write about life. The joys and pains of it. Reality. I’m
shared her wisdom with us. We had a chat with the incredible inspired by the stories of the people around me. Their dark
artist, signed under ‘Mi-Stro Records’, and this is how it times and of course the lit times. I write about my own
went down. experiences mostly and try to find lessons from them and
grow from that. Another big inspiration is listening to music
What does Hip-Hop music mean firstly to Vanessa and then that is very different to what I do so that I find new ways to
Venus? express what I’m saying. It gets boring when everyone is
Well, for Vanessa, music as a whole meant an outlet. I grew saying the same thing in the same way at the same time.
up a very angry child with a hard head and had trouble
trusting people. I soon found that people around me weren’t What would you say is your strongest attribute as an artist?
very fond of me because they couldn’t understand what was According to me, I’d say my versatility, [the] will to learn
happening in my head and heart. I couldn’t talk to people and the change I’m hoping to bring to the game. And my
without feeling vulnerable and weak so I started making genuineness when it comes to my music. Every note, bar,
music as a way to speak freely about the things that hurt me kick and snare in my music is from the pits of my heart that
and the things I go through. Venus came from.

For Venus, music is life. Without Hip-Hop there would be no When the music stops, what would you want to be
Venus. The birth of Venus came about as I started actually remembered for?
falling in love with Hip-Hop. Venus is who I am on my songs I would like to be remembered as the girl who came on,
and on stage, the star that Vanessa always longed to be. worked her arse off to get to the top, reached unimaginable
pinnacles and surpassed them then quit while she was
One would assume that Venus is short for Vanessa. There ahead so she could give other talented young ladies amazing
is Venus Williams, a powerful woman and the planet opportunities without them having to be in compromising
Venus, are there any resemblances whatsoever between situations. I’d love to be remembered as a person who gave
the three? 110% and never backed down from a challenge, a person
Not to Venus Williams but with Venus the Roman goddess who made it easier for women to rap and be amazing and
of love and beauty, yes. I wanted to be able to have a dominate the game.
fearless alter ego that I could wear when I needed to be
in the public eye because I’m shy and have a tad bit social Why is it so hard for female rappers to get the credit they
anxiety. I assumed the goddess’ identity and tweaked it into deserve?
who I wanted to be and what I want to stand for. Later on, I Personally, I feel that it’s because women don’t work
started reading a bit more about the planet and it had some together enough. Everyone is so concerned about being the
attributes I also admired so I took a bit of that and ran with best, the most streamed, most snatched, most followed and
it too. So, Venus is crazy hot. The coldest point on the planet all, that they don’t realize how much more powerful female
(called the Maxwell Montes, which I made reference to on rappers would be if they formed an alliance with each other.
my MTV Base cypher verse) is 300 degrees celsius, which is No shadiness, no BS, no drama.
still hotter than the hottest days on earth. I took on that fact
as a metaphor for myself.

They say music is a food to the soul. How does music get What about the SA Hip-Hop scene would you like to see

you from the worst times to the good times? change?
Music has gotten me through abuse, depression, rejection, First and most importantly, how men in the industry treat
and feelings of worthlessness right up to points where I’m upcoming female artists. The entitlement is appalling to
doing what I love and I’m making career moves I never say the least. That and how everyone is always rushing to
thought I’d get to make. Music has been my one true pit women against each other. No matter how many times
companion through it all. Music is one of the things in my you can tweet about liking any female rapper, when you get

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 5

to an interview there’s always someone ready to ask shady
questions and put you in a corner just to spark some beef. I
wish it would end.
There has been a lot of male artists abusing women of late,
some convicted. Do you think male artists are doing enough
to be role models to young men?
No. When you’re a public figure, Stan’s want to be you so they
are always ready to mimic whatever behaviour you put out to
them. Male artists hardly show off their respect and positive
actions and feelings towards women. But every second song
you can put on is objectifying women and glorifying abuse,
malice and cruel intentions towards women. Young men
don’t have enough positive role models.
Can we expect a project from Venus soon and what approach
will you be following in terms of the concept?
I’m in the process of making an EP which will drop next year.
There might be other projects I’m working on apart from the
music that’ll come out next year as well. For the music, my
approach remains to uplift and inspire while making people
dance and feel good and learn something. Also, please look
out for visual content I will be putting out next year. I’m
growing visually!
Any message to your faithful supporters?
First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude and
love to my first and most loyal supporter with the biggest
heart of gold, my mother. Thank you so much for always
being my pillar and for understanding why I can’t be home
for days and weeks at a time. I love you and I’m grateful to
have you behind me.
To everyone who has supported me and been there for me
thus far, most importantly the thousands of times I almost
gave up and y’all constantly picked me up and carried me
across, thank you so much. God bless.
Peace, love and light. Venus x

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“Lyrical miracle, spiritual individual/
So many verses now it’s damn near biblical/
Keep coming back with it, the verse is hella cyclical/
It’s criminal how I beat the verse up to its critical”

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EMBRACING
THE GIFT

Sipho The Gift

There is a lot of great emcee’s. There are even more great few elements from it too, but I’m not too concerned with
rappers. And then there are Hip-Hop artists. They come in primarily being rich so I won’t make something just because
many words and flows, others are talented and others skilful. it’s what’s popping. I’d like to make dope music I enjoy and
He might not be selling gold, but this gifted wordsmith can be proud of and that other people like”.
and brilliant creator is pure diamond. This proof, is in the In late 2017, Sipho the Gift dropped a soulful project called
pudding. ‘Kintsugi’, a description of a Japanese philosophy and
Born Sipho Languza in Kimberly, currently hailing from mending practice, part of a broader school of thought called
Cape Town, ‘Sipho the Gift’ classifies himself as a rapper/ ‘Wasi Wabi’ that promotes beauty outside of the symmetric
producer, even though it is clear from his music that he is beauty standards we’re fed every day. When asked to break
more than that. His professional contribution to the Hip- down the concept “At the end of 2015 - after dropping
Hop scene started about three years ago with a release of Phanda more - I stopped making music and had no means
his debut project, ‘Coming of Age’. The road has been a bit to continue. Basically, everything went downhill in 2016 and I
indifferent along the way but his inner feeling has always feel like I hit rock bottom. In that despair I started wanting to
been eager to make a difference and to know that he is make music again. But it was not to prove I was super good
a special being. He says “since a kid, even before rap, I and everyone should know me. It was to find why I loved it
believed I was gifted in something I hadn’t figured out yet. so much in the beginning. Rock bottom wasn’t the end but it
My first rap name was ‘Gifted’, but that was too generic so was a blessing. It was a return to me, to God and to music.
I figured ‘Sipho, the Gift’ would be a funny inside joke for And that’s what Kintsugi is. The Japanese philosophy is
those who know Sipho = gift. It’s that simple”. based on the believe that broken things are not to be thrown
Moving from Kimberly to Cape Town in a pursue of education, away, but they can be fixed and are in fact more beautiful
he started making music also as soon as he settled, even with their cracks or scars than before”.
though the place might not be doing his music a big favour. What defines a man is definitely not how he falls, but rather
He says about his stay in Cape Town “I think I’ve yet to fully getting up, dusting yourself up and start fighting again for
maximise on my time here but in the same breath it may being thrown down and that is exactly what Sipho the Gift
be holding me back some would say”. When asked about did. ‘Kintsugi’ is not your typical trap intensive sound and the
what he feels sets him apart from other rappers he said “I subject matter is a little dark compared to musical projects
think that’s a very complicated question. I can’t say for sure, on our shores, but he figured that if someone won’t talk
but when I make music I try to be as vulnerable as possible about something else who will? Listing to the project you can
and creative beyond having a dope 16 bars. I can do that and sense a lot of depression, which shaped the whole project,
more”. and he explains why “[depression] is the starting point
With all the success of Hip-Hop musicians of late, it would that helped me to start making #Kintsugi. That is where I
be great to have the more talented and authentic rappers to was mentally and emotionally. Through making music and
also get a huge chunk of the pie, but that hardly happens in learning certain things about myself, I’ve been able to deal
the South African market. It would seem that talent alone with some of the things that make me feel the way I do. I love
is not enough for making it big in the game and Sipho the soul music, so music with a little sadness is great”.
Gift has been searching for that extra ingredient that he Sipho the Gift on MTV Base Hottest MC List: I feel that
and fellow young guns need to have and understand. He everyone who is on the list has done very well to get there
explains, “I think we’re living in an era that thrives off social and they deserve to be there. They clearly make some music
currency. All you need is to generate and keep people’s that gets people excited. I’d definitely love to be there and
attention constantly. Sometimes music alone does that sooner than later I will be. It’s just a matter of time.
and sometimes you have to find a delicate balance using His message to his listeners: Thank you to everyone who
social media platforms, TV gigs, money and music”. It has listens, downloads, buys, comments, reads, shares and
been evident that this pie what lyrically superior rappers retweets about the music I make. It’s a very personal thing
are looking is being stolen by the so called ‘trappers’. Even to make music and to have people share that with you is
though it is a simple choice for most to trade lyricism for trap amazing. I appreciate everyone who comes up to me to talk,
music, Sipho the Gift is sticking to his pen rather than ad ask questions, ask for a picture and just vibe out. Thank you
lips. He explains his music choice “Lyricism will forever be very much.
the basis of my music. But I feel #Kintsugi is more melodic
and mature musically. I’m a fan of trap music and I lend a

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 9

Recording Labels:
ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOU?

