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2015-05-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

THE EMF EXPERIENCE 2015

2015-05-25T01:03:00.000-07:00

The EMF EXPERIENCE is a series of seasonal outdoor/location photo-shoots held in Johannesburg priced in a way that anyone who wishes to take part in a professional photo-shoot can afford it. We have the SUMMER EXPERIENCE, AUTUMN EXPERIENCE, WINTER EXPERIENCE AND SPRING EXPERIENCE. #SHARETHEEXPERIENCE

GIG REVIEW - 21 MIC SALUTE

2014-01-08T13:48:00.002-08:00

The connotations of Hip Hop often leave a bitter taste in the mouth of a 'non-believer'. It is a culture that is often drenched in false associations that are misleading and have unfortunately stuck. On the 21^st of December 2013, we were invited to our 2nd 21 Mic Salute event that took place at the Old Papa Chillos in Tembisa. The initiative seeks to rid Hip Hop of those negative myths by giving to the less privileged. Spoken word artists and MC's on this night unite in Tembisa to collectively raise funds for the Ubuhle Bezwe Remedial Home.

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EMF MODELS WARMING UP FOR 2014

2013-12-19T12:36:00.005-08:00

MODEL: ZOE MTHEMBU / PHOTO BY NYIKO BALOYI

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2ND ANNUAL SA HIP HOP AWARDS

2013-12-12T23:49:00.003-08:00

WRITTEN BY LEKO NDUKUYA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAGISO PHIRI

MY HIGHS

• DJ Zakes played 100% SA Hip Hop this year. Loved that.

• Pule and Jay Boboza’s act is thoroughly entertaining.

• The theme: embracing both the old school and the new school artists to show the beauty in both

• Robo The Technician’s tribute

• Da Les’s Pole Dancer performance

• More artists came to support this year

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2013-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

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2013-12-06T11:54:00.001-08:00

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GIG REVIEW - SA HIP HOP AWARDS '13

2013-12-05T07:18:00.001-08:00

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GIG REVIEW - SA HIP HOP AWARDS '13
DROPPING ON 12 DEC '13
written by Leko Ndukuya
Photography by Kagiso Phiri

EMAGAZINE FIRST INTERVIEW WITH S.O.S

2013-11-06T13:09:00.002-08:00

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SA HIP HOP AWARDS 2013

2013-11-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

VENUE Alex Theatre

DATE 20 November 2013

TIME 6:30pm (Red Carpet)

TIME 7:15pm (Main Start)

TIME 10:30pm (Main Event Ends)

ABOUT THE SA HIP HOP AWARDS

The South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHAs) are an annual Hip Hop award ceremony, run

by the Ritual Media Group (RMG). Winners receive a statue that is called a Pyramid. The

award ceremony is held on 20th November 2013. Contenders are judged on performances

and achievements made in the previous year between November the previous year and

September the following year. The show is held at the Alex Theatre Braamfontein and prerecorded

for television release. The ceremony features live performances by some of the

nominees.

