#SubmissionSunday | REP – GET MINE

by Phil Chard

Daniel Mboweni aka REP who also happens to be formerly known as Replica has been making Hip Hop since his early teens. In his short career he has worked with Dj Clock, Slege lee, Zano, and Musa . The song Get Mine (pronounced "get moyne") is a thumping trap beat from Verified Beatz that REP destroys with aplomb.

#SubmissionSunday | The Dot – Call Me

by Phil Chard

The Dot is a Zimbabwean rapper who linked up with fellow ZImbabwean and label mate MC Tytoh on Call Me. The Bulawayo acts ride over an uptempo BMB beat and deliver some impressive bars. The song was so close to be being smash until the awfully lazy chorus and bridge kicked in . So close. So so close.

#SubmissionSunday | Lucid – Lights Went Off

by Phil Chard

Lucid is a 24 year old Kenyan rapper now based in Canada who submitted his dark and introspective single Lights Went Off. Oddly enough this music reminds me a lot of the stuff Buks is currently making.

#SubmissionSunday | Twizz Alfa – Clouds Above

by Phil Chard

New introduction to Cape Town's 18 year old rapper Twizz Alfa who just dropped the surprisingly impressive song Clouds Above. Twizz dispysts a proficient level of potent punchlines and wordplay in this release.

#SubmissionSunday | Asaph & MH1 – Arakani Jackets

by Phil Chard

Asaph, Boi B, Kingsley, MH1 and Yiso are 5 Bulawayo artists collectively known as the BurgBoiz who are collaborating on the 7 track #DeepInTheBurg project. They plan to release a song every Friday and the accompanying video every Monday.

The song Ara Kani Jackets gets its name from a Bulawayo designer brand and is a metaphor about how the rappers are ”cut from the finest fabric”

MI & 2Baba Dropped Babylon and I Got Very Excited

by Phil Chard

My fandom for Jude MI Abaga is no secret. So when MI teased us the photos with him and fellow Nigerian legend 2Baba earlier in the week I was literally bouncing off the walls with excitement. A few days later MI and 2Baba unleashed Babylon - a powerful and poignant song that speaks of the political and social ills in Nigeria and expresses the level of frustration and hopelessness felt by the Nigerian populace. Sadly this song's lyrics resonate well with so many other citizens of African states.

There is a possibility that Babylon could be the lead single off a collaborative project . I can only hope and pray that this happens..

See proof of fandom below.

@MI_Abaga speaking to me on this song. You are a continental treasure.. One day we shall enshrine your lyrics in museums and marvel

— Phlynt Phlossy™ (@PhilChard) July 21, 2016

Mabala Noise Just Turned the Industry On Its Head. We Try Make Sense Of It All

by Phil Chard

In a surprising press conference called earlier today South African Entertainment stable Mabala Noise brought out 12 new acts who were all dressed in some snazzy Mabala Noise varsity jackets to announce that they had all signed to the label. The new additions to their roster include

Malabala'ss new artists are

Nasty C

Gigi LaMayne

Zakwe

Zola

Pro

Major League DJz

DJ Finzo

Letoya Makhene

Jay Spitter

Kay Sibiya

Khanyi Mbau

DJ Finzo

The news that the relatively unknown label managed to snag the most sought after artist in South African Hip Hop - Nasty C was a massive surprise. I managed to call Nasty C’s publicist Pierre Ball who had this to say on the signing.

“Mabala Noise is trying to do something very amazing with these artists...they're trying to create platforms where artists in South Africa [are given] a chance financially and support wise to allow these artists to become artists that can compete on an international level. Being one of the flagship artists on Mabala Noise Nasty C is very excited, we have people like Gigi LaMayne, legends like Zola and Major League DJz, we're very excited to see what's gonna happen in the future. “

Mabala Got The Juice

Nasty’s signing comes on the eve of his highly anticipated debut album and months after the highly speculated links between him and Jay Z’s Roc Nation. Granted he did spark those rumours with his tweet.

Got a call from Roc Nation recently to schedule a meeting 🙌🏽.. I owe it all to you! 🇿🇦 for believing in me. Thank you 🙏🏾

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) May 1, 2016

The Roc Nation meeting is still in the plans. I haven't met anyone from the label, I haven't signed any deal.