by SilasBeats

Ifeel like in the light of what’s happened recently with Promotion and marketing seem to be the two things that
‘Ambitiouz Entertainment’ it makes sense to talk about labels are still useful for as they take the hassle out of
record labels for a bit. We hear stories about deals that go having to create a network of people who like your music.
sour and people that are cheated out of their gig money They simply put you in their machine and your project
yet we have very little context to support our views. is seen by masses of people. Provided you do well during
To understand record labels, we need to understand how your term, you leave the label with enough media clout that
they operated in the past. Their directive was to make money you can continue building your brand independently. These
with the artist or band being their focal point. CD sales were days, social media gives everyone the opportunity to build a
one of the easiest ways for them to cash in because it cost personal brand without going via a gatekeeper or a media
next to nothing to create a CD and it was sold at a really service. This alternative to record labels requires consistent
high price. When file sharing through platforms like Napster content and a great idea to achieve, but virality through a
came along, their precious income was jeopardized. They series of great videos or pictures is a reality. It doesn’t
were losing money in CD sales because it was way easier and happen often, but it’s a possibility.
cheaper to get the latest songs from a friend. Record labels
took a while to respond, but they did so by taking control of I want to dispel the myth of the label advance. I’ve spoken to
the situation where they can. Outfits like iTunes and YouTube artists who see signing to a record label this as an easy pay
have adapted over the years to continue to screw the artist day. Label advances are effectively loans that are taken out
over and make money for businesses. by the artist against the money they are yet to make. That
A recent example of this is how YouTube now removes a means that if you get an advance of 1million, you owe the
video that isn’t uploaded by the original copyright holder just label 1million plus whatever terms you have agreed to. This
because it features 20 seconds of a song that the YouTube means you might not necessarily get paid per show to begin
algorithm picks up on. So even if you make an appreciation with because you’re paying back what you owe first.
video for Chris Brown and tell people to buy the album,
chances are YouTube will remove your video. I won’t even get As artists, many types of record deals are available like
into how iTunes and other streaming services pay peanuts standard record deals, split deals, artist deals, 360 deals
unless you are a major artist getting millions of plays on and anti-360 deals. The one that gets the most press is the
your music. Income through these platforms alone are not 360 deal. In it, a record label justifies taking a portion of all
sustainable. revenue streams by saying that the artist wouldn’t have those
To me, record labels feel like an outdated monopoly owned revenue streams without the help of the label. Artists often
primarily by Universal Music Group (UMG). They own almost feel hard done by especially when a random sponsorship
every big record label you can think of and they sit as one of deal pops up because of a friendship with a brand that the
the 3 major labels in the world. Even a subsidiary label like artist might have initiated. 360 means you share all income
Young Money can be traced back to UMG. with the label. The EP deal intrigues me too as it’s like a
In my opinion, record labels have become easy to replace silent deal. The artist and the label enter into a deal where
with a bit of sweat and some ingenuity from the artist. neither of them is allowed to mention the partnership in
You don’t need a massive budget to replicate each of the public. If the project is released and does well, the label
functions that a record label offers. Music publishing and is allowed to make an announcement that they signed the
distribution (physical and digital) can be achieved quite artist effectively making them look superior to other labels
easily through 2 year publishing deals and using platforms for winning the bidding war. Conversely, if the project tanks
like “CD” baby and “Tunecore”. Physical CDs aren’t totally and fails, the label can cut ties with the artist and pretend
out of date and can be created quite affordably if you shop like nothing ever happened.
around. Music production isn’t something you have to go to a
major recording studio for anymore. A lot of today’s hits are There’s so much more to the world of record labels and I’d
being made in bedrooms and hotel rooms. Creating music recommend reading up as much as you can before looking
had become so simple that all you really need is a laptop and for one. You might find that remaining independent works
headphones. Investing in some monitors, an audio interface better for you.
and a semi decent microphone means that artists have little
excuse for bad quality music. It naught require holding down Regards,
a ‘9 to 5’ for sometime, but this is a small price to pay for a SB
dream. 074 605 7360
TWITTER: SilasBeats
FACEBOOK: SilasBeats
WEBSITE: silasbeats.info

10 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 11

Nothing in life compares to music, not even
bomb sex. There is nothing as beautiful
as an organic collaboration between two
great artists coming together to put out a
masterpiece, an ear-gasm. With the union
of Zubz and the Assembly the stars aligned and led a
podcast that was launched from the skies to not only
land on the ear but to also find a home in the beauty
of the heart. Lebo Mochudi says that it was the energy
and soul from all individuals involved that led to this
collaboration, which gave birth to this three songs
project, titled PodCast. The inspiration behind the name
was a doodle Melly Mel made, which is now the artwork
for the project. It is said to have envisioned the group
as beings sent to earth in space pods. At the same time
Zubz was speaking about his new podcast. The two ideas
inspired Lebo Mochudi to suggest the name PodCast - a
cast that arrived in pods. Smart. “Real recognise real is
not just a pop culture cliché. Also, everyone inherently
knew that by working together, they would be in an
12 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

environment that sought excellence” said Lebo Mochudi Lebo: Together? Anything is possible. We loved the process
about the collaboration. and it’s something we’d all be happy to do again. We’ll let
Zubz The Last Letta, real name Ndabaningi Mabuye, is a well that soul space tell us when and if it’s ready to be revisited.
renowned emcee, top five in the continent by far and there’s
no debating about it. Born in Zambia, raised in Zimbabwe With the two days that you spend together recording the
and based in South Africa, Zubz boasts a reputable music masterpiece in PodCast, what were the funniest memories
career with four critically acclaimed albums and a number you shared?
of mixtapes, collaborations, compilations and cameos. It is
his attention to detail when in his lyrical content that has Lebo: For a process like that to work out, everybody needs to
definitely set him apart from other rappers. The insight be on the same page and vibing on the same frequency. We
he has into the realities of people in different parts of the literally never stopped laughing. Every day would end with
world has helped colour his storytelling abilities. Zubz the most incredible, invigorating life -giving love and energy
recently launched a podcast with a renowned Zambian voice having been shared. It’s impossible to even try and isolate
artist Chilu Lemba called Key Africans Unlocked (K.A.U), a moments that stood out.
conversational podcast featuring guests that are an eclectic
mix of individuals from Africa and its diaspora that are shifting Which of the three songs were the most enjoyable to record
what it means to be an African in the modern world. When and why?
asked what it means to be an African in the modern world
to Zubz he said “Dope question! It means having been born Lebo: Everybody will have their own individual opinions
and raised in Africa, on a steady diet of Western influence on this... but a common feeling is that “ME” was the most
and African culture. It means having a deep connection with interesting, purely because we were all outside of our
The Roots from Philly and a spiritual connection with M.I. comfort zone in terms of what we’ve done and released
Abaga from Naija. It means living local but being global. It’s into the public arena over “traditional” Hip-Hop Music in
a constant redefinition of self while remaining consistently the past. Secondly, it was interesting to discover on the mic
who you are”. what everyone else had chosen to do over Thapelo’s most
Zubz elaborates on the main inspiration into K.A.U and what unorthodox beat on the project.
he is hoping to achieve through the project: “K.A.U is about
good conversations being had publicly. I always have great Who would be suited to be the President of Hip-Hop
conversations with The Assembly for example, off wax, no amongst all involved in PodCast and why? What changes
camera, no mic. We unwrap incredible things together would you bring in the current state of Hip-Hop?
and take those gems away inside us for life. K.A.U is about
sharing those gems as much as possible weekly, so that if I guess that would be me, Zubz. I would make for the best
Cap has some dope thoughts on marriage, for example, we president easily. Nyambz loves the democratic process
don’t necessarily need to wait for Cap to drop a marriage waaaaaay too much for things to get done! The Assembly
verse on the next Assembly record. KAU is also about brothers are in a group, so they’ll always see each other as
showcasing the many faces of Africa and its people today, equals, and won’t take too kindly to someone’s word being
with a particular focus in modern Africans living outside bond. Thapelo the producer is mad young, he’s still in the
their country of origin”. Youth League, making me Prez by default, for life! My first
The Assembly comprises of the beasty Mpho ‘Captain’ proclamation would be that all EmCees, Graf writers and
Molise, the talented Melvin ‘Melly Mel’ Biza and the best B-Boys in the movement currently pay an activation fee
male vocalist in the country, Lebo Mochudi, all the three directly to me. Monthly. Just to participate in the culture!
parts of the Skool of Hip-Hop Collective. Following their
debut offering in The Inspection the Assembly have been Seriously, though, I don’t see anything worth changing in
working on a project titled The Orientation. “The Orientation the game right now. Even the negative factors contrast well
is in post-production. All the music has finally been recorded against the positive, allowing us to know the difference. Hip-
and we are now in the mixing and mastering stage. We would Hop moves forward regardless.
be ill-advised to give exact dates as there is much to do
behind the scenes to make it worth the wait. But suffice to What attracted each of you to Hip-Hop and do you feel
say, 2018 is finally the year” said Lebo Mochudi. artists should assume some responsibility behind the
words they pen?

When Zubz x The Assembly came together for the first Lebo Mochudi: The first Hip-Hop song I remember hearing
time, what qualities attracted the one brand to the other? was Lighter Shade of Brown - Back in the Day. In some
ways, I feel like some of my favourite elements of Hip-Hop
Lebo: It’s an energy, a Soul that comes through in the music are captured in that song. The nod to 70’s Soul Music in the
of all the individuals involved. Same reason we chose Thapelo production. The clarity and wit in the lyricism. The cadence
Mashiane’s Music and the same reason Instro had to be the and fun in the flow. The storytelling and relatability - giving
engineer. Real recognise real is not just a pop culture cliché. me a sense of truth - in the song writing. And yes, one should
Also, everyone inherently knew that by working together, be responsible for every syllable they utter.
they would be in an environment that sought excellence. Captain: Hip-Hop drew me in because I needed an outlet, a
form of expression for my proclivity with words ever since I
With the excitement around the PodCast, how likely are we was a kid. This gift was inherent in my father -he was and
to get more music from Zubz x The Assembly?