NOMINEE LIST

ALBUM OFTHE YEAR

AB Crazy – Home Coming

Blaklez- Black Beast

Ifani- I Believes In Me

Khuli Chana – Lost In Time

Social Commentary Forum – Soco Flow

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

AB Crazy

Ganja Beats

Psyfo

Towdee Mac

HUSTLER OF THE YEAR

Ayanda Makukule

Da Les

DJ Dimplez

Nema Wama Hunguni

Reason

MILESTONE AWARD

Zakwe

KING OF EASTERN CAPE

Nande Dyantyi

Thandeka Nkqo Vabaza

Lungelo Trusenz Nzama

Xolile X-Nasty Madinda

Yahkeem Ben Israel

KING OF WESTERN CAPE

Akio Kawahito

Damian Stephens

Lava Magwaca

Mawande "Manez" Sobethwa

Rozzano Davids

KING OF MPUMALANGA

Donald Psyklone Mahlangu

Mfundo Nyambi

Sean Sharell

KING OF NORTHERN CAPE

Kenneth Van Wyk

Kgomotso Modiragale

Lebogang "The Verdict" Magagane

Snowy Maine

Vuyo DJ Speedy Tongela

KING OF NORTH WEST

DJ Lemonka

King David

Godfrey Soxmaticz Seribe

KING OF FREE STATE

Kulax Khaile

Lucky Uncle Spark Segopa

Tsehepo Professor Dalton Seshupo

Thabo Tsas-man Tsasane

KING OF KWAZULU NATAL

Ayanda Makukule

Brian Khoza

Ntsika Seoka

Moja Pooh

KING OF LIMPOPO

Lava D

Mcdonald DJ Chokos Mpogeng

Nema Wama-Hunguni

Raymond Shihawu

SpaceMunna

KING OF GAUTENG

Authentic Sundays

Kool Out Live

DJ Dimplez

Scrambles 4 Money

BEST INTERNATIONAL BRAND

Castle Lite

Miller Genuine Draft

Red Bull

Sprite

BEST LOCAL BRAND

Bambata

Butan

Head Honcho

Ubuntuism

SONG OF THE YEAR

AKA – Kontrol

Cassper Nyovest- Gusheshe ft. Okmalumkoolkat

DJ Dimplez ft L-Tido & Anatii- We Aint Leaving

DJ Vigilante- God’s Will

IFani - Milli

Khuli Chana- Mnatebawen

Reason - No Sleep

BEST DANCE CREW

Clinch Crew

Freeze Frame

Primitive Dance Crew

HONORARY AWARD

Lance Stehr

BEST COLLABORATION

AKA ft Da Les- Kontrol

Cassper Nyovest ft Okmalumkoolkat- Gusheshe

Da Les ft AKA & Maggz- Heaven

DJ switch ft Reason -Switch

DJ Vigilante ft AKA & KO- God’s Will

Khuli Chana ft. AKA Towdee Mac, Zeus, Reason &

Kaygizm- Hape Le Hape

Reason ft Tumi, Ginger Breadman, L-Tido &

Moneoa- No Sleep Remix

DJ OF THE YEAR

DJ Dimplez

Ms Cosmo

DJ Switch

DJ Vigilante

Reptilez

Vintage Cru

BEST FRESHMAN( NEW COMER)

Cassper Nyovest

Gigi LaMayne

Towdee Mac

MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR

DJ Lemonka – Motswako Tape 2

DreamTeam – The Blow Up

Gigi LaMayne- Circus Cafe

Maxhoseni - Music For The Listeners

SpaceMunna - Limpopo Mixtape

MOST VALUABLE

AKA

Blaklez

Ifani

Khuli Chana

Reason

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

AKA - Kontrol

Blaklez- Dont Be Scared

Cassper Nyovest - Gusheshe Feat. Okmalumkoolkat

Da Les-ft AKA & Maggz - Heaven

DJ Dimplez-ft L-Tido & Anatii- We Aint Leaving

DJ Switch ft Reason- Switch

DJ Vigilante ft ko, AKA- God's Will

Ifani-Milli

Khuli Chana- Mnatebawen

Reason- No Sleep

Teargas- Jabula

BEST GRAFFITI ARTIST

Cros

Klosh

Mars

Riot

Sure

Tapz

Toe

BEST MALE

AB Crazy

Blaklez

IFani

Khuli Chana

SpaceMunna

BEST FEMALE

Gigi LaMayne

Missy RBK

LYRICIST OF THE YEAR

Ginger Breadman

Khuli Chana

Maxhoseni

Pro

Reason

Zuluboy

PROMOTER OF THE YEAR

Authentic Sundays

Ayanda Makukule

DJ Dimplez

Dream Team

Good Sundaes

Head Honcho

Scrambles 4 Money

Urban Phenomenon Entertainment

B EST HIP HOP RADIO SHOW

Clever Unga Give Up – Ukhozi FM

HeadWarmaz – Bush Radio

Hip Hop Music Sessions- Gagasi FM

Party People Radio- UJ FM

The Full Clip- YFM

The Ready D Show- Good Hope FM

The Stir Up- 5FM

www.sahiphopawards.com

INTERVIEWS TO CHECK OUT

2013-11-01T09:10:00.003-07:00

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR INTERVIEW WITH HHP, PROJEKTAH AND OMAR