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) May 14, 2016

Gigi LaMayne who also signed to the label still has a management deal with Refiloe Ramagose’s Dreamteam South Africa imprint following her Jack Scouts win in 2014. After graduating from Wits, Gigi had also announced the formation of her own digital media agency - Hart Roc Entertainment, which she says is “aimed at eradicating youth unemployment in the arts sector “. How she will handle these 3 separate business arrangements is still unclear at the moment.

Zakwe who made his name under Sipho Sithole’s Native Rythms Label where he released his self titled debut album and 2015’s Impande now departs for the upstart label.

Pro and Zola who are both highly respected veterans in South African Hip Hop are clearly intent on releasing new music. The legends will. Also be joined by socialite cum presenter cum general Queen of Slayage Khanyi Mbau. But can she rap tho? My only introduction to her Hip Hop offerings was her verse on the Shabang Remix.

The most intriguing thing about all these signings is the question of how incredible the value proposition that Mabala is presenting to these artists. Nasty C was the bell of the ball and could pick and choose his destination. Major League DJz and Riky Rick (yeah don't forget they signed him too last month) were both successful independent artists. The Banele twins are also successful event promoters in their own right. Though new to the Hip Hop arena, Khanyi Mbau is a powerful brand on her own that should be able sell a few tickets on that alone and Zola has been very outspoken about his disdain for the industry and the role labels play in them.

All these artists join a roster that includes Ms Jones, Lvovo, DJ Chynaman and Du Boiz..

What Is A Mabala Noise?

So who is running Mabala Noise and how have they been able to progress from general obscurity to forming one of Africa's formidable labels in just a few months?

Well the company Mabala Noise (Emabalabala) is co-owned by Bongani Dlamini -Ngcobo more affectionately as DJ Bongz (who has the best dance ever) and Reginald Nkabinde. Mr Nkabinde is a flamboyant businessman, politician and philanthropist who has been known to throw a killer party or two. His 31st birthday party lasted three days. Mr Nkabinde is also a director at Urban Dynamics -a Joburg based construction and housing development firm. In 2015 Mr. Nkabinde was also appointed as the Treasurer General of The ANC’s Youth League.

Yes, this one is different. It IS better than suchnsuch. Plenty of sit downs were had. Da papers shoulda been made outta candy if u ask me

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) July 21, 2016

To whoever even cares. Yes I'm EXTREMELY happy with the deal. Back to work it is. ✌🏽️😊

— Bad Hair (@Nasty_CSA) July 21, 2016

Aside from acting as a label Mabala Noise is also an events promoter, they were behind the recent concert at the Durban July that brought Chris Brown, Eve and Tinashe to South Africa. They have also organised events such as the Donalds Dam Picnic Explosion.

It is very clear that Mabala has a vision and and an expense budget impressive enough to convince all these artists to sign up en masse. Whether or not they will be able to fulfill their promises or achieve their lofty goals is yet to be seen.

We live in very interesting times and I for one can't wait to see how this all unfolds

Tweet Review | Milli – Don’t Ask Me What Happened EP

by Phil Chard

Nigerian rapper Milli just released his highly anticipated and, in a sense much delayed project Don't Ask Me What Happened. The 7 track EP is his first release under his own imprint Up Next Universe after his highly publicized and somewhat contentious split from Chocolate City Music. We managed to get an advanced copy of the project and gave it a review on twitter.

Note: Don't Ask Me What Happened is not a prelude to the Childish EP as incorrectly stated in the review. According to Milli's team the Childish EP may never drop at all.

Milli - DAMWH Review - Curated tweets by AfricanHHB

Von Intellekt – Mama Made Me (Prod Chabi Mas)

by Phil Chard

South African rapper and producer Von Intellekt collaborated with Chabi Mas on his latest release Mama Made Me. The song utilises a mellow looped funk sample as Von raps about the trials he has endured and overcome in his short life and his positive outlook for the future.

Well$ – 98 Juvie Featuring Deniro Farrar (Official Music Video)

by Phil Chard

The gravely voiced Congolese-American Well$ has just dropped a gritty video for his equally hard song ‘98 Juvie. The song was was produced fellow Immaculate Taste members Sipho The Gift and Alec Lomami.

Directed by SummitCollective the video paints a vivid picture of life on the other side of the tracks in America’s South that are bolstered by some incredible aerial shots.