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 13

still is one of my favourite public speakers. That ability he Zubz, what has been the cause behind your sabbatical
had to move people with syntax was a heavy allure. I merely from releasing music lately and how do you manage to stay
adapted his form of speaking to another, Hip-Hop. It’s a relevant every time you come back?
must we stand the ground from which we speak and defend
it when called to do so. There’s power in speech and it can I make music as and when I’m moved to do so. I’m lucky
build or destroy, excite or incite. that I’m not contractually obliged to drop something every
3 months, or risk being in violation of a contract clause if
Melly Mel: Hip-Hop was an opportunity to express myself, I don’t. So, when I don’t drop anything, it’s because there’s
fully! It was something I felt I’d be particularly good at. nothing I’d like to share with the world at that time. I make
Responsibility – to some extent. If it’s an instructional “kill new music all the time, but not all music is to be dropped all
yourself” song, then yeah. The lyrics are just a portal to the time from me. Regarding relevance; again, I’m lucky to
one’s mind, the listener decides if they’d like to take a ride. have not been under any pressure to be a “hit-maker” type
Otherwise, we’re artists and should be allowed to explore of artist my entire career; never pandering to a chart, or an
our imaginations. audience. While I stay being judged (rightly) for the music I
drop, I don’t think my audience minds what I do, when I do it
Zubz: I was drawn to the word-play. That folks could put words or how. I believe my core audience has learnt that whatever I
together in rhyme, make it rhythmic and still manage to paint do, it’ll be heartfelt and true to me at that point in my life. If
pictures, convey emotion and inspire from a distance?! That they resonate, yay! Relevance. If not, ‘maybe the next one will
blew my mind as a kid. I was well into rap music before I even be more your thing’ I think.
knew it had a whole hip hop culture behind it. Discovering the
culture afterwards was a pleasant surprise.
Zubz, what does it take to be the best emcee in Africa as you

are dubbed to be?

And yes, we all should be more aware of the messages we
slot into our verses. Even when we aren’t saying anything Are you dubbing me that?! Dope! Thanks, I’ll take it! I never
at all, we say a whole lot. In fact, even when we want to say take for granted the people that prop me up. This time around
something, we end up saying much more than we intended. it’s Nyambo, Thapelo, Cap, Lebo, Mel, Michael Blacks, Instro
Being aware of this makes us more deliberate in what we and a gang of others. Before it was a whole 18 thick volumes
write and spit. Being deliberate is a big deal for me, because full of names that prop me up, from marketing people to
ideas, become words, then songs, then thoughts then finally radio DJ’s to writers like yourself. All these minds come
action. That’s how the loop gets completed between the artist together under “Zubz” making it seem like this one dude is
and the listener. Knowing that you may make someone do so dope. But really, it’s everyone’s hand in propping me up.
something at the end of your writing process, kind of makes Besides that, it’s the boring stuff: I read all the time, write
you think about it a bit more. and record ALWAYS! I stay open to new sounds, new voices
and new expressions of emcee-ing. And I genuinely love this
Hip-Hop has evolved into monetary success, which whole rap thing from a deep place so I invest plenty of time
unfortunately comes with downgraded lyricism. Do you feel in it.

there are blurred lines between this success and content

that made you fall in love with rap? Zubz, how do you manage juggle all the things, ‘jobs’, you

do and what has been the most challenging of them all?

Lebo Mochudi: Kendrick hasn’t dumbed down lyricism.
Neither has Cole, to name a couple. And they are fixtures I have to fit the necessary tasks in my day around the most
on the charts and video shows. We are still able to find the important things in my life. You’ll be amazed how much you
kind of Hip-Hop Music we fell in love with, and we are still can fit into a single day when you do that. I try stick to a clear
MAKING the kind of Music we would like to hear... but let’s daily regimen around diet, exercise, prayer & meditation and
not forget that change is inevitable. There is always a choice set weekly targets that I’m held accountable for. I’m not the
to be made, and perhaps the fast food generation wants or best at communicating (The Assembly cats are amazing at
needs something light on the go to fit into their lifestyle or this!) and I drop the ball a lot, but the important thing is to
current preference, but there is a market for everything - just push on and get it done.
the size of the market differs.

The most challenging so far would be the voice work. I’m a
Zubz: To be fair, the artists that made me fall in love with rap, real novice in that world and they don’t care that I have a heavy
lyrically, were doing very well monetarily. Rakim, Big Daddy hip hop catalogue and a decent rap rep on the continent! In
Kane, Nas, Pac all of them found great monetary reward in that world you are a cog in a wheel in a machine in a car in
their careers. That level of success comes with the economics traffic on a highway in the centre of a massive metropolis!
of rap. I was never phased by that then and I’m still not now. It’s humbling.
Lyricism in its purest, dopest form has zero to do with that.
I can separate the amount of money Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar Zubz, what has been the most challenging journey in any
and AKA make from their most incredible verses, bars and of your careers thus far and how did you get over these
punchlines. When an emcee’s lyricism becomes a function challenges?
of their money, I tend to demand much more from them: if
you’re gonna be super-lyrical about your financial success, Like I said above, it’s definitely the voice work. It’s out of
you better be a genetically spliced together combination of my comfort zone even though it still involves me using my
Black Thought and Puff Daddy, otherwise I’m not there with God givens. It stretches me beyond what I would say comes
you. naturally to me and forces me to excel at something I could

14 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

only dream of doing a few years ago. I continue to hurdle Vanilli-ed everyone. But with the advent of social media,
challenges in that world by listening more than talking, filters, HD cameras on phones(!) and viral videos,
especially to more experienced cats in the space. I stay image means so much less. Content is everything.
reminding myself (especially on low, low days) that I am not Resonating with your audience means more. And it has
going to fail at it: that a set-back is a chance to bounce back to be resonating from a truly human place: even if it’s
even stronger. I also have an incredible support system in still put on, it has to resonate from a real place.
place where I can lean on every time it gets rough...and it
gets rough! Trust.
Lebo Mochudi. when are you releasing that solo

project so that you may claim the best vocalist award?

Zubz, how important is ‘image’ in the entertainment

industry? As a wise man once said: “I don’t win awards, I’m

awarded wins!” Hehehehe. I’m working on it, 2018
You know what, it used to be more important back in the days is proving to be a very productive year, so watch this
of the veil. I call it the “veil” because it hid so much in the space. But accolades are not my motivation, I just want
industry and allowed for people’s imagination to fill in the to make the best music I can make given my current
blanks. In previous industry days, how you were perceived experience and resources.
was critical to how well you would go on to do in your lane.
We believed everything we were sold about how smart you
were, or talented, or beautiful. The industry pretty much Milli

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 15

BUTAN FALL/ WINTER 2018
(FW18) – PRESS RELEASE

PREPARED BY – AYANDA NJANYA

O ff ici al Hashtags

#ButanWinter18; #HeedTheCall; #HiddenPanthers;
#ButanFam; #ButanFresh; #ItsNotAGarmentItsAPieceOfArt
CREDITS
- Photographer: Cailin Tobias (@cailintobias)
- Models: Thando Bennett (@phoenixbennett);

Bright (@lorde_breezy); Lunga Bongani Nhlapho (@lubonk)
- MUA: Zama Mko (@zamamko)
- Hair: Ncumisa Mimi Duma (@urban_mimz)
- Bead Accessories: Siyabonga Ngwenya (@icherryefresh)
- Sunglasses: Aluta Sunglasses (@alutasunglasses)
- Stylist: Ayanda Njanya (@aquarianox)
- Art Direction: Julian Kubel

Presenting their winter garments this year, Butan stays on course with its Hidden Panthers
theme and introduces bright splashes of colour, a fresh iteration for winter with energy,
while staying true to their core offering and favourites with the Connections range.
This year’s winter range includes two special stories, namely the ‘Heritage Series’ &
‘Space Range.’ The ‘Heritage Series’ includes a crewneck inspired by the Basotho blanket,
dubbed ‘The Mountain Panther’ , the ‘Lair of the Panther’ Ndebele inspired hoodie as well
as the ‘Swazi Gold’ two piece tracksuit.
The ‘Space Range’ pays homage to the Zambian Space programme, one of Africa’s
forgotten, yet highly inspirational stories.
Graphics merging ancient African geometry with a Space age aesthetic , give rise to the
unique look of the garments, while ‘glow in the dark’ elements give life to the various
prints.
A fast growing line within the brand’s tiers is the ‘Aluta Continua’ range. This range is
distinctly marked by a block ‘B’ logo. In this year’s Aluta winter range an all new coach’s
jacket which takes centre stage and the hugely popular Unia windbreaker makes a
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All Butan Winter 18 product will be available from Friday, 30 March at all Shesha stores &
all official Butan stockists countrywide, as well as online via spree.co.za and butan.co.za
For more info visit – www.butan.co.za

