Odinareh Bingwa- Pressure Official Video
by Mayuyuka
Kenya seems to be making strides in building it’s Hip-Hop presence in Africa and if Odinareh Bingwa’s latest visual for Pressure is anything to go by, they are definitely on to something.
Odinareh is an urban rapper from the south coast of Kenya, Diani. Pressure is the first single off his forthcoming Diani - Papa La Kusini mixtape to tide people over before he drops his Mwana Haramu album. The release date is yet to be announced. Rather than write a young book about the track I’ll the track speak for itself. This one definitely makes it on my #MusicToDabTo playlist. The Swahili-English bars show that music is a universal language and will have you nodding your head to the flow.
Fimfim- Ohene
by Mayuyuka
On a quest to become one of the finest rappers Africa has ever produced, Fimfim tells a Hip-Hop story from an African perspective on his current single dubbed Ohene.
As a follow up to other banging songs like Y3 WO KROM, One Boy One Girl and Etorwor, all from his music lab Platinum Studios; it looks like Therapperman seems not be on a chill pill. Ohene is no doubt promised to be a game changer in the music industry as it defines Hip Hop from a different angle: an African Hip Hop story.
Considering the instrumentation, chorus and the various rap styles exhibited on this master piece, the Hip-Hop artist who doubles as a music producer will take you on an adventure into the rich and beautiful rhythms of Africa. This is an inspirational song that urges you on, no matter the struggle. And did he feature Obrafour on the chorus? Well you can find out for yourself!
Submission | Bala 2K – Kiss U (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Cameroon's Bala 2K's just dropped the video for his first official song titled Kiss U . The song is a mix Makossa, Afro beats, and Dance. As the titles suggests the song tell the story of Bala and his lover as they traverse the highs of a relationship. Special shout out goes to the lady in the red dress.
Dremo – Ojere (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Dremo - one of Davido's first signings to his Sony Imprint Davido Music Worldwide has just released the video to Ojere. Directed by Q, the video was shot in Lagos and the UAE and features cameos from fellow label mates and OBO himself.
iFani’s New Single Raises More Questions About His Current Label Situation
by Phil Chard
iFani is an enigma in several ways. Aside from his eccentric ways, and unique musical stylings, the manner in which he has handled his own label disputes has been intriguing to say the least. After the high of signing with Sony in 2012 things turned sour in 2014 when the rapper took to twitter to vent about his frustration with the deal. Then in 2015 things seemed to be resolved as he prepared for the release of his gold selling (controversially) album I believes in me [2nd Quadrant]. Then mysteriously after the release of four singles and one video for the project all promotional efforts surrounding the album that went gold in a day just stopped. After a 9 month hiatus, iFani returned to release Stay featuring Chad. The video for this song was also released via a brand new VEVO channel on YouTube. All previous videos for iFani since he signed were released via his Disguiz VEVO channel or Sony Music Africa’s channel, while Stay and it's Mother’s Day follow up single uMama were released on a channel bearing Fani’s name.
Stay was announced to be the first single off iFani’s upcoming album meant to represent the 3rd Quadrant in his musical journey. The announcement of his growth also coincided with a brand new image for the rapper. He had traded in the eccentric outfits and bed slippers for bespoke suits, velvet loafers and haircut.
Late last month it seems whatever rifts that has resurfaced n the iFani - Sony situation had once again been resolved when he released this statement;
"I remember how happy I was when I got signed. I remember how sad I was after I blew up. I was a lost child, kodwa. I'm glad I changed. I was mad trying to get them to change so I could be happy, Little did I know that it's me who had to change before my world could change. I've learnt that blame only destroys the person blaming. Not the blamed. Until that person decides to change and embrace life. Forgiving yourself is the first step towards happiness. Then forgive others. Then learn that nobody can make you happy except you. I've learnt a lot in the past year. A lot about myself, about success, about happiness. I apologise for the person I was. Sincerely,"
Now after announcing his upcoming third album , it seems iFani and Sony have once again rekindled their erratic relationship with the release of February -a song that appeared on iFani’s last album that is somehow being released after he already began releasing music for his upcoming album. Despite releasing Turn It Up, Jonga Ixesha, Ayadelela and Ibhadi before the release of February , only one video for the songs on his second album has been released (Ayadelela).
All this does raise a lot of questions about the direction of iFani’s career and his relationship with the label. I had requested an interview few months ago but did not receive a response nor did iFani respond to my queries on twitter regarding the situation between him, Sony and his own imprint Disguiz.