GIG REVIEW ===>> STR CRD

2013-10-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

WRITTEN BY @LekoNdukuya

PHOTOGRAPHY BY @Nyiko_EMagFirst

TV, magazines and social networks are constantly telling us what and who to believe is “cool”. Just as robots being encoded for a purpose, so are we. Our lives are run by trends and we are relentlessly trying to fit in and be noticed. We seek approval from our peers, and are stuck in this rat race that seems futile. Are you really “cool” if you end up looking like everyone else? It makes no sense right? But no matter what we do, we’ll be boxed inevitably.

STR CRD 2013 was my first experience of the Urban Street Culture annual event which takes place at different places around Johannesburg each year. It is a platform for both local and global fashion brands that recognize themselves to be at the forefront of urban culture to showcase their items in the most creative ways imaginable. The people that attended the event were dressed as if coming straight out of a blog, runway, or magazine themselves, all picture-ready. All looked different but similar in numerous ways.

It could not have been held on a better day. The 28th of September 2013 must have been about 30˚C hot, with not a single cloud in the sky, the perfect weather for the ladies to wear as little as possible. Which they did, extremely short denim shorts on every hill. Eye candy for all interested. With a photographer on EVERY corner, not a single person could be missed.

As we walked into the exhibition area we were invited by candy coloured bright Adidas sneakers. This is a trend that seems to have aggressively invaded the fashion streets, proving that style can be comfortable too. These bright sneakers paired wrong can make them seem tacky and clown-like.

The ButanWear Spaza shop was visually appealing and authentic South African culture. The zinc shop was stocked up with their merchandise including their “B5 Collab”. With their live manikins modelling their clothes, Topshop and Topman, the London born brand had the most amazing London street style wear that can turn heads on the catwalk. They showcased a variety of materials such as silk, chiffon as well as organza. The fashion-forward brand has a host of designers who have kept it flourishing since 1964 and is now available in over 100 countries worldwide.

Palladium have also joined Nike, Adidas and other such brands by adding some colour to their shoes. This can be seen in their monochrome brightly coloured line. I imagined their bright red monochrome boots with pitch black skinny jeans, a black and white t-shirt and a customized blue denim jacket. A brand that has been around since 1947 needs to continuously re-invent itself so that it can appeal to today’s ever-so-demanding crowd. They have definitely achieved that with the collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Takashi Murakamia. Another favourite of mine were the black boots with a dark bright pink sole, pink laces and the pink logo. I stood there for a few minutes and marvelled at the splendour of these shoes.

The next shop that I was drawn to was Swede & Crowe (@SwedeCROWE). Their floral & printed caps had sophistication about them, and made me desire to be a cap collector. As their vintage and retro style is eminent through every piece, one can't help but adore their work.

The DJ's around the event were lacing the illest music to compliment the vibes. Heard a couple of old Hip Hop tracks I hadn't heard in a while. BMXers, skateboarders and real life "stunt men" were out doing what they do best, as they provided great entertainment for all around them.

My Highs:

• The venue was just proper - Constitution Hill

• The people - good spirits, dope fashionistas

• The music - the Dj's did not disappoint at all

My Lows:

• No music performers - to make the festival more lively

• Not enough food & drink stalls - there were far too may people which meant queues. A variety of food to choose from would have been nice.

• Interaction - there could have been more interaction with the crowd.

This is a brilliant concept that can only yield more growth in the years to come. What I drew from it was that we really need to focus on trying to be the best version of US we can be. There seems to be too many people trying to be everyone else. Stay true to what you believe in, minus all the false influence.