@butan_official @butan_official @ButanOfficial

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PUTTING IN WORK

Nelz

Born Nelisiwe Xaba, Nelz is a South African mainstream Hip-Hop as a whole lost one whether they were aware of it
Hip-Hop artist who has set her sights in taking over the SA or not. RIP to Inseezy!
music industry by storm. She is fierce, yet down to earth.
Raised in the South Coast of Durban in a small village called How has the process been like from being the highest-
iMfume by her grandparents, after her mother left her and ranking female on The Hustle to being a fully-fledged
her younger brother at an early stage of their lives, Nelz fell musician?
in love with music from an early age as a means to escape Honestly, I’m just doing what I love and that feels great!
from her reality. It was at her first year at Mangosuthu Every time! There are challenges, etcetera, but such is life.
University of Technology that when Nelz realised that music I’m just blessed to be making a living off something I love.
is a career worth considering. In 2013 she joined Magudu
Music which would go on to shape her career. Known to What does working hard mean to Nelz?
most as the highest standing femcee at ‘The Hustle Season Hmm... Working hard to me means ‘setting goals and not
1’, Nelz released her biggest project since stardom in mid- resting until they’re met’.
2017 titled ‘I Am’ for which she can be very proud of. We Do you feel female rappers are taken for granted and need
caught up with the sizzling hot rapper and here is how it to dress down or work extra hard to make it in the industry?
went down. Female rappers that work hard deserve recognition, just like
everyone that works hard deserves recognition, regardless
If you were to meet a stranger who asked you if you know of their gender. With regards to dressing up/down, ey I say
a rapper named Nelz, how would you best describe her? do whatever YOU want to do as an individual as long as you
‘You don’t know Nelz? The award nominated female Hip-Hop are content with YOU.
artist who is about to kill the SA Hip-Hop scene! The queen
of the coast? Last female standing on ‘The Vuzu Hustle’? You What makes you wake up and make more music?
need to listen to her music, don’t sleep!” that’s what I’d tell The joy and excitement I get from creating music. It’s an
them haha! addictive feeling haha

Nelz, you’re nominated for the best female award at the Durban is blessed with a lot of talented rappers like you,
SAHHA 18. Are you excited? What would it mean to you if HCL, ByLwansta, Clara T but it seems y’all are forever
you do win? bubbling under, why is that?
I’m super excited, being nominated on its own is an honour. Haha! Let me speak for myself. I am steadily climbing the
The SAHHAs celebrate Hip-Hop annually and I’m grateful ladder, every time I put out new shit I’m breaking new
that my music will be a part of the celebration this year. ground, if you think I’m ‘forever bubbling under” YOU ARE
Winning the award would actually just make me realize ‘I SLEEPING - and I can’t waste my energy on you.
have loyal supporters and there’s still a lot of great things
we’re yet to achieve with them on my side’ Where does Friday’s verse rank amongst your favourite
work of all time and what song would you say is the best
You released a project, ‘I AM’. How do you feel about the song you ever made and why?
project and how was the process of putting it together? Every verse I put out is better than the last one, so my latest
Oh, I love that piece of art, I pump it every day! I’m always is my best.
in studio making music and making ‘I AM’ was something so
organic with all producers involved and I’m just grateful for Who are your top five rappers in the country for 2017?
having people who genuinely love the art and want to always I don’t have a top 5, I’m listening to what’s on the radio or in
put in work and make music for the people. the studio, Nelz.

Do you still use music to escape reality? What message do you want to send to your fans?
I wouldn’t say I use it to escape reality but there’s always Thank you so much for having my music be a part of your
another world that music takes me to and now what I do in daily lives, creating memories with my music, celebrating
my music is take my listener to my world. Feedback says with my music, voting for my music! I appreciate the love
they love it there, haha. and promises you none but more great music.

You worked with Inseezy a lot, how much toll did his

passing take on you?
I lost a colleague, a friend and a brother so you can imagine.

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 23

PASSION, BUSINESS,

AND THE CULTURE.

BY NOKULUNGA MAQUBELA

“My key thing is about empowering myself to most of?” he continued.
build a business that can be seen in Africa In a culture where people come and go, more like natural
and the rest of the world, but is driven selection, there aren’t a lot of survivors. Others lose heart,
by young people. My responsibility is to while others endure it for longer. And others, they see
myself, that saying, “This is what I do for young people”, I themselves as bigger than the culture, hence when all starts
gotta do for myself as a young person. And everything I’ve to fall apart, they burn out. “No one is bigger than the culture,
done or do literally always helps a lot of young people.” not even myself. I am servicing the culture. When you look
at my platform and how big it is, it is a person championing
Adding value to people and having more valuable moments a culture that is hugely owned by black people in South
in turn being the mission statement at the outset, Africa. So that’s key for me because I’m championing
SlikourOnLife, founded and run by Hip-Hop artist Siya our culture and I did it for nothing, but for the love of it”.
Metane otherwise known as Slikour, is a movement that Slikour further said, “In order for a culture to fly, it needs
focuses on connecting people through culture with an urban a partner, a monetary partner. The fact that brands are
website catering for music fans through music, videos, sitting together is a beginning, and I think the conversation
artist interviews, exclusive downloads and event coverage. needs to be stronger”, when referring to brands investing in
With only a few to compare with, SlikourOnLife is playing in digital platforms and Urban Culture.
a league of its own, and seems to be coming out victorious;
“The industry is small because there aren’t a lot of players Passion, patience, and being able to say “I can do this for
that call the shots. You’ve got the SABC, Multichoice, and free”, are Slikours three key elements of starting and running
smaller stations. There are not a lot of people playing in a successful business. The game shifts, people make money
the space and there’s no real life element of this industry. for a certain period and then a new generation comes, so you
There are no regulations. Our industry hasn’t been built to have got to be mature; “maturity makes you learn to stay
be a business, and it’s up to the government to change that. present and understand the moment, respect the moment
But I feel like it is guys like us now who are building the and act in the moment. Whereas being immature makes
platforms. We’re building off the sentiments of what young you wanna act like you’re in another moment, like you’re
South Africa wants and we care about the culture. That’s in the future. So the truth humbles you, and NOW humbles
what the culture of music hasn’t been getting, [people you, because really, what do you have NOW?
who care for it to make a difference], so we care to make a
difference, and there are no rules to stop us”. The future for SOL is rather interesting and exciting; “I am
not gonna compete in the global market as a competitor,
Having just started out as a rapper from Katlehong, forming but I am gonna be a player, I’m gonna be a global player
a part of Legendary Hip-Hop group Skwatta Kamp, Slikour as African content. How can they beat us with us being
looked to stand out. Attributing his success to constant Africa?”
drive, constant hunger, just wanting to be better, and always
accepting that he does not fit in the world, the only world I asked Slikour what is the first thing he would do had he
he fits in is the one he creates himself. But business just been the head of the Department of Arts and Culture. He
like everything else under the sun will always have its answered; “I would sit with all the guys that are doing things
challenges, “The biggest challenge is convincing business and I’d start finding out what the need is, and I’d try to
that you actually know better than everybody, there’s a resolve it in increments. I’d find the best way to collaborate
reason why SlikourOnLife is one of the top thousand sites with brands that are playing in the space so whatever we
in South Africa. But either than that I don’t think there are do is always bigger”. Hopefully he will be considered in Vol.
any challenges in running this type of business, but if you’re 2 of the Cabinet Reshuffle by Pres. Jacob Zuma.
immature you can’t run it. From the content perspective,
you always gotta humble yourself to the artist”. “I haven’t TWITTER: @slikouron
really had any failures per say. I’ve had more blessings FACEBOOK: SLIKOUR ON LIFE
than failures, enough blessings for me to not even think INSTAGRAM: @slikouronlife
of the failures. How many black kids from Katlehong can YouTube: Slikour Onlife
say that they are running a business in music that they own

24 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

MATURITY MAKES
YOU LEARN TO STAY
PRESENT AND UNDERSTAND
THE MOMENT

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 Slikour

25

I don’t feel pressure
because by the day I get
better at what I do

26 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

God of day: to bring light to the people

BY NOKULUNGA MAQUBELA

Standing right at the center of the universe. It is by went back and forth with me because I’ve never wanted to
far the brightest object in the Earth’s sky. With a change the way I look. It affected me heavily during those
nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, and an internal years because they wouldn’t get off my back until I cut my
convective motion that generates a magnetic field. It is the hair.
most important source of energy for life on Earth, without it,
everything would cease to exist.
6. How does such discrimination affect ones self-esteem?
You know, in school, you’re never taught to love yourself in
Self-proclaimed ‘Hip-Hop Hero’, 14 year old rapper and general, well at least in my previous schools, unless it’s LO
producer Langa ‘Steero’ Masina is a star of note. Piercing (Life Orientation) and they’re teaching you about how you
through the Hip-Hop industry with nothing but sharp rays of mustn’t get embarrassed during puberty. If you are being
authenticity. Inspired largely by the Golden Era, his raps are discriminated as well as not knowing your self-worth it can
fueled by it, bringing across real life issues that affect him destroy a young persons self-esteem.
and those around him on a daily, the message is broader.
Young and fresh, he adds a soothing flavour onto the Rap 7. What event led to the decision of you being home
scene. The future couldn’t be brighter. Look up, the Sun is schooled?
here. It was just the constant dripping that hollows out a stone
that drove me to the decision because I was not going to be
unhappy for the rest of my schooling years. On top of that, I
1. Steero the ‘Hip-Hop Hero’, who or what are you trying to had dreams to pursue!
save Hip-Hop from?