Considering the incredible amount of momentum iFani had back in 2014 around the time of his singing that culminated in his Best Rap Album win at the 2014 SAMAs his career seems to have stagnated while South African Hip Hop has gone from not even having their award televised at the SAMAs to dominating award ceremonies.
@iFani_Haymani
DreamTeam Release Three News Videos For The Interludes on Their Album
by Phil Chard
The Durban trio of DreamTeam have just released three new videos in a very unique way. On their album Dreams Never Die the group divided three interludes that shared the same beat (and the album intro) among the three members.
The videos for the interludes of Dash, Saso and Trey all begin in a location specifically significant to each member before they transition to shots taken in a dimly recorded vocal booth and a studio with all three members.
This is actually a very impressive and ingenious concept. What would have been a cool concept would be if all three videos were merged into 1. Just a suggestion for the next album.…
@DreamTeamDBN
AKA- Dreamwork Official Video ft Yanga
by Mayuyuka
AKA and Yanga combine on Dreamwork to provided a certified hit laced with quotables from these two stablemates. The two hit the right notes just as they did on AKA's previous single, alongside Khuli Chana and Burna Boy.
The highly anticipated video for the KJ Conteh-produced banger has been exclusively on television screens for the past week, and is now finally freed to the internet...so we can all shout-out art director Don Design! The cinematic release explains the trailer-styled roll out employed during the promotion stage: which piqued many people's interest. With the SAMA's upon us soon, it'll be interesting to see if AKA's previous collaboration Baddest "goes the distance". This one certainly impresses visually with some powerful storytelling, courtesy of director Adriaan Louw.
Blayze – Zwakala Featuring Moneoa & Lebolukewarm
by Phil Chard
Blayze seems intent on changing the perception of his music. Since releasing his debut effort Underdog which he once described to me as “a hard and angry album”, Blayze has released a number of less “aggro” records. From his collab with DJ Cleo Superbossnova to his Ladies Night EP the change in his sound has been evident.
Now keeping with the new brand identity, Blayze links up with Moneoa and Lebolukewarm on the easy listening Zwakala.
Tuks Senganga – Kontle (Viral Video)
by twoSeats
Tuks has always been my favourite South African rapper. To this day, no album has knocked me off my feet the way that Mafoko A Me did. It for the first time really showed me the power of the African rapper telling African stories in an African tongue using this medium that we appropriated from the Americas.
Tuks was always so powerful to me because he managed to use Setswana (representative of any African vernacular) in a way that I couldn't believe at the time. I had Tuks' first album on repeat for the better part of its year of release & that was despite the fact that I couldn't understand 90% of what the man said.
Alright, now that my fan moment is over; Tuks is back. An official video for 'Kontle' is in the works. Let us all cross our fingers for a new album.
5 Reasons To Go To Delicious Fest
by Phil Chard
I hope this life has taught you a thing or two about saving money because the hottest tickets to the most sought after food and international music festival are moving fast. DSTV’s Delicious Fest is set for the weekend 8-9 October at the revamped Kyalami Race Track in Johannesburg. The sun will be back and there is nothing that’s better than a weekend of great food tasting and day drinking. God knows we’ll need the warmth after this struggle winter so prepare yourselves.
Summer Will Be back
If any of you live in Joburg and are suffering the plight that is the cold, be advised that Delicious Festival is on when the sun is back out to love on us. The event will take place on the weekend of Saturday the 8th October and end on Sunday the 9th. Sun and fun go together beautifully.
The Food
Guest celebrity chefs include Reuben Riffel, J’Something and my personal favourite, Somizi to mention a few. These guests will grace us with some of their trusted recipes; there will be a food market and several gourmet restaurants ready to tantalize the taste buds of all the wonderful attendees.
The Line-Up
de_la_soul_32It’s going to be a fantastic weekend filled with good food but it is the headlining acts that are going to blow your mind. Taking the main stage on Sunday as the final act are The Jacksons. The siblings to the late King of Pop are bringing their renowned act to Africa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their band that was started by them when they were children in their humble hometown of Gary Indiana. The Jacksons, yes, the brothers to Janet, of “ABC” fame. This will be their first performance as the Jackson Brothers in South Africa ever. Historic? I think so. Louie Vega will take the stage accompanied by his orchestra Elements of Life bringing to your ears a “delicious” mix of Latin, Jazz, R&B, Brazilian, Gospel amongst others, I’m eager to watch this. Grammy Award winning Arrested Development will perform on Saturday. The group rose to fame in the early 90s and is the first and last group to win the Grammy for “Best New Artist” award. Lira, Roy Ayers, Judith Sephuma, Mi Casa – just a mixed bag of international award winning acts. If you thought DSTV was done, they have invited HIP HOP LEGENDS De La Soul. If you love Hip-Hop as much as I do, you will agree that this is the most important performance of the entire festival. Saturday night, let it be said, with no question, that I will be at this performance. This is the closest I will get to Run DMC. Not only will there be live acts, but there will be a host of local and international DJs on the Kaya FM dance Stage. It should go without saying (I will say it for clarity) that based on the musical line-up alone, attendance is necessary. It will be a world class experience, one you can’t afford to miss!
