The Beautiful Sound Of Rap and Melody in Hip-Hop (part 2) by BlackSpace

 

 

Although, the mainstream South African, Hip Hop industry is growing. Not a lot of artists are international, only a select few, such as the likes of Cassper Nyovest. He recently featured two international acts; Talib Kweli who is a legendary American rapper, the founder of Reflection Eternal (www.citypress.com, 2014), as well as one half of The Black Star Movement and DJ Drama an American Hip Hop producer. The South African Hip Hop game is beginning to attract a lot of good attention from people. “I am seen as a huge International Hip-Hop fan by most of my friends and with good reason I am one but then recently I've been listening to a lot of South African Hip-Hop mainly due to the great music our Hip-Hop artists are releasing lately, these guys are putting the South African music back on my Playlist”(Modau, 2014). The informative kind of Hip Hop is slowly penetrating into the Hip Hop industry.

Listening to people talk about themselves defeats the whole purpose of Hip Hop and Rap. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hip Hop has taken a turn for the better; more artists are coming out with their most credible work yet. A lot of South African rappers are bringing versatility to the platform and the main stream art. “Life has been a bliss since the mainstream caught on,” raps Cassper Nyovest (Phumakim, 2014) about his new-found fame in the opening lines of Phumakim’ – see Appendix A. Cassper Nyovest as well a select few rappers in the industry like K.O, his album, (www.citypress.com, 2014) “Skhanda Republic, takes elements of kwaito and pantsula, and gives them a hip-hop twist (similar to what rapper Zuluboy called skandi-hop)”. Both rappers talk growing up in the township and now rappers talk about the wonderful experience they had growing up.

 

Hip Hop is a culture that involves a lot of qualities. It does change from time to time and it frustrates a lot of people, but eventually warm up to the reinvention of a new style. Hip Hop is very influential and to many, it is therapeutic. Extremely misjudged and misunderstood. What is going to happen to change the pre-conceived notion of Hip Hop being a barbaric genre, and get to know the culture, the music and recognize the message of the music? It is understandable that people have different taste in music. Every individual has a different views and interpretation of what rap is about. Hip Hop is a culture that has many different elements to it, and rap is one of the many different entities of the culture of Hip Hop and urban music. “In the 80’s South African did not know what Hip Hop was, but when a Hip Hop crew called Prophets Of Da City (POC) releases a first full LP titled "Boom Style”, Hip Hop erupted in Cape Town” (Kay, 2012), the mother city. Hip Hop was not well recognized and rap artist hardly won any award in the 90’s because at that time, people where more into kwaito music. The Hip Hop community was happy to see Skwatta Kamp taking the SAMA award for Best Rap Album with Khut n Joyn. That got SiphoSithole's attention who finally signed them to Gallo. SA Hip Hop was now hard to ignore, every major record company was signing Hip Hop artists. “That's when artists like HHP, Prokid, H2O, Pitch Black Afro, Cashless Society, Young Nations, Tuks, Mr. Selwyn, Morafe, Zuluboy, 5th Floor, Hidden Force, Optical Illusion, ProVerb, My Man, came into the scene. Tumi becomes the first South Africa rapper to use a live band (The Volume) and to this day, remains the only one with a live recorded album”(Kay, 2012). S.A. rap has grown a lot and it is still growing.

 

CassperNyovest- Phumakim lyrics

"Phumakim"

I'm out here grinding with majita
Grinding with majita
Money! Getting Money, man!
Ooh ngwanyana bella mpinjitsao
Baby mthebelele
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Mr know-it-all, Phumakim
All you thirsty girls, Phumakim
You twitter thugs, Phumakim
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Phumakim, Mr Known it All Phumakim
All you thirsty girls Phumakim
PhumakimPhumakim

Life has been a bliss since the main stream caught on
I am looking at her physique, thinking ey she's the bomb
A few months ago she called me a lame nigga
Now she can't wait to tell her friends that I came with her
Even forgot she was hating on me
She don't know her ABC's so I gave her the D
She ain't know Amanda du Pont
She ain't tailored for me
Cause I only f#*k with women that's as famous as me
Ngubani uBoza la ekasi lam? Me!
Uzophela umoya ungaphaphi lapho, Breathe!
Lebadibala kematsepa, we told them to bump the cheese up
Khokha ntshiza, be bakotsabere tailor re re