Hip Hop as a culture has been demolished due to the 8. Your parents play a major role in your music career.
content that new rappers and ‘trappers’ have exposed to rap
specifically. My goal is to anchor Hip Hop by producing music How important is it that parents support and invest in the
which is relevant to the rap element of the culture. I’m trying
to save it from dying completely. There are still MCs that rap passion of their children?
for the culture but they are not in the bigger picture and this Knowing most adults that I associate with, they don’t care
is what needs to change. about what their kids ambitions are. All they want for their
child is to get a matric so they can be doctors, lawyers etc. It
is important that they acknowledge their children’s passions
and dreams and to support them, otherwise their kids will
2. There aren’t a lot of youngens (under 18) in the SA Hip- never be happy and it will boil down to the parents not
supporting them.
Hop scene. How do you feel the game is receiving you?
I think it’s satisfactory in the sense that I’m preserving the
culture so I’ve avoided doing anything that doesn’t contribute
to it. From my first single alone, it’s been said by my peers 9. Who do you draw inspiration from?
that I’m already a legend and as the youngest in the scene I Locally and currently I don’t really get inspired by a fixed
have to keep hustling to live up to that . person. I get inspired by people that are doing well for
themselves. I inspire myself eventually after trying but
3. Do you think people are ready to hear what you have to nothing can be forced.

say? And how do you plan on getting them to listen?
From a community perspective, I think they are ready! Some 10. Both locally and internationally, who would you like to
of the content I write is about the problems kids my age face, collaborate with?
so I figure they will listen because it’s something they can Locally I would collaboration with Shekinah because she has
relate to and so will their parents, so they know what their a rich warm voice.
kids go through as well. Internationally it would be Joey Badass because he is young
and his music sounds different.

4. In choosing what to write about, how do you ensure the 11. Your veteran uncle Fortune Masina named you to be

message is always there?
It’s just knowing what I need to say and what I want to come the one who will most likely continue the legacy of the
out of it. Once I’ve got that out the way it’s smooth sailing ‘Abom’rapper’ movement he had started. How do you feel
because I just send the message that needs to be sent. about this? Is there any pressure?
Well, I didn’t know he said that so it’s quite a shock. But no,
5. On your single ‘Black Is Beautiful’, you touch on an issue I don’t feel pressure because by the day I get better at what I
that has and still affect a lot of African children in “white do, it’ll be a walk in the park.

schools” in South Africa, following on what happened at the 12. What’s the ultimate goal for Langa ‘Steero’ Masina?
To bring up real hip hop that promotes positivity, family
Pretoria Girls High school last year. Given that you yourself orientated, educating, spreading a message, peace, love and
unity while having fun at the same time.
have an afro, how has this issue affected you personally?
Ever since my first week in school, it was a problem, having
my hair the way it is and for 7 and a half years my teachers

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 27

28 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

BUGZITO, THE DEFINITION
OF A PRETORIA DWELLER.

You might have seen him on Mzansi Magic’s The How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Road or on Isibaya, as Tshepo. He also made an I would say that I am an observer, I observe and then
acting appearance in SABC 1’s Generations: The communicate what I have observed. I embody and articulate
Legacy. He also played breath taking roles on Tuks’ Girl through means of writing and performance. My job is to
Child music video and P dot O’s Forgive Em music video. His share my observations and hope they inspire an individual
film feature includes ‘Matwetwe’, directed by Kagiso Lediga, or instigate topics of discussion. I believe that we harbour
which premiered at the 2017 Fantasic Fest in Austin and thoughts and feelings that other people can relate to; and by
Bomb Shelter’s Back of the Moon, directed by Angus Gibson. putting them out there I am trying to communicate that it is
After graduating with a B. Tech in Drama at the Tshwane ok to go through it, you are not the only one, it has happened
University of Technology in 2012, Bakang Tshepo Seagiso, to a number of people before and there is always hope.
Bugzito Co-Wrote and performed in Corner Madiba and
Nelson Mandela which was first staged at the South African What inspired you to get into the world of entertainment?
State Theatre in 2013 and the at the National Arts Festival I really don’t know hey, it’s just something that has been with
the following year. He thinks he is a ‘boring guy’ but those me for a very long time. All I know is that I was in primary
who are familiar with his work know he is a world class and I wanted to be a kwaito musician… I later fell in love with
entertainer. He is a rapper, actor and writer. Rap music. In terms of acting, I kept ignoring it but it caught
up to me eventually. I had to accept that I am that person and
Bugzito, as he is affectionally known, spent most of his time went to do what I did. I guess it’s really a platform to share
growing up listening to the likes of Tupac, Zola, Bob Marley, one’s thoughts and feelings.
Molemi and a lot of kwaito music, which would feed the
imagination and ignite the creative mind of this young man. How much of a role did the troubles you experienced in
His use of Sprakathi, (which is a blend of Pretoria’s Setswana Danville, as a young man, play in your career path?
and Tsotsi-taal) earned him the title Lebanzi la Pitori; a title A lot, we fought a lot, a lot of racial conflict occurred between
he holds with very high esteem. Bugzito recently dropped blacks and whites. It was what it was. You learn that there
his critically acclaimed album titled Identity Crisis, which is power in standing for what you believe and confronting
includes tracks such as ‘Di Barcadi’ (used as soundtrack issues for what they are in awkward situations.
on Etv’s Rhythm City in 2016) and ‘Maybe’ featuring the
sensational songstress Tumi Modise. Bugzito is also the Most of your characters on TV are that of a ‘tsotsi’, is it
creator of an event called Maybe in July, a Hip-Hop show something you are passionate about?
aimed at promoting up and coming artists who have not yet I’m just an actor, any role I get called for I make it a mission
reached mainstream success, staged in his neighbourhood to deliver. Get the psyche, try and understand how the
of Danville Pretoria-West every last Saturday of July. The character feels and get what his main objective is. I’ve played
event has been taking place since 2015 and has since been a pastor, a journalist, a ‘tsotsi’ an ordinary-everyday-man,
gaining a lot of traction with each year. ‘Maybe in July’ has and a number of other types of people. The passion is for the
hosted artists from all corners of Pretoria and artist from acting and not limited to a type of characters.
places such as Rustenburg, Soweto and Cape Town, just to
name a few. SAHipHopHeadZ caught up with Bugzito and Seeing that you’re from the suburbs of Danville, where did
this is how it went down. you learn to speak Sprakathi?
Many believe that Danville is Atteridgeville extension, but
Who is Bugzito? that’s a story for another day.
Bugzito is a rapper, actor and script writer who grew up in
Danville, in the West of Pretoria. My birth name is Bakang What frustrated you the most on your journey thus?
Tshepo Seagiso, so from names being remixed all the time The fact that I have always tried to achieve a certain feel of
Bakang ended up being Bugzito [SAHipHopHeadZ Insert: music and it was difficult to get people to understand what
get yourself Identity Crisis to find out the most hilarious I was trying to do. It’s only now (ten years later), they go
explanation of the name Bugzito by the comedian King Flat]. ‘yahhhh ne… ohoooo’

What does the word ‘entertainer’ mean to Bugzito and Why are Cap City cats so disjointed? Is that the reason Cap

which kind of entertainment do you enjoy between acting City Hip-Hop always play second fiddle to JHB despite the

and rapping? mad talent?
Hmmm… Entertainer neh? I guess to me it’s a job. My job O mong le o mong o shebile taba tsae, I don’t think it’s an
is to entertain and that’s the only view I have on that word exclusive challenge to Cap City. It happens everywhere. Look
really. When it comes to acting and rapping I can never at it like Socialism vs Capitalism. Socialism is us saying “let’s
say I enjoy one over the other. They are both a medium of build an alternative industry that will benefit us as Cap City
expression and allow one to introspect on self and society. artists and we all share the gains”; Capitalism is us saying
“here is an opportunity that will benefit me, I need to eat”.

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 29

Socialism is a good practice, but it takes time We fought a lot, a lot
and needs a lot of investment (Team effort). of racial conflict occurred
Capitalism on the other hand is a whole kill between blacks and whites
or be killed activity, it’s a survival mindset
over community building.

How did Identity Crisis fair in relation to
your expectations of it?
I am happy with how it did. In terms of
expectations I always expect more, but
considering how the sales were handled, I
think we did great.

How important is ‘Maybe in July’ to you and
what would you like to achieve through it?
I hope to create an alternative industry for
independent artists and entrepreneurs in
Pitori.

With regards to the goals you set for
yourself, do you feel like you have been
successful thus far?
I’m always hard on myself, so hard that I
hardly see when I have reached goals that
I’ve set because I’m too concerned with doing
better. I honestly think I’ve been successful
with some of the goals, I just struggle
admitting it. I really need to work on this, ke
tla gcina ke sika deur mawaza.

What helps you through rough patches in
your career and in your life?
Family and prayer.

What does Bugzito do for fun?
I think I’m a boring guy waitsi, I’ll watch a
movie, read something or just find a corner
and watch people live life. Not that exciting
ne? Maybe next year the answer will be
bungee jumping or sky diving or something
crazy, or fishing or something… e re ke te
khone pele

What does 2018 have instore for Bugzito in
terms of acting and music?
I suggest you stay glued to my social media
platforms for an announcement I’ll be
making VERY SOON.

FB: www.facebook.com/bugzito012
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bugzito
Insta: www.instagram.com/bugzito012
Youtube: Bugzito Seagiso

30 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 31

Taking Hip-Hop To The
Classroom:
You’ve Been Schooled.
With Rashid Kay

by Nokulunga Maqubela

Knowledge is most essential when shared and acted to say, “The whole consumption of music has changed,
upon. If you’re gonna acquire it and keep it all to back then, you didn’t have to know me to enjoy my music. If
yourself, what’s the point?
I jumped on stage and I’m dope, you jammed to it. So now

it’s about who you are and how many twitter followers you

“Back then when South African Hip-Hop started in terms of have. It came down to numbers, and that’s why Hip-Hop has

Rap, we used an American template, from the dress code, a lot of sponsors now”.

to the slang, and beats, we had no identity. Even though

the message was stronger [and that is why songs were The mainstream media is and has always been a medium to
banned] but everything that was happening then, was all what the people watch and listen to, but is it reliable enough?
What role does it play in promoting and preserving South
New York lifestyle”.

