Durban-based hip-hop musician Ntokozo Zakwe jetted off last Friday, alongside other musicians from Africa, to take part in a month-long tour.
Zakwe, who is from KwaMashu, 12km north of Durban, told Sunday World that he was looking forward to trading his craft in a diverse country like the US, and that he might learn a thing or two there to apply back in the South African rap scene.
The Bathi Ngiyachoma hitmaker said: “The US embassy in Durban saw what I have been doing in KZN for hip-hop as an underground events planner and musician — all the shows, the movement, the cyphers, etc.
Positive results
“They hit me up to see if I’d be interested in learning more about the culture, the origin of hip-hop in the USA, and how their artists make it out there via rap music.
“Hip-hop is a diverse genre, and the US holds a great history of the genre; whatever I learn here, I will definitely take it back home.
“I have been assisting a lot of upcoming artists at home in KZN; some are now signed, so whatever I have been doing for them, this feels like I am reaping what I have sowed.
“The street is also very excited for me. I am grateful; this was needed. Now we are pushing for funding for my projects that I am doing for emcees in KZN, the ‘Hood vs Hood’ competition.”
Stamp of approval
In Durban, Zakwe frequently hosts rap battles called Cypher at the Bat Centre, and he said it is a stamp of approval that the hip-hop movement he has started is growing.
“It brings joy to me and the rap community as a whole; many have wished me well; I feel very important and loved,” he said.
Zakwe is the only rap star from Mzansi on tour alongside musicians from Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, to name a few.
He said: “I am grateful; it brings hope to the hip-hop movement. Many never thought a vernacular rapper would ever take their music to the US.
“This is a stamp of hope; it’s possible. In the two weeks that I’ll be here, I’m hoping to meet a lot [of artists]; none have been confirmed yet.”