This song bangs.

Watch Reason Break Down The Science Behind #ReasonSeason & His Upcoming Project

by Phil Chard

Reason recently dropped by Channel O’s live show Turn Up for an interview where he broke down the mentality behind #ReasonSeason and the current state of the South African Hip hop game. Reason also shared that he will be dropping a new project titled Girls later in the year and his plans to push his new single Molly Cyrus.

Album Review | KLY – KLYMAX EP

by Mayuyuka

The Klymax EP explores several themes as Kly “wanted this project to be a representation of a 22 year old navigating love, pain and the joys that come with life”

Kly, an acronym for Keep Love Young, is a South African Midrand-based artist who infuses trap, r&b, afro and electronic influences into what he terms urban soul. The talented artist is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter and producer who recently got the chance to sharpen his skills at Anashe Media Group's writing and production boot-camp.

The Klymax EP explores several themes as Kly “wanted this project to be a representation of a 22 year old navigating love, pain and the joys that come with life”. The impressive production credits include Brian Soko, Dj Maphorisa and Ray Kola with a majority of the project helmed by Wichi 1080. We've written about Wichi's impressive partnership before and in his latest musical team up; he lays down a lush landscape strewn with intricate basslines and unfettered TrapnB beats, upon which Kly can grace us with his vocals.

The track 5AM In The East features Wichi's frequent collaborator Priddy Ugly as well as fellow rapper Frank Casino. The title and aural aesthetic of the track are a strong signal of Kly's musical influences in the dark, overarching bassline and the simple hook. Soul Touch and Start Over more especially are indulgently romantic and perfect for anyone in their winter feelings. Wake and Bake is probably my favourite joint though, it's the best representation of a well sang, stripped down beat that still gets the speakers knocking. The EP is mellow throughout with standout tracks like Direction keeping the energy up midway through.

Direction is a superbly constructed cut and brings out the best in both producer and vocalist, with the infectious hook perfectly complimenting the catchy beat. Towards the closing, the Dj Buckz-featuring Ain't Done Yet shows a lot more bravado and the ambition in Kly shines through. It's the closest song you'll get to a straight up rap banger with sprinklings of vernac. Impressively, despite the switch up in mood and tone, the pace is well maintained: another sign of a well constructed listening experience.

Wichi 1080's uncluttered production can't be overstated and he deserves as much credit as Kly does for filling the TrapnB gap, strangely unfilled, in the local music scene. The dreaminess of the production is perfect for a laidback, bae'd up chill or the perfect accompaniment for the come down after a night out. There's enough to showcase Kly's vocal range and at 50 minutes long, it's a generous offering too.

Lady Donli – FREE ?

by Phil Chard

Nigerian born artist Lady Donli is currently juggling the pursuit of her law degree and making music in the UK. The multifaceted artist just released her new song FREE? that fuses Electro, HIp Hop and uptempo R&B on a song that has a deceptively upbeat instrumental accentuated by the Panda like ad libs as Lady Donli speaks about some heavy issues like growth. depression and suicide on the path to self discovery.

YCEE – Condo (Remix) Featuing Patoranking, Khuli Chana & KiD X

by Phil Chard

Nigeria’s YCEE just dropped a remix to his 2015 release Condo. In addition to the vocals of Patoranking on the chorus who featured on the original version, the remix features additional vocals from Khuli Chana and Kid X on the bouncy eKelly beat.

You can view the video for the original version of Condo below

Rouge – Sheba Ngwan O’

by Phil Chard

Watching the progress of Rouge’s career has made for interested viewing the talented Pretoria based rapper of Congolese descent has not enjoyed an easy path to success. She started off signed to Rockstar 4000 and when things didn't work out (they rarely do over there, ask Xtatic) she shifted to Farah Fortune’s African Star Communications. It seems that Rouge may have parted ways and she is now going it alone. SHe has hinted that she is now going at it alone as an independent artist without PR in interviews

In her new single titled Sheba Ngwan O’ she hops on a Wichi1080 beat and raps

    I'm too put together the haters gossiping can miss me

    Wannabes all trying to diss diss me

    But I'm to busy I just got my deal

    Progression don't ask me  no questions

    I'll tell you now deceit is my friend in this industry

I wonder which deal she referring to….. What we do know is she is now under David Gresham though the details of that arrangement are not clear as yet. We will try get Rouge in for a follow up interview to discuss everything that has happened since we last spoke.