African content? “Up until today, because of mainstream
Originating from the South Bronx, New York City, by the pillars media, people follow what’s happening in the States, so if
of the culture Afrika Bambaata of the Hip-Hop collective ‘Zulu they are turning-up or krumping, kids all over the world are
Nation’, in the late 1970s, the Hip-Hop culture rapidly grew gonna do that, and if you imitate Big Sean or Drake, these
through different sounds and styles to best fit the generation kids will think you’re dope, and Radio will think you’re
that it represented during that particular era. It was only in dope, and that’ what they are gonna push. Hence we need
the 80s that Hip-Hop reached South Africa, with Black Noise to find alternatives, because even these media people will
and Prophets of da City (POC) credited with being the pioneers playlist anything by Drake and if it’s local, it must sound
of the scene. Lyrically, South African Hip-Hop relied on the similar to that”.
political landscape from which the country had emerged.
But Hip-Hop was not as big as the people could not relate With a very minimum number of main players, a lot of one
to it, Kwaito was the biggest movement: “We secluded and hit wonders, the South African Hip-Hop scene is still yet
separated ourselves from the ordinary township kid. That to grow, “Our industry is full of culture vultures, we do

is why people took a while to understand us, and that is how not have enough Hip-Hop heads, even over 50% of these

the likes of Skwatta Kamp and Pitch Black Afro came about. rappers aren’t Hip-Hop, they just rap, they don’t care about

They fused their Raps with vernac, which was something the culture. But there will always be people to maintain the
that people could relate to”, Rashid stated.
culture, we have the power to support and change things”.

With the emerging and changing sound, [the “evolution”],

Quick facts about Rashid Kaythere are a lot of people who do not embrace this change,
and they therefore quit the Rap game because it has changed
from when they were introduced to Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop was • He is the content producer of e.tv’s ‘ShizLive’
used as a voice to address social ills and other important • He co-hosts a radio show with Oskido on Metro FM
matters, but not so much anymore. Rashid feels that rappers • He is also the organizer and co-founder of Back To The
and people do not care about the message anymore as “back City and the South African Hip Hop Awards.

then, even though the sound was changing, the message

was still there. But now people feel like you don’t have to

say anything on a track, people think that when you trap Facebook: rashid Kay

you don’t have to say anything. The biggest problem is that Twitter: @rashid_Kay

the consumers and the supporters love that”. He continued Instagram: @rashid_Kay

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YAHKEEM’S STOREY:
BRICK BY BRICK

BY NOKULUNGA MAQUBELA

To carry out a vision, the one who builds needs to so then that buys belief for when I decide to push other
first lay a firm foundation for a building to stand artists”. He continued, “People have an illusion of what the

and last. For one that is firm, cannot be shaken nor industry should be because they do not have a first-hand

conquered. experience, they have never seen the come-up of Molemi,

ProVerb, or whoever else that’s in the industry, all they saw

Crowned twice as the King of the Eastern Cape at the South was the finished product. They don’t know what it takes.
African Hip Hop Awards, Yahkeem The Mastabilda real name And that’s what is happening back home”. Skills on the mic
‘Makhi Fibi’, has been playing his role and contributing within are not the only priority, but it’s the work that you actually
the Hip-Hop industry while building his career in it brick by put in to raise the flag and ensure the rise and implement the
brick with a background in administration, event organizing culture of Hip-Hop where you’re from that’s key to Yahkeem.

through ‘Makhi Concepts’, and being a utility coordinator.
Having started out in music in 2003 with Hip-Hop group With the changing sound of Hip-Hop music, the “evolution”
‘Khululekani’, which parted ways and saw Yahkeem release as most would put it, not everyone is comfortable with the
a solo project titled ‘The Spirit Level’ in 2009. The poet rapper current sound that has been receiving the most attention,
embodies the true meaning of Rap, using both rhythm and and that everyone is vibing to. The OGs are regarded as
poetry to create beautiful art that resonates with the township angry because their “time has passed” when they raise their
and rural people alike; “There was nothing that was coming opinions on this. Everyone has their own views whether
from the Eastern Cape at the time. So when I released this, opposing or supporting the trash rap, I mean Trap; “I

it spoke to the needs of the people”. understand these kids. They were not prone to do Hip-

Hop as we did it. But hey, do not subject me to that. Let me

With only a few artists who are poet emcees in the South play what I want to play, when I want to play it”, Yahkeem
African Hip-Hop industry, one would almost feel that there expresses his mind on this.

is no space for such a skill because it is not embraced as
much as the other types of this art that is Rap; “There is a Coming up from Yahkeem is an offering titled “Builder’s
very small space for art in South Africa. South Africa does Digest”, where he’ll show us how to properly structure an
not appreciate art. Art where you are yourself, art where album, as he feels a lot of people don’t know how to actually
you are an artist. We’re still building. Here you are either do this, “I look at an album the same way I would look at

on TV, or you’re nowhere, and if you’re not on TV we do not a pictorial album. It builds up, you’ll have your earliest

recognize you. So we still need to liberate art. They talk picture in front. And that’s what a lot of these guys don’t
about Economic Freedom, we talk about Art Freedom”. understand”. So look out for this offering, you might just
Education also plays a huge part in it, for one to know of and learn a thing or two.

appreciate something, they need to be educated about it.

Running and growing his work within the Eastern Cape Facebook: Yahkeem Ben Israel

province, Yahkeem does not feel the need to move to Twitter: @Yahkeem360

Johannesburg to push this hustle, though he is inspired by Instagram: @YahkeemZA

it, he feels it’s Important to learn from that and bring it back

home to invest in his people; “I’ve always been tempted

to drop the mic and fully focus on making stars out of I LOOK AT AN ALBUM THE
people I believe in back at home, but then how would they

believe me if I didn’t make something of myself first. So it’s SAME WAY I WOULD LOOK
important for me to win these awards, to actually hear my AT A PICTORIAL ALBUM
song on a national radio station when I release it. But I need

to make that stand and say, “Look I’m a different artist”,

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36 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

BAL ANCING EDUCATION AND
ARTS WITH GOD’S GRACE

Peacemakers

Originally from the small town of Makhado, Limpopo, Masha “Hyphen” Khomunala to thank for being a major
Peacemaker, who was born Thama Khomunala, is a pillar of support.
Johannesburg based Actor / Hip-Hop Artist / Poet and
Media Personality. His music carries elements of poetic Storytelling has always been a part of you, how important
lyricism with his style a combination between rhythmic is it for you to carry it in your music?
storytelling and conscious rap, infused in the sound of heavy I feel storytelling, for me, since an early age was an avenue
hard hitting Hip-Hop. Having been involved in a number of I just enjoyed, I found a way I could structure and express
theatre productions in University of Johannesburg where he my creativity. When I told a real story through my music it
completed his undergraduate studies in Accounting, Thama was strictly selfish, it unburdens a heavy mind or just brings
has shone to live a dream of being an entertainer which he me pure bliss to recall euphoric moments that I felt should
has envisioned from a young age. outlive me.

What does Matthew 5:9 mean to you? How does your qualification in BCom fit in your music career
This is a verse taken from the Holy Bible. It is what my and what prompted to you to study the course specifically?
artistic foundation was built on, the belief that there is Overall for me, education is bridging the gap between
a great purpose behind your God given talents and I as just knowing the business and being able to run it. In my
(a) Peacemaker, son of God, shall remain blessed while opinion it is a blessing to be an educated individual and even
engaging with my purpose in the music industry. It’s what more so an unavoidable factor towards our independent
my brand’s vision was based on: To bring positive change progressiveness as African people. I chose my qualification
through engaging with art and music.’ based on what I felt would be most beneficial to my personal
growth and the growth of my brand. In actuality my music
Who is Peacemaker and what does he stand for? career fits more into my qualification than the other way
Peacemaker is a poet that found a worthwhile meaning in around.
being an entertainer that could convey a message that not
only liberated listener’s daily concerns but also encouraged At 15 years old, making music, your parents blocked your
them to aspire beyond their own sky, because the limit is moves. How did it feel at the time and how do you reflect
what you make it. I stand for dreams. I am a firm believer back at it right now?
of anything that you set your heart and mind to, you will I was young and I was hungry for something that I also could
achieve, no matter the time-line or difficulty of that task. not comprehend at the time. As a young boy having the
one avenue that you feel best explains who you are being
Please breakdown the meaning of the word ‘peacemaker’ misunderstood by your own parents, it obviously becomes
from when it was created with your partner? very frustrating. It wasn’t all bad. That’s where I learnt
At the time, Reginald Hufkie, my music partner and I had first-hand things like resilience and self-assurance. It’s
embarked on this artistic journey together. He was a friend, an extremely difficult thing for a human being to instantly
a brother, a mentor and an absolute inspiration. I had so be able to understand someone else’s perspective but now
much love and respect for him that when we formed our that I have grown and I went through that time it helped me
then ‘unnamed’ rap duo and we needed a name that truly understand the place of love it came from. We all ultimately
exemplified what we aspired to be, I felt our movement wanted the same things, it was just a matter of finding the
had already named itself. Reggie had grown-up with the right time and place for them.
nickname ‘Peacemaker’ and based on his love for the arts
and his passion for people I felt nothing better described our Would you still open a record label now and what would you
brand. I jumped for the name Peacemaker and it stuck. do differently?
I never aimed to open a record label or rather if the movement
How does your day to day look like and what are the things created one I probably would have not known the difference.
that you cannot go a day without? My main concern was empowering talent and I did so through
Weekdays it’s your average student day to day; currently music by reaching out and making whatever resources I had
my main focus is on academics. So, it’s mostly packed with available to the very talented people I worked with and they
studies and a fraction of social time so I put in the extra did the same all for the sake of expressing ourselves through
grind behind the brand and the music whenever I can. Time this wonderful avenue called art. If I do head my own record
management is the key, so I try to stick to a productive work label it will most definitely put the music first.
schedule. What keeps me level and sane through all of it is
some meditation and prayer and I really have my Brother When did you feel this music and entertainment is a dream