I'm out here grinding with majita
Grinding with majita
Money! Getting Money, man!
Ooh ngwanyanabellampinjitsao
Baby mthebelele
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Mr know-it-all, Phumakim
All you thirsty girls, Phumakim
You twitter thugs, Phumakim
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Phumakim, Mr Known it All Phumakim
All you thirsty girls Phumakim
PhumakimPhumakim

I told my story (story)
I made a fortune
AKA's favourite rapper
I guess I made it on the Forbes list
You kinda soughta (soda)
No matter what they order
Akesatseba like ke complexion yagaMshoza
It's funny when the twelebs get to acting like celebs
Used to get frustrated now all I do is get cash
Akes'bhayesalona jy kaan somaar Vootsek
Haa! Claiming you real (hey wena), you little for debt
Piki-paka, satlisa makgakga mpintshitsaka
ke bone baetseng tsohle dikitsitsaka skeemi ha a
Nna le wena hare dithaka
Change style go kgohlwe sedidisaka

I'm out here grinding with majita
Grinding with majita
Money! Getting Money, man!
Ooh ngwanyanabellampinjitsao
Baby mthebelele
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Mr know-it-all, Phumakim
All you thirsty girls, Phumakim
You twitter thugs, Phumakim
Abo ringa more, Phumakim
Phumakim, Mr Known it All Phumakim
All you thirsty girls Phumakim
PhumakimPhumakim

I had a crazy day, Hype asking me where the album at
Put out two singles that made niggaz push their albums back
She said she was on her way
But that was about an hour back
I had her butt naked in the pool

Like where the towel at?
probably
I devoured that I shouldn't be that far from it
How can it be that honestly?
Really send me from poverty
Thank God I just went through a metamorphoses
From chilling on corners to corner offices.

Abo ringa more, phumakim!!!
Phumakim, Mr Known it All Phumakim
All you thirsty girls Phumakim
PhumakimPhumakim

 

Heavenly music with the Pastor by Nkosinathi Msimango

 

 

Picture courtesy of Facebook

We interviewed a soft-spoken musical genius from Thokoza in the East of Johannesburg. He is a well known rapper by the name of Pastor Rasta who is known for his sublime metaphors and venomous punch lines, but he is also known for his magic on the piano which is incredible. He is also part of the band in the music show, Micro-Buzz. He now feels that it is his time and many do agree. Watch out for the genius.

1.       How did the Pastor Rasta name come about?

·         Well, I am from a Christian Background. My father is a pastor and well as you can see I am Rasta my king so it all just came together.

2.       When did you fall in love with music?

·         Uhm (thinks hard), from an early age my man, because I was playing the piano in church at the age of ten. Then making beats began in the 2000’s.

3.       What genre of music do you make?

·         I make music. Every genre my king. I don’t have any boundaries.

4.       Who and what are your inspirations?

·         I would say… *thinks hard*… Bobby McFerrin, my king. He’s a classic artist, he’s good my king. I find my inspiration there, the way he applies his notes, I even incorporate it in my art too and it works for me.

5.       When did you start playing instruments and is the piano the only instrument you can play?

·         I started playing instruments from the age of ten. It’s been a while, so it became easier for me in terms of beats and so on. Well, I’m still teaching myself how to play the guitar, but the piano is my speciality.

6.       Who have you worked with and who else would you like to work with?

·         Uhm… *thinks hard*… in the hood, I have worked with Kruna (well known Afro-pop musician), Zip Code, I’ve also worked with juice, T-B Mac and a whole lot more locally (in the Thokoza are) but there are artists I would also love to work with, such as, Reason, Kwesta, PRO, Blacklez and so on…

7.       Why do you think many artists don’t really make it?

·         Apart from exposure, many guys want to take the short route. We want to just record. The mixing is not right and the mastering is not on point and when you send your music to the radio stations, they don’t play it, but had you done everything properly then it would have worked out. *leans forward and sits properly* If you do something proper my guy, I promise you will never go wrong, with it.