The Venue
The venue of choice this year is the Kyalami Grand Prix Race track. The 55 year old race track has just undergone a multi-million rand upgrade. Ease of access, to enter and enjoy world-class facilities which will house a multitude of restaurants, food market as well as the Nedbank Green Wine Garden.
3. Aerial View - Full Circuit
The Vibe
Gates open at 10am on both days, and with 40000 estimated guests, food, music and fun all round, you are bound to have a good time. If you enjoy the festival circuit you will be right at home. Feel free to bring your own camping chairs and umbrellas, it’s going to be amazing. Tickets are available on; www.ticketpro.co.za , ranging from R475 for a general day pass , all the way up to R5925 for the Decadence Weekend Pass.
Twitter - @DeliciousFestSA, Instagram - @dstvfestival
Submission | aFTerDeff- foYoMind (produced by K_qo)
by Phil Chard
Sudanese born aFTerDeff who is currently based in Kelowna, Canada just dropped a the rap heavy freestyle foYoMind freestyle produced by K_qo.
Chanda Mbao – Selfish ft Scott Official Video
by twoSeats
Zambia's Chanda Mbao released a new song and video yesterday in celebration of his birthday with a very romantically inclined offering. His partnership with producer Shom C, is proving a strong one with the pair putting out song after song that are extremely well produced. Mbao enlists vocal assistance from the talented Scott & the collaboration is flawless as the video spins a tale of Chanda losing his girl due to not paying her enough attention then working to get her back once he sees the error of his ways
Chanda's next project will definitely have a sound unlike projects he's put out before & so far, this is far from a bad thing
Falz- Bahd Baddo Baddest Official Video featuring Olamide & Davido
by Mayuyuka
This is a star-studded Nigerian lineup... and the visuals for this smash collaboration don't disappoint. Coming off Falz sophomore album, Stories That Touch, this track and accompanying video has all the ingredients for a viral success. With the feature of Davido and Olamide, there's already been major anticipation for this offering.
Now the response to the Unlimited L.A directed video has the potential to grab a large share of our attention for the coming weeks. The musician's ascent to the foremost of the mainstream Nigerian entertainment industry from his social media beginning has been something to behold. Now he can spread his wings even wider with his upcoming tour of the United Kingdom in June, where he promises to impress, with support from Moelogo and Studio Magic amongst others.
The AHHB Podcast Featuring Kid X, Mr. Beef & BK
by Phil Chard
The African Hip Hop Blog podcast returns with another incredibly entertaining episode lined up with news, interviews and music for the AHHB faithful. This week Phil plays music from Cassper Nyovest, Stanley Enow, C-Real, Boolz & Ricky Rick. He also digs into the vast AHHB vault and plays interviews with Kid X, Mr. Beef and BKAHHB Podcast V 2
Kid X speaks to us about his SAMA nominated mixtape ¾ Pace, Mr. Beef shares a brief introduction into his history and release plans, while BK who was recently signed by Sony Music tell us about her long and storied relationship with the music industry. The rapper/vocalist/producer also shares her plans for her mixtape, EP and eventual album release.
Major shout out to Ts’eliso Monaheng (Nemesis Republik) who can be heard as the second interviewer during the BK interviewer, Ts’eliso has assisted countless times with gathering AHHB content.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @pbafrica & @philchard
When Noisey Came To South Africa: The Problem When Outsiders Tell Our Stories
by Phil Chard
Last week Noisey released a documentary said to chronicle and document the growing Hip Hop scene in South Africa titled Born Free: Hip Hop in Johannesburg.
The 16 minute documentary chronicled the rise of the Hip Hop scene in South Africa as it focused on Cassper Nyovest and Riky Rick as its main subjects. (With cameos from Family Tree artists- Nadia Nakai & Gemini Major and the Major League Twins).
Though it was great to see the culture of South African and African Hip Hop at large portrayed on a platform as large as Noisey I did walk away with some gripes of how the culture was portrayed. Before I continue I think it's important that I mention that I am massive fan of Noisey and their parent Company Vice. It would be a massive omission on my part if I didn't share that I have always looked at what Vice has done as the template to running a successful culture and music blog enterprise. Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi have been two individuals that I look up to and one hope to replicate their path to success.
