YoungstaCPT On DDPB Album, Y?GEN And Career Highlights

Why the name ‘Dreams Don’t Pay Bills’?

YoungstaCPT: The pandemic really shifted things for artists and humanity alike. I think for artists specifically, we were spoiled. We were protected and sheltered, our lifestyles were funded by shows, tours and other endeavours. When all of that came to an end, we had to scramble for an alternative. Luckily I had a shop, we were still selling merchandise, sneakers and everything else. Once the pandemic hit, it did make things a bit slower for us. I only got the shop in 2019 so I traded for nine months without Covid, and two years with Covid! It taught me lot, especially in terms of being a business man. I realized my dreams are still valuable, but I have to be more aggressive in actioning them, making them possible and turning them into material things that I can see. I should always be able to give something to my mom, pay the crew and pay the rent. The name of the album came from that desperation. I felt like I had to hustle like back when I started in 2010. Desperate times, desperate measures.

How did you and Shaney Jay meet?

Shaney Jay: We met in 2019 at a show. My friend told me Youngsta was in the parking lot so I went to go and take a photo with him and a year later, he opened up the studio and I was told he wanted to see me and here we are today. I had been producing for about 6 years before that. When Youngsta listened to my production on songs like Shane Eagle’s ‘AMMO’, he sent for me and it’s been a pleasure working with him so far.

Do you have a favourite feature on the album?

YoungstaCPT: Every song captures each person’s quality, personality and skill set. But, the song with DJ Ready D and Emile YX from Black Noise does something to me. This is probably the first time they make a song together and for me, it’s the significance of the song and what the two as pioneers of Hip Hop mean to us as Capetonians.

As a South African product, what is different about your Y?GEN clothing line?

YoungstaCPT: It’s not really dictated by trends, it is meant for someone who dresses according to what they like. In Cape Town, just because everyone wears something, it doesn’t mean we’ll all wear it, we have a certain image and specific style (there’s a whole documentary about this) and I’ve brought that into my clothing line, my raps and into the music videos too. I don’t dress like a rich rapper, I’ve kept my style grounded and kept to what I like.

Describe music in your own words…

Shaney Jay: It’s a feeling, if you make a hyped up song, you feel hyped, if you make an emotional song, you feel emo. That’s why us as creators play a big role in how the listener will feel, music is about feelings.

Would you say your highlight of 2021 is the album?

YoungstaCPT: I would say the Street Fever deal, acting in and having my music played on Blood & Water (S2) and of course, the new album.

Follow Youngsta CPT!

Instagram: @youngstacpt

Twitter: @YoungstaCpt

Facebook: @YoungstaCpt

-Bridgette Makhela

Thabo & Thabiso On YoMzansi, Relevant Content And Social Media

Thabo Modiselle and Thabiso Modiselle / Content Creators at 5@2 Media & YoMzansi

Content is of the essence. How did YoMzansi begin?

YMZ began as a hobby at a time when we were messing around with computers and coding. And since we were attached to the entertainment industry, we figured we’d create our own blog which would talk about the latest news in entertainment, music and digital trends. This was back in 2008 and we named the blog 5@2 News Network. Then in 2010, we decided to re brand to YoMzansi and make it a solid passion project, because people were enjoying our content and wanted more. Today, YoMzansi is a platform that focuses on current pop culture and documenting it. We also curate our own original content through dope collaborations with different brands.

Describe a typical day at the office…

Weekdays we kick start the day at 8am, the plan is to keep our mornings very easy so we can achieve a lot more within those hours. The first hour we go through our To-Do list and figure out deadlines and the content list. Between that and midday, we’re on our laptops putting up content on the blog and social media, while getting on those morning calls and E-mailing potential clients and brands. At times we use some hours to put together proposals and share ideas with certain brands we’re keen on working with, so this is a team effort. Same morning we get package deliveries from brands that have booked editorials and shoots. Lunchtime we hit the drawing board together with the team to come up with killer ideas for editorial shoots. Once we have implemented the key ideas and plan, we spend most afternoon hours putting together the shoot at the studio. We try as much to stay away from meetings, unless it’s critical. We wrap up our day after receiving a bunch of invites to attend launches, events, press conferences, etc (not all of them pay). We then decide which ones would be great to attend, where it will be beneficial to network and get dope content.

You guys are twins, how does working together pan out?

It has honestly made things a bit smoother in terms of building and getting the work done, because we can multi-task. We have spent time together since day one, and have shared our passion since, so our work relationship has become a lot easier. But also, this comes with a lot of arguments because as much as we’re twins, our tastes differ, so at times when we have to put out a final product, you find that we have to choose what is best and it’s not always easy. But through the years we’ve managed to overcome challenges like that, because we share the same vision and our work ethic is on a thousand.

What’s the secret to always producing fresh, relevant and visually captivating content on your blog? 