@LekoNdukuya

GINI UNLEASHED

2013-10-11T05:09:00.003-07:00

BRANDED BY EMAGAZINE FIRST

ARE YOU READY FOR THE BRAND THAT IS YOU?

STR CRD ==>> GIG REVIEW DROPPING ON THE 14TH OF OCTOBER 2013

2013-10-08T11:20:00.001-07:00

WRITTEN BY @LekoNdukuya

PHOTOGRAPHY AND EDITING BY @Nyiko_EMagFirst

MENDISA INTERVIEWS "CHOC" (PROMO VIDEO)

2013-10-01T14:11:00.001-07:00

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IMAGE CONSULTING AND ARTIST BRANDING

2013-09-27T01:39:00.002-07:00

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GIG REVIEW==>> SPRITE UNCONTAINABLE HIP HOP FESTIVAL 2013

2013-09-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

WRITTEN BY MIEHLEKETO MALULEKE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NYIKO BALOYI AND GUGU MAJOZI

If you’re not yet familiar with the Sprite uncontainable hip-hop search then you’ve missed out on quite a unique blend of basketball, skating, graffiti, breakdancing, music and more in the same space. Trust me Sprite has been bringing the heat- “heat” being a combination of awesome performances by some of S.A’s finest emcees, disk jockeys, dancers and all other elements that would make any hip-hop head feel at home. Not to mention the way they transform their chosen venue into a world that puts you on a sprite high and one could easily get lost in it. So on 25/08/2013 Sprite uncontainable was at The Zone 6 Venue in Diepkloof Soweto.

Picture skaters kick flipping, grinding ramps and being super excited about landing a trick or for the not so lucky ones “falling”, you know doing what skaters do best (and this is just as you walk in). Some dope jams seducing your ears just telling you to explore a bit more, to walk just a bit further and discover what else was in store for you. A few meters from our skaters was a basketball court and this fine woman sitting on the grand stands was a slight distraction but none the less you couldn’t miss the court of sweaty men flexing skills, dribbling the confidence out of each other, slam dunking that ball mercilessly to defeat the opponent. I swear these guys were looking like a flying Jordan logo through the air, generally mad entertainment for basketball fans.

Since it was impossible to remain in one place given there was so much to see, we had to keep it moving and my did I love what I saw next. Just beyond the sprite banner (where you got your picture taken) were those fellas with the spray cans, you know the ones infamous for “bombing” walls and transforming them into new age works of art? Yes ladies and gentlemen the graffiti artists were battling it out for that number one spot; spray can after spray can the artists changed the canvas into eye candy. Talented as they all were, with competition there can only be one winner and “Pastel Heart” from Cape Town was the chosen champ for the graffiti finalists. Trust me when I say homey can spray and deserved that number one spot, big up to him for holding it down.

On the decks we had the likes of Vigi, Zakes, Akio and Dimples just to name a few. You know names like that will have the guys bumping their heads and the ladies shaking their booty which they achieved without much effort (mixing up all different kinds of flavours in a musical salad). Needless to say they rocked those decks from the beginning to the end of the show, they sure had me getting down. Though the gin and juice, beautiful women and general vibe might have been contributing factors to my joyous mood.

As far as performances go- we witnessed your Ifani with his umkhonto, crazy hair and unique dress code doing it only the way he can (that guy is super entertaining if you don’t know). Reason was there and he just “kept debiting” amongst other things if you know what I mean (rocking it motif style-working and only resting in December). I caught up with Joint Pusher and Shynin Armour representing “The Social Commentary Forum” and they blessed the stage with “the soco flow” and “extra extra” amongst some of their raw boom bap head bangers. Pro was also there straight from “emakasana” doing his thing. We had Khuli Chana murdering that motswako steeze (I was mad impressed yo!!). The likes of Zeus, Teargas and more also rocked the mic for their adoring fans.