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 37

worth pursuing and what is your ultimate ambition as an
entertainer?
It came at a young age when I first started using art as my
channel to express my thoughts and ideas. It was selfish at
the time; it gave me my sense of belonging in something that
I enjoy doing. I found beauty in that and started developing
myself as an artist through music, theatre and poetry. Along
the way I’ve had people tell me how they found some life in
my art and I suppose that’s always been my ultimate dream,
to bring about positive change even if it was in just one other
person’s life.
You recently dropped your debut project ‘No, Not You Too’.
What inspired it and what were you hoping to achieve?
I wanted a project that was real to me and “No, Not You Too”
was the most anticipated response you’d get if you went off
and said to anyone nowadays “I am a Rapper”. I won’t dwell
into the misconceptions that come with Rap and Hip Hop and
the industry overall. I just wanted to make good music.
How was the project received?
The response was so humbling; the first single off the E.P.
“Vogue” on its first day of release received a Hype Magazine
feature via their online platform, confirmed a Slikour on
Life #UnderDog Feature and was shared and tweeted by
Local Hip-Hop Platforms. When the project later came out it
received tons of admiration. On that note I have my Nuwave
family to thank, especially the emerging J.S.K XXVI, for all
the work he put into the project and just the support I got was
overwhelming.
What does 2018 have in store for Peacemaker music-wise?
I’m super blessed. We recently started shooting for a new
show on Gua TV, Rap4Me hosted by EMtee. There are
some exciting features in the pipeline both with local and
international musicians, I can’t specifically mention with
whom just yet. There’s a new project with Durban producer
Sinatra, I recently featured in his phenomenal debut E.P.
“Searching”. We wrapped up the first season of, Hip Hop
TV Show, Caution The Beat and I’ll still be working closely
with the team for season 2. I’m also looking forward to doing
more work with my Nuwave family, special shout out to
Brady Yocre.
I have however taken that step back from the lime-light just
to focus more on academics and just the art form. It’s about
the art.
What message of encouragement would you like to send to
everyone reading this interview?
Follow what makes your heart beat and remember, you have
to do what you need to before you get to do what you want.
Nothing worth having comes easily.

MATT 5VS9: “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS,
FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD.”

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40 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

T O UGCiHgiILNaGMaBynAe S E :

After her appearance on the on our very first issue, we With overwhelming numbers your mixtapes got and your
though it is only right we catch up with Gigi LaMayne album not doing as great, do you feel like you made a music
to see how life has been treating her. Having been mistake with the project?
hustling for a minute now, she recently dropped her debut I think there was a bit of a disconnect from the music I was
album titled iGenesis, which fell just short of selling gold. At doing before and now.
only 23 years old, she certainly has achieved a lot, making a
few mistakes here and there, which is a good thing because Your relationship with your previous record label did not
she learnt from them. She is bold, humble, hardworking end well. What is the ultimate thing that made you say
and definitely fabulous. Gigi LaMayne is definitely one for ‘enough is enough’ and what is the one thing you take from
the current and for the future and we hope with the hard this?
working team at her new record label she will be destined I just felt like my craft wasn’t taken seriously but that’s all
for more success. in the past now.

You have achieved so much at a very young age, what do What role are you hoping Ambitiouz Ent. will play in your
you base your success on? entertainment career going forward?
Being humble and my trust in God throughout all my trials I’m hoping they will push my music and get me to where I’ve
and tribulations. always wanted to be. They are a hard-working team and we
have done so much so far. Shootout to them.
How important is education for artists and how much of a
role has your degree played in your career? How important is branding in the entertainment industry
Education is the foundation of any career, whether you have and what are some of the humbling mistakes you have
talent or not, you need to remember that the entertainment witnessed?
industry includes the business side as well. Branding is very important, whether it’s appearance, the
things you say on social media or whatever. It should be
What does your recently released record ‘Iphupho’ (dream) taken seriously.
mean to Genesis and what has been your ultimate dream
since joining the entertainment industry? With a lot of young artists looking up to you, what message
IPhupho means the world to me, this is the first single where of support would you like to give them?
I am like “ this is me”. Stay in school and be educated. Education is key.

What motivates Gigi LaMayne to get up and stay fighting for How does Gigi LaMayne get her mind, body and soul fit all

every time you feel like being held down? the time?
My Mom. She’s supported me from day one and she is the I exercise a lot and meditate three times a month. It helps to
reason why I do this. She’s my motivation. get me mentally stable.

What has been the most bizarre criticism you heard about What does Gigi LaMayne do to relax?
yourself? I hang out with family, I mean you learn a lot from people
Well, there have been a lot but it’s mostly been about my who are not in the same industry as you.
appearance. It doesn’t really matter. It does not define me.
When is the next album coming and what can we expect
Do you feel at 23, people should let you make your mistakes from it?
instead of judging you a lot and unnecessarily? Late September, just expect the old Gigi that you’ve always
I believe that people will always have something to say known. The music with a message.
whether you doing good or bad. I’ve made my fair share of
mistakes, like who hasn’t?

When i-Genesis dropped, you were pushing for 15,000

units sold. What was your overall impression in terms of

sales and how far did you fall short?
We just fell short by a 1000.

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PHOTOGRAPHER:@TWIN24PHOTOGRAPHY
42 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

TOUCHING LIVES AND

I M P A C T I NAGndyO’AN S O C I E T Y

It is no doubt that East Rand, including Ratanda, is blessed and through that who knows how many people I’m touching
with a lot of rappers, but none come close in sharpness or how many lives I’m saving. That’s what it’s all about now”.
compared to Andile Tshepo Mokoena, better known as Andy’A says that his fans have been his biggest cheerleader,
Andy’A. Coming from the 80’s, it is no surprise that Andy’A the people who come up to him in the streets, quote a line
raps were harnessed from poetry. Having started jotting from one of his songs, give me props for my music or ask
lines from an early age of 11 years old, this humble soul him questions like when is my next single or project coming
has matured to be a forceful wordsmith and executer of out “those are my biggest cheerleaders and motivations” he
rhythm and poetry. Tshepo’s rap career got a major lift in said. Andy’A also relies on his family for support, he adds:
2014 with the release of his debut solo project titled ‘Pieces “family of course is everything to me, I wouldn’t be half the
of a Puzzle’ (POAP). This let him to win two awards in South man I am today had it not been for them”. Andy’A says that
African Upcoming Musicians Awards for Best Male and Best fans spreading the music as much as they can will go a long
Rap/Hip-Hop song for ‘Get Down’. When asked about himself wat in helping him reach his goals.
Andy’A says that writing and recording for his recent beautiful
he explained “Andy’A is all about dope raps bro, truth, no body of work titled ‘Falling Apart’ left him drained because
exaggerated content but most importantly motivation by he had to revisit and raise some really painful parts in his
showing other kids out there that I’m just like them, nothing life even though listening to the project now and hearing
special but I made it this far”. peoples’ reactions on it he wouldn’t have had it any other
way. He explains “I’m extremely happy and proud of the
Andy’A says that transforming from being a poet to a rapper project. It’s a conceptual project and I stuck to the concept
was influenced by the notion of reaching more people of ‘Falling Apart’ from start to finish. It differs from POAP
through music than through poetry even with his content and because it’s more personal but not only does it focus on
issues he discusses always staying the same. The mission me but also stories of other people and the hardships they
has always been the same though, to make a difference and went through”. With this project, Andy’A sees himself rise
when asked about his aim with doing music he emphasised as rightful ghetto hero. Saying that the mood, the melody,
on the point: “my ultimate goal with music is touching lives, beat selection, storytelling and the content of this project is
making a social impact, leaving something behind for my impeccable would be an understatement. Andy’A says that
kids and living forever through my music, long after my body what he wants people to take from this this project is that
gives in”. “hard situations come to everybody but they always pass”.
It was in late 2017 when we all thought that his shine has Andy’s one request to the Hip-Hop nation is simple, to give
come. Andy’A had a good run on Oskido’s show killing ‘candy more attention, coverage and platforms to ‘smaller’ artists.
rappers quicker than a fat kid’. He spoke about participation In lament terms, ‘payola’ ought to fall. Andy’A promises more
on the show: “that’s what we all thought bro [that the show singles and more dope music in between projects for the
would open doors], but we found out the hard way that there’s year of 2018 and his message to all the SAHIPHOPHEADZ is:
always more to be done and the journey is still long. But “we’ve come a long way and we’re still going further so let’s
I’m not bitter because it was a learning curve and took my keep working heads, don’t do it for the money do it for the
lessons from it. I had fun”. With most lyrics struggling to get love and the culture”.
shine, Andy’A says he is content about his space and will not
sacrifice his style for the sake for monetary success: “well in
SA we all know all it takes is that one song and you’re in the
game forever and since there is no formula to that I’ll keep
making good music till I get that break but personally I’m
happy with my life right now so that big break would really
just be a bonus or a cherry on top of a cake that I’m quite
happy with”.

