Black to the Future’s State Theatre Rendezvous
A strictly hip hop event is set to light up the South African State Theatre’s Rendezvous on Thursday, 30 January 2020. The show is centered around bringing the culture together, particularly celebrating the old school as well as the leaders of new school of hip hop. Hosted in collaboration with the State Theatre, Mphankomo Creatives […]
The Queen Bee Analogy & the Optics of Female Rap
Words By Ziyanda Ntloko There can only be one: an exploration of hip-hop’s intrinsic bias against female MCs and why the Nicki vs Cardi beef is predetermined For anyone who watched the 2018 Grammys, one of the few highlights of the night was Cardi’s B’s debut performance in front of the star studded audience and millions […]
Should Artists Still Sign To Record Labels?
Words by Caron Williams Jay Z released his triumphant 13th studio album, 4:44, last year and dropped countless gems as he has since his Reasonable Doubt days. One of the most fascinating parts of the album was his commentary on wealth, financial freedom, ownership and navigating the pitfalls of the music industry. On the melodic […]
Maftown’s Impact on SA Hip Hop
Words by Mercia Tucker Mafikeng is home to some of South Africa’s most talented and celebrated artists. When considering the cultural capital of South African music and entertainment spaces in the 90s, however, Maftown hardly came to mind. Kwaito took the urban youth by storm as the centre of a cultural revolution that validated a […]
Celebrating exceptional women: The Rise of Female Rappers in SA Part 2
MC, n. /ɛmˈsiː/: microphone controller. The term itself isn’t gendered, but the in the context of the hip hop industry, the differentiation is always made. ‘It’s always “Who’s your favourite female rapper?” It’s never “Who’s your favourite rapper?” and we’re actually considered in that [category]’ says Gigi LaMayne. ‘I hate the fact that for some […]
The Rise of Female Rappers in SA
I liken the hip hop industry in South Africa at the moment to a teenager; a kaleidoscope of emotion to be mined for meaningful growth, a host of physical changes that sometimes leave you with more questions than answers, but more importantly, an opportunity to be something really beautiful. The rise to prominence of female […]