Sarkodie – MMMP Featuring Edem

by Phil Chard

Sarkodie has displayed an incredible workrate as of late . This month alone, he has released the single and video for Bossy, dropped a diss record (Kanta) and collaborated with Patoranking yesterday a leak of a song that he did with Eva Alordiah also popped up on the interwebs. Now the Ghanaian artist has released his own official single for MMMP ( More Money More Problems. As the title suggest the song speaks on the stresses of success and features fellow Ghanaian Edem.

Flo Dee – Kanamwali Featuring. Zyuga

by Phil Chard

New music from Malawian artist Flo Dee titled Kanamwali featuring Zyuga. The soulful song which is Hip Hop - Bongo Flava hybrid is an extremely catchy tune. Flo Dee is a member of the 10 man Malawian musical collective ClassMatesMusic

Kevin Grands – Wish Featuring Superprodusir

by Phil Chard

Kenya’s Kevin Grands switches gears sonically on his new release for Wish which features a chorus from Superprodusir. The song which borrows heavily from 80s pop sounds and influences is a laid back song about a man waiting for the green light from a from a woman “because he can’t read her signs”

@KevinGrands

Gudntentionz – Joshuas (Cheers)

by Phil Chard

Zimbabwean born rapper Gudntentionz drops the heartfelt and solemn Joshuas (Cheers) a song dedicated to his close friend Kundai Rambanapasi. On the song Gudntenzionz raps;

“If I had known that this would be the last time, I would have said I love you for the first and last time”

There is great deal of sincerity and pain in his lyrics and it reminds to to always tell our loved how we truly feel before it is too late.

@gudatit_

We Spoke To Poe About HIs New Single I Want U

by Phil Chard

With its uptempo sound that borrows from caribbean steelpan and bass heavy electro the Spax produced song I Want U promises to be one of Poe’s biggest hits to date. The song also features Tesh Carter, Tec, Saeon and Mojeed on what is a gathering of what I consider to be some of the most promising new faces i n NIgerian Hip Hop. I got hold of Poe to discuss his new single and when we can finally expect his highly anticipated Talk About Poe debut album.

AHHB: You've been consistently releasing quality work, it doesn't seem like you're getting the recognition someone of your talents deserves. Do you agree?

Poe : To be honest with you, yes and no. I do feel like any artist that considers themselves of a certain level feels that they should be getting much more recognition than they are currently getting. At the same time, key people from behind the scenes have approached me and said we see what you're doing and we want to help you take it to the next level and I think that's just as important.

AHHB : I just came across you new song I Want U and off the bat I feel like this might be your biggest hit to date.

Poe : I Want U was a collaborative effort. It's me and Tech from SDC, a very dope rapper called Mojeed, Saeon - her whole movement is picking up and Tesh Carter who sings as well and raps, she sings on this record. We were just in the same space at the time with the producer producer Spax. It was Mojeed’s birthday, we happened to be chilling and we were like we all make music, we are all here let's do something

AHHB: So What Is The Plan For the Single?

Poe we are trying to push this so far. We just dropped the track and we're getting a tonne of love from radio already. We haven't gone to all the radios yet but a number of OAPs [On Air Personalities] have been hollering at us to request it. One of the bigger ones has already put it as song of the week. We all believe it's a great song.

#ToolzSongOfTheWeek #NP 'I Want U' by @LadiPoe @TeshCarter @ShowDemCamp @SAEONMUSIC & @whoismojeed

— THE BEAT 99.9FM (@THEBEAT999FM) July 14, 2016

AHHB: When can we expect your debut project?

Poe: Man I want it so bad this year. There's been so many setbacks that have taken us a few steps back with the project. But I really hope I'm back on course. I'm working with two main two producers but I'm 6 tracks, 7 tracks in and I want to hit 10. I'm in London right now but I'll be back in Nigeria end of the month to finish up those tracks. I'm saying this year, Talk About Poe [The album title], let's do this!

The full interview can be found on the latest episode of the AHHB Podcast form the 1:01:00 mark

@LadiPoe @TeshCarter @ShowDemCamp @SAEONMUSIC @whoismojeed