Things have not been all smooth and sailing though, as the
earlier days were challenging and the thoughts of giving
up crept in “Yeah I used to feel that way (giving up) when
I used to really want that big break and fame but honestly
now I don’t feel that way anymore because I’m happy with
my life as it is right now and I write and record for the love
and therapy of it all. Posting online, making and selling CDs
is just me sharing my story with as many people as possible

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44 SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8

Q&A WITH SPEEKA

SPeeKa

Tell us, what does the name SPeeKa mean, and how did it Producers seem to get less credit and often get less
come about? spotlight than the musicians, does this bother producers
I got it when I was about 9-years-old due to my obsession in any way?
with the sound from the arcade game “Final Fight”. It doesn’t really bother me, as long as I’m being compensated
for my work. The spotlight means nothing to me.
The great Jay-Z says he is not a business man, but a
business, man. Who is SPeeKa? Do you think when artists like Black Coffee and Cassper
A broke creative – haha. Nyovest make waves and gain success in the game it kind
of opens doors for local artists?
What does Hip-Hop mean to SPeeKa? And how much Yes. It kind of makes our dreams seem less farfetched.
influence does Kwaito and house play in your Hip-Hop
productions? If you were the Minister of Arts and Culture, what changes
I actually started off producing Kwaito. To this day, the would you make to favour the music industry?
kwaito influence is a big one, especially when it comes to I guess I’d try to get talented artists who are unable to get
how I play my bass. access to proper equipment and everything they need to
produce quality music.
What would you say is your greatest achievement thus far
in your career? Who are your top five emcees for the year 2017?
Being interviewed by one of my heroes, Sizwe Dhlomo in Mothipa, Si-Viral, IgnitiOn, Soweto Tshepiso and Infektist.
2012.

Which of the song your produced would you say is your

favourite and why?
Sunday on A Friday (ft. Etcetera Inkunzi Emnyama & Theo
Songstress) – I’m just extremely proud of how that song
came out.

What are ‘Sotra Cyphers’ and what were your able to

achieve through them?
Sotra Cyphers is an online cypher series I created in May
2016. Simply: It’s a platform for rappers to display their skills
on the mic. “Sotra” is slang for “Soweto”, but the series is
open to rappers outside of Soweto.

Were you able to grow from the days when your beats were

used for Siz ‘n Scoop and if so, in which way?
Siz ‘n Scoop made a few more people aware of what I do.

You won 2017’s version of BTTC 10K Producer challenge,

what does this title mean to you and what did you use the

money for?
It’s a huge honour for me considering that I had been trying
to enter for YEARS without any luck. I spent it on a few things
for my studio and the rest on my daughter.

As a producer, who are some of the rappers you would like

to produce for, both internationally and locally and why?
Locally: Mothipa, HHP, ProVerb and whole lot more.
Internationally: Eminem.
Why? Because they’re dope – haha.

SAHIPHOPHEADZ | ISSUE8 45

After hearing of his departure from Cashtime Life, a Maggz
album was the last thing we expected, so this one came as
a surprise. It’s quite refreshing when dude actually drops
something, Maggz has always had that grimy, hardcore
Jadakiss kinda sound and was actually likened to him. On
this album he tried out different sounds, some worked, most
didn’t. He did that possibly because the game has changed.
Hip-Hop doesn’t sound the same way it did 8 years ago.
There’s ‘trapping’ now, which I see he also did on the album.

Maggz - Who ever thought we’d hear Maggz sing? Well, me neither!
For Love And Glory He sings on songs like 1, 2, 3 Lol. Well I’m just not sure if
he should’ve done that instead of featuring artists who are
BY KATLEHO MOFOKENG good at it. We get a feel of authentic Maggz on track 7, (Don’t
Know), Track 12 (Bebathini) and Track 14 (Rainfalls) even on
Maggz, or M.A Double as he’s known to his fans, has been the Intro. But on other tracks Maggz tries so hard to sound
in the game for as long as I can remember but is not really like these new kids, which is what I feel is wrong with this
what one would consider a household name, If you ask any of album. Only Kwesta can sound like Kwesta, no one can do an
the Hip Hop fans today if they know who Maggz is, I bet 30% Emtee better than Emtee, why even try?
would say they don’t, the fact that Maggz has been in the Maggz sounds out of place on a lot of the tracks on the
game for so long but has dropped way less music to show for album, Track 4 (Shame) sounds like it was produced for Da
it might be the reason for that. Maggz has always been that Les, Track 6 (Vaye) sounds like Kwesta’s Ngud’, and Track
guy, too much potential but never really reached his peak. 8 (Still Down) sounds like something Emtee would do. On
The first I heard of Maggz was in the mid 2000’s (Yes, I’m that Track 14 (Rainfalls) he says “rappers really sound the same,
old haha), as a member of Saudi Western, a crew consisting what happened to variety?”. Ironic because he sounds like
of PRO (Prokid) and Sgebi. They didn’t really drop much the very same rappers who sound the same, but I’m glad he
music as a crew and when PRO was out there doing his said that on a track where he actually sounds like Maggz.
thing, Maggz was his hypeman. Maggz is no new comer to the industry, he’s beeeeeen in the
In 2006 Maggz dropped a mixtape titled ‘Sorry for The Long game but as good of a rapper he is, he hasn’t found his own
Wait’ which I feel consisted of some of his best work. He sound that works for him. There’s a point where Maggz had
later joined Glitz Gang which consisted of his high school it but because he stays so long without dropping anything,
buddies Morale, L-Tido and Sean Pages. Maggz dropped his he comes back, the game has changed and he has to adjust,
debut album ‘The Breakout’ in 2009, under Fassie Records, which is extremely difficult for any artist.
while still a member of the Glitz Gang. He later left the crew ‘The Love And Glory’ is an average offering from a not so
to join KO’s CashTime Records which he left without having average rapper. Maggz is a great rapper, I’m not even gassing.
dropped an album with. Maggz is like a primary school kid He could do a lot more but he’s not able to consistently put
who chills with whoever has the coolest lunchbox with all that on songs. I feel like he’s gonna remain that guy with
this crew hopping he’s been doing. potential that never peaks. Give the album an ear, let’s see
what you think of it
Lyrical: 4 Production: 3 Creativity: 3 Delivery: 3 Overall: 3.2

It’s been 8 years since Maggz dropped an album, or an
offering of some sort. ‘For Love and Glory’ is Maggz’s 2nd
studio album. Notable features on the album are Reason,
L-Tido, Da Les and DJ Maphorisa. 8 years since Maggz
dropped anything? One would ask. Yes, 8 years! Maggz is
like the Jay Electronica of S.A Hip-Hop because you hear
him being featured by other rappers, a track here and there
but when it comes to dropping a whole body of work, he
barely does.

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even when she’s trapping, she still raps and makes it sound
good, she was able to beautifully merge trap and lyricism
Beat selection was on point, she has fun where she has to
have fun, switches and becomes serious when she has to,
the one thing about the production on the album I’d say was
a miss is the fact that the beats sound the same, all the trap
beats sound like 1 long song, same as all the non-trap beats.

She takes us through a journey of emotions on the Intro, On
Track 2 (Underrated) she gives us straight bars, why she’s
doing this and how she’s influenced by Lauryn Hill.

ROUGE – On Celebrity (Track 3) she breaks down the celebrity life.
the NEW ERA SESSIONs Mbongo Zaka (Track 13) and Sheba Ngwan’o (Track 14),
which were dropped as singles prior to the release of the
BY KATLEHO MOFOKENG album, are hard BAAAAAANGERS. Last Track on the album,
Mabele, Rouge showcases that not only is she a good rapper
S.A hasn’t really been big on female rappers. We haven’t but a great vocalist too so one can say she’s a complete artist.
really produced a lot of them but in recent years we’ve seen She had minimal features on the album with only Moozlie,
an emergence of the female rappers with the likes of Fifi Bigstar (Johnson), Kly and Shasha making appearances.
Cooper, Nadia Nakai, Khanyi, Moozlie, Gigi LaMayne and a Rouge also released a Short Film based on the movie
few others coming into the industry and proving they can be featuring Atandwa Kani and his wife Fikile Kani, as well as
as competitive as their male counterparts. Denise Zimba and other “well known” actors, check it out.
You’d be doing yourself a huge injustice If you don’t get this
album.
Lyrical: 5 Production: 4 Creativity: 4.5 Delivery: 5 Overall: 4.6

With female rappers, I feel there’s always that ‘appearance
element’ that shifts the attention away from the music to
the looks. Only a few will actually give you nothing but pure
music and I feel Rouge is one of them, besides the fact
that I’ve never really seen her attempting to get naked on
music videos. She actually has the talent; hence she doesn’t
need get naked to grab our attention, just her music is good
enough.

Born, Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi in Pretoria, Gauteng,
Rouge claims that she only started rapping 6 years ago. Can
you believe it, only 6 years ago? I don’t buy it, she’s too good
to have only started rapping 6 years ago. Rouge is one of the
most talented female rappers in S.A and it’s evident on the
album.

Having been introduced to us through her 2014 debut single
‘Party’, which got major airplay and eventually reached
#1 on a 5FM’s Hip Hop show, later worked with industry
heavyweights like Reason and Locnville and also featured on
AKA’s baddest remix with fellow female rappers, Fifi Cooper,
Moozlie and Gigi LaMayne.

New Era Session is a beautiful album, from Track 1 right
up to the last track. It’s nothing but bars, energy, emotion,
substance, fun etc, there’s nothing I can say I was looking for
as a Hip Hop fan that I didn’t find in this album, I finally got to
understand what is meant by “not all trap is trash” because

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