Now that that's out the way, this doccie, as well intentioned as it may have been had some gaping holes in its narrative. Holes big enough for Cassper to drive his tour bus through that lead me to question the level of research that went into making such an offering
The documentary sets out to document South Africa's growing Hip Hop scene amongst "born free" artists using their new found freedom to express themselves and speak to youth of the nation from the perspective of Cassper Nyovest and Ricky Rick. In doing so however it fails to address several issues. Mainly because they look to tackle an incredibly complex and layered issue that has been influenced by multitude of people, yet the documentary chooses to use a very limited scope of focus.
In the film Fillippa Von Stackelberg (no relation) conducts her interviews at the following locations,
Cassper Nyovests home
The home of Cassper's parents
A few locations in Tembisa
Major League Gardens.
For a documentary set to document the growth of South African Hip Hop these are very restrictive locations that will only give you a very focused and limited experience of the movement as a whole.
In the documentary Cassper notes the massive influence Kwaito and the Pantsula sub culture had on his music. However the doccie completely ignores the massive role Kwaito played in shaping the sound and style and South African pop culture and chooses to focus on the Pantsula dance movement instead. While doing so it focuses on the sights of the culture at expense of the sound. It also never fully explains the connection that Hip Hop has to Pantsula.
The documentary also completely ignores the generation of rappers of rappers who came before Cassper and Riky Rick that helped create the fertile culture that has allowed the current crop of artists to reap from it.
Even with its laser focus on Cassper the documentary still leaves holes. While speaking to Cassper it briefly discusses his influences, before speaking to his father and grandmother about his decision to make music and then speaking to him again at the culmination of the documentary after his performance at Major League Gardens, which, it paints as a massive achievement in his career. At no point does the documentary even broach the bigger landmark achievement of when Cassper successfully filled up the Dome. Nor does it even explore the incredible effect Doc Shebeleza had on the continent. Though Cassper's performance at Major League Gardens could be seen as another sign of the incredible growth of the culture it was in fact a bigger achievement for the Major League Twins.
The Mbere twins achieved something incredible that night. With an all-South African line up consisting mainly of Hip Hop acts they managed to cram close to 15,000 kids into Nasrec arena for an event that they promoted themselves. An incredible achievement that left me in awe that was clearly ignored by those unfamiliar with the struggles Hip Hop acts on this continent endure. A few years ago Hip Hop generating such numbers was a rare and lauded achievement. Instead the twins were reduced to extras in the documentary only appearing beside Riky Rick while he is interviewed. The events at Major League Gardens and Back To the City coupled with the new 90% local content mandate at the SABC point to a massive cultural shift occurring in South Africa, one that will change the face of the SA music scene for years to come, yet not a peep about this was mentioned.
Secondary to the massive achievement that was Major League Gardens was the crowd it assembled. Consisting mainly of young adults and teenagers, the energy was electric and the fans showed their rabid support for south African Hip Hop in a big way. That same energy and love almost reduced Kwesta tears on stage. I witnessed a crowd sing Zola lyrics word for word from songs older than a decade, with a passion and verve so strong it was like those songs were radio hits on high rotation today. That was a noteworthy achievement that marked the growth and influence of South African Hip Hop and Kwaito on the youth that was also missed in this documentary.
A big clue as to what motivated the narrative of this story is in the end credits and the three words "Sponsored By BMW". It is after seeing this that I understood why the film made the very lose connection between Cassper's first big hit, Pantsula culture and spinning. It's hard to tell if the film is an ad wrapped in Hip hop culture to promote a brand or a documentary that was forced to short tweak its story in order to suit the requirements of a sponsor. In any event when you peel below the surface this is nothing more than an advertorial piece with native advertising that uses the culture we love as the hook.
Noisey created these lofty expectations with their misleading title and preamble only to disappoint. Had they marketed this as a piece on a week in Cassper Nyovest's life (which is what it essentially is) with the growing culture of SA Hip Hop and Cassper's influences taking a secondary role in the story I would have stood and applauded. But you cannot claim to be documenting the Hip Hop movement among "born frees" in Johannesburg and not venture into the vibrant Hip Hop scenes in Braamfontein, Newtown, Maboneng, Soweto and even Sandton. You cannot claim to speak on a movement and ignore all the those that influenced it. You cannot claim to be documenting the growth and ignore the massive achievements that were taking place in front of your very eyes that you somehow missed due to a limited understanding of the cultural movements and their significance at large.
While it is important to celebrate the growth of Hip Hop and make sure the world sees out story, we must also guard how these stories are shared very carefully.