On to the emcee competition: we had Elsirven Sativa going head to head with the likes of Gigi Lamayne amongst some of the contestants. It’s always interesting to watch rappers battle it out- dissing each other and pleasing the crowd in the quest for the crown. Fudge Dafugitive from Revivolution emerged the victor in that war of wits, words, flow and rhyme scheme. Big up to him for winning that one. I bumped into Gigi after the battle, she says she’s going to come back and show ya’ll what she’s made of (rappers must watch it that’s one feisty kitten).

Not forgetting the dancers also battling it out showcasing their moves to win the approval of the judges. There’s just something about dancers that I can’t quite figure out, the way they move their bodies to the rhythm of the beat makes those of us who just nod our heads seem like we’re missing out on a lot. I met Joe who was one of the finalists (hardly phased by not winning) he was just having a good time and grateful for the platform to show the world what he is made of. Tarryn Alberts took the cup for the dancers, no doubt sister’s got skills and not to mention her humility (she didn’t even think she was going to win but she did). Mad props to her.

And yes let’s not forget the people who kept things running smoothly which would be C-Live and Slim who were our emcees for the night. The guys had it on lock down. There was also a special guest appearance by The Atlanta Hawks mascot and “FLY SQUAD” doing what their good at and more (more being a display of some gymnastics skills pulling stunts off a trampoline that the average person would break a lot of bones attempting to try).

I could go on trying to paint you a picture of what an awesome event Sprite pulled off. Thorough planning and a lot of cash were put into making it an epic experience for all involved. Words just can’t do it the justice it deserves. Definitely in my top five as far as events go. Shout out to everybody who made it possible and for inviting the EMagazine First family to share in the festivities. WORD UP WORD UP!!!!UNCONTAINABLE STYLE!!!!WE COULD DO IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. If you haven’t witnessed the fitness, put it on your “TO DO LIST”!!!!!!!!

MENDISA INTERVIEWS "CHOC"

2013-09-09T03:34:00.001-07:00

01 OCTOBER 2013

http://www.youtube.com/user/EMagazineFirst

SPRITE UNCONTAINABLE GIG REVIEW & GALLERY

2013-09-09T03:27:00.003-07:00

FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2013

Photography by Nyiko Baloyi and Gugu Majozi

Written by Miehleketo Maluleke

GIG REVIEW==>> FEEL THE DREAM MIXTAPE LAUNCH (SA)

2013-08-23T14:46:00.003-07:00

Written by @LekoNukuya

Photography by @Nyiko_EMagFirst

Another event, another Hip Hop event, same crowd, same songs; these were my initial thoughts when hearing about the @Feel_dDream Mixtape Launch. I have become so accustomed to how these shows pan out. Their monotony religiously constant.

As the crowd started to inflate the room. It was evidently clear that this was a diverse and perculiar crowd. One that was not a replica of the many Hip Hop shows I attended. This hightened my thrill for the performances that had been scheduled for the night. With my head thumping to music played, most of which I was familiar with. Everyone seemed to be having a pretty good time.

The first performance was by @H_GanjaBeatz who was extremely well received by the crowd. The Gupta incident has birthed an amusing, pleasurable and witty song titled “Gupta”. @CassperNyovest and @Kupzi_S fed off each other’s high spirits as they jolted the stage with their act. “I’m ridin’ around in my, Gusheshe Gusheshe Gusheshe Gusheshe”, @GassperNyovest and @Okmalumkoolkat had us bumping to that jam. Accompanied by one of the most innovative music videos in South African Hip Hop, it’s great to see the new things being done in this space. At almost 21 000 views on YouTube, the numbers speak volume.

With comical elements @Okmalumkoolkat’s performance had us dancing and chuckling concurrently, his taxi driver dance move executed exuberantly by the crowd while he performed songs such as “Sebenza” and “Spitting Cobra”. This new sound in South African music is uplifting and a step in the right direction. It showcases rappers in a more light-hearted and digestible manner, being able to laugh at some of the questionable incidents which occur in this country. The crowd sang along to almost every song performed that night, a clear indication of the large following these artist have already.