8.       What is your take on our Hip Hop industry?

·         Our hip hop industry is big right now to the point that even house music fanatics are becoming hip hop heads. Hip hop has taken over, so it is the right time for a lot of emcees to stake their claim.

9.       What would you say to anyone who wants to make music?

·         They need to invest their time in their own craft because when you invest your time in your craft, you will be confident of your music and when you drop it, you will hear the confidence in your music.

 

If you would like to contact Pastor Rasta:

Twitter: @pastorrasta

Facebook: Dumo Khumalo

Earth, Wind, Fire and Music by Kananelo Ntoka

From the moments of my innocence, crawling up grandmother's leg to stand, to the moment I had my first kiss, each memory I have is connected to a song. We listen not only to dance or relate but sometimes just to feel, there's just something moving about a smooth voice of an artist depicting their views on life and the modern day society and realising that no matter how vast the distance between you and that particular musician, different the standard of living or different backgrounds and upbringing, the music and the resonance it inspires inside you is the evidence of just how strong and dense the human thread that binds us all is. I am a city boy, born and raised in the capital city - Johannesburg of the Gauteng Province in South Africa, my parents both originate from the Free State, both from a small town called Frankfurt, my father has always been a fan of music, my mother was born into a family who is very religious and were known for their roles in the church, more specifically, the church choir. Some of my earliest memories of my parents, both good and sad, have their own melody when they come to mind. As I have mentioned, my father has always loved music, but he loved it more than most people, I am certain he was the person who helped me realise that the greatest music is that which you not only dance and relate to but most importantly, that which you can feel deep within your soul, a piece of you that even you are not always allowed access to. South Africa is a country which is home to many different cultures, traditions and even religious beliefs, something that segregates the world round, as humans are drawn to things that they can easily familiarise with and both fear and repel all that they cannot. I have been to many places, mostly in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State, all with their own rich histories and traditions, cultures and urban cultures. These places are all truly beautiful in their own light and right, the only similarities derive from songs that are popular and trending at the time. It is just astonishing and moving to think that someone you cannot relate to in anyway could love a song just as much as you and the song touches the very same inner depths of his soul that music does yours. Visiting these three provinces I realised that music is the most far reaching aspect of civilisation and can be used for a greater purpose rather than just dancing in the club, not to belittle that type of vibe, the club scene can be very therapeutic at times. I just truly believe that it was the music that helped get young Americans who have never even cared for politics or politicians alike to get up and vote for President Barack Obama. The music is just that powerful, just that beautiful and just that 'right with your soul'. From the Luther Vandross my father played on Saturday nights to the Joyous Celebration my mother played on Sunday morning, I found that life is a much more colourful journey with music rather than without…

Feel Good, Live Good. By Joseph Mabala

 

 IN ORDER TO KEEP FIT DURING THE COLD WEATHER, WE HAVE SOME INTERESTING MEALS AND BEVERAGES FOR YOU. THESE SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WORKOUT.

 

Meals:

Meal 1:

·      30 – 40g of whey protein or 6 egg whites

·       2 whole eggs;

·      50g of oats

 

 

Meal 2:

·         175 g chicken breast or ostrich mince;

·         half a cup of rice (100g cooked weight);

·         half an avocado or 50g of almonds

 

Beverages:

Post – workout shake:

·         Soup mix,

·         carrot,

·         potatoes,

·         celery,

·         turnip,

·         coriander,

·         parsley

·         Put it all in a blender.

FASHION

 

FASHION STATEMENT

How he tells his stories by showcasing his fashion and dress sense

by GEORGE LUKERU

Mthokozisi Ndlovu was born and raised in Thokoza, Khumalo Street, in the East of Johannesburg. People know him because of his dress sense and how he displays his style of fashion through his mannequins. People from his location come to him for advice on how to dress for different occasions but mostly parties.

Mthokozisi works as a window dresser and styles the mannequins at his place of work and that is how people got to see his dress sense which is different because his fashion also tells a story about where he comes from. From the kind of vibe he is in to how he feels. It is not just what he wears but what the clothes say about him.

"Some people

have that desire to

imagine themselves as

someone different"  

At his place, Mthokozisi has mannequins where he showcases his style and what is trending for that week or month. Whenever you drive or walking past his house, it gives you that art feel when his displays are out.