I was at Major League Gardens that night. I witnessed Fillippa conduct a great deal of interviews backstage. I'm surprised that this is the end result. You can't begin to document a movement as diverse as the one in this documentary and compress it into a 16 minute offering.
Therein lies the problem. When we as fans, supporters, and reporters of this culture fail to document cultural movements and let outsiders tell the story for us, they will portray the narrative through their limited view lenses. This particular case, though it may have been well intentioned displays the dangers of allowing outside voices in that don't fully comprehend the scope of work that resulted in us reaching this point.
While it is important to celebrate the growth of Hip Hop and make sure the world sees out story, we must also guard how these stories are shared very carefully.
Freestyle Fridays with L-Tore, BigStar Johnson & Cal_Vin
by Phil Chard
Welcome to Freestyle Fridays where we find some of the best Freestyles from African rappity rappers on the interwebs and present them to you in an easy to consume and digest blog post.
L-Tore #FreestyleFridays
First up for this week we have Maseru’s L-Tore delivering another impressive freestyle in his aptly (possibly copyright infringing) named #FreestleFridays series.
BigStar Johnson Dreamwork Freestyle
Vth Season’s BigStar Johnson just hopped on his label mates beat for Dreamwork and displayed the lyrical dexterity and wordplay that helped him win the inaugural season of The Hustle.
Stanley Enow Featuring AKA & Locko – Bounce ( Official Video )
by Phil Chard
South African rapper AKA made his intentions to actively branch out into the rest of Africa and expand his brand beyond his own borders last year. Recently the Supermega has worked with Diamond (Tanzania), LayLizzy (Mozambique),Joh Makini (Kenya), Wande Coal & Burna Boy (Nigeria), and Sarkodie (Ghana)
Cameroon’s biggest rap export Stanley Enow can add himself to that list as the two artists link up with the vocalist Locko on their new collaboration Bounce. Directed by Studio Space Pictures and set in Johannesburg the video sees Stanley rolling around the Gauteng streets in a drop top Bentley where he meets AKA at swank mansion for pool party .
Dj Switch – Now Or Never (Official Video) Featuring Kwesta, ProVerb, Reason & Shane Eagle
by Phil Chard
In South Africa one individual who seems determined to make songs that focus on quality lyrics and delivery is ironically a club DJ. The name of DJ Switch has been synonymous with Southern Africa pop culture for some time now thanks to his residency on the popularly youth program Yo-Tv at the turn of the millennium. The Cape Town native has found a way to stay relevant and grow with his fan base while producing Hip Hop music that seems to be heading towards a specific point. The evolution of the music is evident, from song like Pick A Box, To Switch , to Way It Go and now, Now Or Never. DJ Switch seems to determined to start making more Hip Hop that focuses on lyrics and skill as opposed to catchy melodies devoid of content.
Now Or Never is a no holds barred onslaught on “Dab friendly rap” as Switch enlists the skills of Reason, Shane Eagle , Proverb & Kwesta to drive home the point. The video for the song is as gritty as the song itself. Directed by Studio Space the visuals depict all four rappers in a rap battle trading bars while Switch provides the beat and the camera rotates around them continuously on a circular track.
Patoranking – No Kissing Baby Featuring Sarkodie (Official Video)
by Phil Chard
Patoranking is clearly not one to rest on his laurels. 24 hours after releasing the audio for his collaboration with Sarkodie titled No Kissing Baby, the Nigerian has just dropped the video for the song. Directed by famed UK director Daps and shot in the UK, the video features Patoranking on a strict non PDA date with his lover while Sarkodie rolls around in a very clean Mercedes SE Coupé.
Cassper Nyovest – Skelm
by Phil Chard
For all his success and accomplishments the biggest knock against Cassper Nyovest has been his inconsistency as a rapper. The rapper who is an expert at crafting catchy songs and hooks has often failed to reach the lyrical and rap prowess he displayed on Doc Shebeleza and the Steve Kekana remix.
I see too many rappers and not enough CEOs. By default I am the best in the business
Until now…. On the hard hitting Skelm Cassper takes it back to the high energy, rapid fire flow in English and Setswana that made the whole industry stand up take notice. This is the type of song I have been waiting for Cassper to make. If he can maintain this level of expert delivery and lyricism he will continue to fill up many a stadium and impress Hip Hop heads like myself for many a year.
Produced by Gemini Major Cassper raps about betrayal, and his come up and how shady the game as he delivers lines about he and Carpo once ate Magwinya (Vetkoeks) with artcha, now they are eating sushi for a starter.