As the crowd disbursed out of OST, DJ @P_Kuttah continued to play music that seemed to lure everyone back to the dance floor for a last dance. In ecstasy, we made our way to our motor vehicle, still buzzing from the success of the @Feel_dDream Mixtape Launch.

We were well on our way when we received a phone call from @BashVision to inform us that @IFani_Haymani had just arrived for his performance. Hurriedly we made our way back to OST to see the artist at work.

A substantial number of the crowd had already left and this performance would be a very intimate one. On stage his signature afro sparkled with glitter and his vintage three piece khaki suite complemented his image. “Milli” was one the first song the artist performed allowing a great deal of interaction from the crowd. His animated and bubbly stage presence definitely adds more favour to his name; one gets consumed by just watching him. What a performer. He was truly the best saved for last.

Other artists featured on the Mixtape are @Reason4Audio3D, Young Slugz and @L_Tido. It can be found on the Miller Genuine Draft (@MGD_SA) South African website.

ALBUM REVIEW ==>> RASHID - "RA THE SON GOD"

2013-08-20T05:40:00.001-07:00

Written by Gratitude Fisher

Finding your way back into a genre that is ever so changing yet scarcely accommodating of one's growth, is the biggest challenge that most hip-hop mcees face.

Rashid however, makes that challenge seem like a beanstalk with his easy to welcome compilation of 14 beautifully raw, head bopping kinda tracks. RA THE SON OF GOD is truly an album for all kinds of heads. A marriage of commercial and mainstream beats and lyrical content. The first half of the album takes us through his journey in this "rap game" with tracks like "This Music" and "Nigga this, Nigga that ft. Snoop Dogg" or should I say Snoop Lion?

Love fades him not and he shares it in a poetically narrative way in his "Song for Ora" and "Mother Cry ft Junior Reid". Summervibes find their way through the tracks on the first half. He then changes gears and sits your nostalgic mind in the Krs One lectures on conscious rap with tracks such as "This Government" where truths like "politicians/I never see you in the hood until the next elections" are perfectly layered over dungeon beats that will get any head jerking.

The second half of the album is my favourite because he makes it okay to want money and still stick to your truth without having to sell our ears rubbish. Tracks such as "Africa for Africans", "Son God" and "What you know about?". The fresh beats with a twist are there, the lyrical content is there, the flow is there, the punchlines are there and the songs are created. He is "like a Jehovah witness telling stories that are guaranteed to ring a bell." A hip-hop album of 14 tracks and a special outro by Mr Selwyn, that not only screams relevance but also teaches and shouts resonance.

RASHID'S BIOGRAPHY

Rashid is a rap artist from the east Johannesburg, South Africa with4 albums to date:

1. THE ARRIVAL (2006)

2. EMCEEING iS BELIEVIVNG (2009)

3. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY (2011)

4. RA - THE SON GOD (2013)

He has worked with Skwatta Kamp, Hoodlum, Kruna, Relo, Dynamic, Shluda, Snoop Dogg (USA), Masta Ace (USA), Ayo (France) to name but a few.

Rashid has written and produced TV documentaries for SABC and etv.

He wrote articles for various publications such as Hype magazine, City Life Arts, Ritchmark Sentinel, News Time, LiveSA Magazine and currently the Editor of I Speak Hip Hop magazine….

Rashid has appeared on 5 TV adverts: Castle, Khomanani, 35050, KFC and Sony Home Theatre System.

Made cameo appearances on music videos: Skwatta Kamp – The Rest Shut The, Skwatta Kamp – Umoya, Slikour – Banga Banga, Revolution – Paradise…

Has been on Shizniz, One, Jam Alley, Wildroom, The Weakest Link, The Hot Seat, Channel O, MTV Base, Soweto TV…..