His type of music

Mthokozisi listens to alot of kwaito, Inspired by legendary Kalawa Jazmee executive, Mandla Spikiri

Fashion

Mthokozisi is inspired by himself and the people he meets

Word of advice

“Go to school and learn more about fashion designing. Without inspiration you won't have that strength to risk, in the way that people can notice you in terms of what you're doing and how far you aim to go in life.”

For all those fashionista’s out there, take a page out of Mthokozisi’s book.

#salute

 

 

 

 

SOCIALS

67 Minutes – A lifetime by Kananelo Ntoka

A Saturday morning much like the one before, it is a few minutes after 10am, the ordinary buzz of the city is already alive in the air, a sound distinct to the residents. The NYAOPE team had been informed to meet with GCCSA group to discuss the activities that were to take place that day, for the 67 minutes for Nelson Mandela initiative, under the request of the GCCSA.

After meeting with GCCSA, it was decided that both parties involved would take part in cleaning up Khumalo Street as well as the Thokoza memorial – aimed at honouring the fallen and missing heroes and victims of the post-Apartheid era, 1994-1999, in Thokoza. The task began by cleaning the local gas station turned chill spot for the youth. Making our way to the Thokoza memorial, situated right beside the Sam Ntuli stadium, I took the time to notice the reactions of the bystanders and commuters who seemed to be taken by the few individuals who took the time to pick up dirt. I realised how big a difference and impact a few hands could have on the community. For sixty seven minutes of this ordinary morning the hot topic was not who was stabbed the night before, the latest teenager to terminate a pregnancy or who posted nudes on twitter, but that of a few individuals who took the time to make a small but noticeable difference.

This sparked thoughts in my mind, I started to form an idea that just maybe, Thokoza was not only home to thugs and large street bashes, just maybe this city had finally birthed a generation who would grow up to clean the city and correct the mistakes of the score before. Just maybe, my generation could restore the pride of where we were born and raised and make the environment that much more welcoming and less dangerous for next generation. After completing our task, we headed back to the Sam Ntuli Stadium where the GCCSA were to host a ceremony showcasing some of the local talent and hand out some basic necessity hampers to the needy.

While the young group performed in front of me, I felt chills down my spine, the liquor in my blood stream from the night before began to sober up and I saw, not only the spectacular performance they had put on but what could and should be. Growing up in a post-Apartheid era Thokoza where the changes only began much later than the rest of the country, I was surrounded by a lack of faith, bitterness and disregard for the value of the future. The only people who really believed in one’s dreams were parents and close family.

But in those 67 minutes – I saw a lifetime which had discarded my city’s dangerous reputation and built a legacy for stars, dreamers and future leaders. In those 67 minutes, I will forever find hope.

 

The N.Y.A.O.P.E Team’s Note

 

 

Hola bade!

N.Y.A.O.P.E Magazine is a youth based magazine that deals with uplifting the youth in all different sectors of the arts. The name N.Y.A.O.P.E, is an acronym for “Now You Are On Point Everyday”, meaning that the readers who will read this magazine will be “on point”. We hope to remove the bad connotations associated with the word Nyaope (which is known as a drug that is destroying our South African youth), the same way that Dope (which is also a drug) lost its bad connotation. Now the word is used in a good way.

We aim to uplift the youth by profiling upcoming musicians, graffiti artists, artists (the kind that draw, paint & so on), tattooists, food guru’s (aka Chefs), fashion designers, Motor-Mouths (car specialists) and  Television Personalities.

We as the N.Y.A.O.P.E team would like to introduce ourselves and give a big thank you to all the people who have supported us and have been behind us through this whole journey and made this happen. As we embark on this exciting new journey, we promise to deliver the best and most entertaining work that we can to all our readers. We promise to bring you the most entertaining and informative articles, interviews and features including videos of events and some of the interviews.

 

A special thank you goes out to the Ydidi family for the opportunity to embark on the dress Jozi Walk.                                                               

What a special day that was and we enjoyed every single minute of it.

Another special thank you goes out to Shap Moja Films along with First Joint films for the extraordinary experience we had shooting the Micro-Buzz show. We destined for Greatness.

Thank you 

The N.Y.A.O.P.E Team

Now you are on point everyday