Organiser and Co-ordinator of the 1st Annual South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHA) www.sahiphopawards.com

Organiser: Back To The City Festival - The biggest Hip Hop festival in Africa www.backtothecityfestival.com

RASHID'S PROFILE

RASHID'S ALBUM REVIEW (BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY)

http://pitsere.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/rashid-kay-by-any-means-necessary-the-review/

RASHID'S INTERVIEW ON PHRESH MAGAZINE

http://phreshmagazine.co.za/index.php/exclusive-interview-with-rashid/

MOST DOWNLOADED SA SONG IN 2012

RASHID - THIS MUSIC

http://bit.ly/ylOZfQ

RASHID PLAYED THE MAIN ROLE ON AYO'S MUSIC VIDEO (EUROPE)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9QBlgRAk-0

TWITTER: @rashid_kay

FACEBOOK: Rashid Kay

EMAIL: mcrashidkay@gmai.com

EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH KINCEE (USA)

2013-08-16T04:07:00.001-07:00

Written by Gratitude Fisher for EMagazine First

And it came to pass that the 2012 apocalypse was another world-end myth. The prophets
now say that 2013 will be the year in which we see the “Emancipation of Analog”.
EMagazine First got the opportunity to share thoughts with Kincee(USA) and find out a
little bit more about his music, projects close to his heart and what more he has in-store
for us.

FISHER: Who is Kincee? Outside of the boombap rap slaps hip-hop lyricist?-

KINCEE: Outside of the music I would mostly define myself as a conscious individual of the universe, a father and one who’s always looking to embrace knowledge.

FISHER: “A friend of mine always says definition of style is definition of self”. Now I know you define your music as that of the Golden Era of Hip-hop, when we could still feel the real in the lyrics and the beat. How would you define your style and who or what has been your great influence?-

KINCEE: My style’s definition would be of many, it mostly depends on the texture of the beat and indeed my moods at the particular moment, my style is at most Genesis style of my own.

FISHER: Break-away into solo careers are common among hip-hop crews, what lead you to leave “Silent Hornetz” and pursue a solo career? –

KINCEE: Mostly a lot of negative energy; you know without going into specific details I felt at that particular moment it was best for me to part ways from the group. I was solo before the group had formed, it was me that had connected with CG Muzik and introduced him to other cats out the group, I wish them the best of luck and success. As for the other member their history states a lot about their being.

FISHER: I mean “Emancipation of Analog” is a great album with some of my favourite tracks such as Shine, Jade, Struggle and Time. Would you guys come together to release another brilliant “file”? –

KINCEE: At this moment I can’t really say, I’m really enjoying what I have accomplished on my own without the group. And pure as it was that was a great album.

FISHER: I listened to your albums Prayer for peace and Art of Sound vol 1, and I got that militant feeling that most of us are forced into, in order for us to stay true to our art… tracks like Scriptures, Frontin’ and Shine inspire me to Soldier on…what keeps you going throughout the evolution of hip-hop? –

KINCEE: Staying true to myself and defining HipHop as an outlet, you know I’ve been to combat so that warzone mindestate will forever be within me, no matter the day and age. I choose to pay no attention to the negative positive thoughts only brings about positive outcomes.

FISHER: The Half the Sky Movement is a project close to your heart…what is it and how are you involved? How can other artists get involved? –

KINCEE: The half the Sky movement is an organization I decided to donate proceeds of downloads from my reverbnation account to, from my understanding it’s a charity.

FISHER: Getting personal: I realised you don’t have a lot of love songs, what’s up with that? -

KINCEE: LOVE SONGS! I can explain! I have a few that’s not yet released on any projects as of yet.

FISHER: What else do you love doing outside of hip-hop? Interests? –

KINCEE: Outside of the music I enjoy reading , I also meditate when I can , mostly spending a lot of time and energy into my other profession as a computer engineer.

FISHER: Are we seeing you in South Africa anytime soon? –

KINCEE: Yes hopefully real soon, Projektah and I have been putting a lot of time into mapping out a time frame for a tour of that side.

FISHER: A break from your music…what are your views on the world’s chaos? –

KINCEE: The world is as the men who designed it to be destructive. Power, Slavery, Debt, Greed, and so on this is what they wanted for us and this is what they got. Things will never change until the new age comes along.

FISHER: The following and last question has become a standard in our Emagazine First interviews…Please complete the following:

We would need to___________ as a people, for peace to finally embrace us.

KINCEE: Accept one another

FISHER: Music is _________________________.

KINCEE: More than anything life has to offer the world

"Thanks for giving me the opportunity to give you a bit of insight. I’m currently working with a lot of producers and artist always looking to extend and network with individuals. For features or booking info I can be contacted via email at kincee1@yahoo.com (serious inquiries only)! You can also reach me on twitter @therealkincee and also on facebook." KinCee

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ABDUS (VIDEO)

2013-08-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

Interview by Meme Mpuru
Produced by Nyiko Baloyi

GIG REVIEW: HIPNOTIK YOUTH FESTIVAL 2013 (SWAZILAND)

2013-07-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Written by Bon bon

Photography by Nyiko Baloyi And Kagiso Phiri

If, by definition of the title, Hipnotik is anything to go by, my first trip to the Kingdom of Swaziland with the Emagazine First team (joined by other South African media) then the Hypnotik Youth Music Festival is one event which I am quite certain that myself and other individuals who witnessed this fine Swaziland outing, had a night none of us are soon to forget.

The stars of Swaziland shone new perspective not only to the young and vibrant residents of the Kingdom, but also the Jo'burg team took home quite some unforgettable experiences. Even days after the turn out of Hipnotik, which was hosted at the famous House on Fire on July 6 2013, there's a string of hypnosis still buzzing in my head.

Sakhile Nkambule who is the founder and director of Swazi Jive (a professional fashion and entertainment enterprise) also heads the Hipnotik Youth Music Festival together with other art-loving individuals, and as friends, work together with their different skills to head projects such as the ArtReach project.

ArtReach is a non-profit organization rooted in developing fine arts in Swaziland and branching out to rest of the Southern parts of Africa. Sakhile heads a team of 6 other members namely:

Lindelo Dlamini- Swazi Jive co-founder

Buhle Makhubu- Hipnotik Festival sponsorship manager

Mvuyo Nxumalo- Hipnotik Festival social media manager

Zwakele Hlanze- Hipnoyik Festival brand strategist

Thabiso Makhubu- Hipnoyik Festival South African media manager

Zamahkubie Dlamini- Hipnotik Festival sponsorship manager

When the young bloods from the Kingdom of Swaziland come out to play at night, they support in vast numbers dressed like it’s a night of royalty; fashion show in the latest trends and their hearts and arms wide open in the air for local and international acts as they blazed the stage through the cold breeze under the moonlight in an elegantly decorated open space of House on Fire with colorful light décor, a comfortable VIP area, and an indoor party area which was packed to the roof. House of Fire has interesting Swaziland history sites both indoors and outdoors at the venue. Hipnotik takes their stage set up seriously and local performers were too eager to share their art to a point where their performances dragged for minutes on end. The audience belted out more energy as the night went by and the South African artists too did not disappoint.

The audience danced their money's worth as if there was a musical spell in the air.

Although Hipnotik is a music festival catering for various genres, hip hop seems to dominate each year. Last year South African top rappers AKA and Khuli Chana headlined the stage with a bit of Kwaito flavor topped by Big Nuz. In 2013, local artists Psycholusion, Tendaness, and Qibho were joined by South African hip hop dancers The Repertoires, Kwesta, PRO, Red Button, and Cashtime.

Quoted from Sakhile Nkambules blog: “ The Hipnotink Youth Music Festival is an event aimed at celebrating the rapid growth of the hip hop culture in Swaziland and the Southern African regions.” As one who can claim witness to the magnitude of this idea, Hipnotik is not only a much needed branch in extending the culture of arts in the Kingdom of Swaziland, but an aid in assisting the change of perception of arts.

EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH GIGI LAMAYNE

2013-06-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Interview by Mendisa Ngalo

Produced by Nyiko Baloyi

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