When we started the blog, most times, the question was what type of content would we (personally) want to consume and read daily. From that, we started looking at trendy, fresh and youthful content that any millennial would enjoy and want to subscribe to. Picture it: when you’re hanging with your friends, what would you talk about? The ‘IT’ Fashion item everyone has, money, cars, music, the coolest restaurant in Melville and so forth. So it’s not really a secret but more of daily stuff that attracts millennials.

2019, what’s the goal?

Building and building. There is much to be done, but the focus for this year is content. We are expanding our current podcast #YMZTechTalk and want to launch two more and produce more video content focused on South African pop culture. We also plan on expanding our portfolio in terms of collaborating with different brands that appeal to our audience.

What do you think South African Bloggers, Influencers and Content Creators still need to figure out?

It’s definitely the ‘storytelling’ part, that’s the key thing, many Influencers new and old still think it’s about the massive following, trending and clout. Creators and Influencers need to focus on telling beautiful and honest stories about whatever subject/topic they are covering. We need more Creators who are reliable when it comes to their word and work. Remember all this has to come with an audience that relies on your word, and that easily makes you stand out. Also for the ‘longevity’ part, can a kid in the next 10 years reference your piece, work, review or photograph? Also, it’s important to ‘stay away’ from the cycle of doing what others are doing, the usual things. It will be so dope to see new Creators and Influencers coming into the industry with their own taste, impact, style and just authentic new cool.

Think we’ll ever see the end of social media?

As long as we have the internet, social media will never die. Besides the celebrity life, slay queens, etc, social media is about connecting people, communicating and sharing information, and you have to think about this ‘world wide’. These days people rely on social media for information, latest news, advice and so on. Platforms are always going to be there for people to access such. Social media has to be the biggest thing that has ever happened to the internet itself, we honestly don’t think that today the internet would be fun without the social media part of it (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram).

What are you guys looking forward to the most this year?

What is important to us is taking a step closer to the big goal. So even if it’s just one step we take this year, that will be dope for us. We are on a journey of building a media network with YoMzansi, have our own digital network, TV shows and expanding the brand into a lifestyle.

What does YoMzansi do for the culture?

Currently, we’re focused on documenting all the important stories and events that are happening within the music, fashion, art, film and lifestyle industry. We also tell stories about individuals who are pushing the envelope within those categories. This is so that the upcoming generation can have an authentic and honest reference about what was going on 5 to 10 years ago. We’re in the digital era, they should be able to read that, watch it or stream.

 

Follow Thabo & Thabiso! 

Twitter: @ThaboThabiso

Instagram: @ThaboThabiso

Facebook: @ThaboThabiso Modiselle

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Rudzani Netshiheni: HYPE Magazine’s Editor And How He’s Changing The Game

Rudzani Khorommbi “Roo” Netshiheni / 26 / Editor at HYPE Magazine / Chief Information Officer at TEMPLE AGENCY (super exclusive, to be announced soon)

You’re changing the game one word at a time, how’d you become HYPE Magazine’s editor?

It’s quite a simple story of how just reaching out can open doors. After my Matric year in 2010, I decided to take a gap year to find myself. Initially I wanted to study architecture (still do & will do soon) but the thought of it didn’t excite me that much anymore compared to when I was in high school. During that gap year I reconnected with one of my primary school best friends and we had so much in common after all these years of not communicating that it made sense why we were close in primary haha. Anyway, one of our interests was Hip-Hop culture and all the cool things that were a part of it. From the fashion, events and music, we were just obsessed with knowing what was going on. That sparked us to create a blog in 2012 called Temple Revolutions (one of TEMPLE AGENCY’s inspirations you see). The blog started when I was a first year student at Boston Media House. Every day we would rush over to some internet cafe in Hatfield and write about current Hip-Hop news and other cool things like sneakers, etc. As time progressed, people started noticing the blog and we started to get more confident in what we were doing, which led to us being more experimental and going out to Hip-Hop events, documenting them and just drowning within the creative atmospheres. I call those days our “studying” days because we were studying the game.

I remember we attended our first Back To The City festival event also in 2012, by then I had grown a taste for writing which helped with my studies, at that BTTC festival, I remember us standing in a long que waiting to get in and I noticed that they were handing out free HYPE Magazines. I took one of course and started going through its content. There were also some other Hip-Hop platforms at the festival and even though they didn’t compare to HYPE, I was still intrigued by them. I approached one guy that was a writer for one of the other Hip-Hop magazines, I won’t mention the name of the magazine as I don’t want to seem like I’m dissing it. I approached the guy and he gave me the editor of that magazine’s email address, that same night I sent an email to the editor asking to be a part of it. He replied once, I replied to his reply and after that never heard from him again. That disappointment was the tipping point that encouraged me to approach HYPE because initially I thought that the biggest Hip-Hop magazine in Africa wouldn’t have time for a young hungry kid like me. Simone Harris was the editor at the time, and I reached out to her. She replied and I responded to her without high hopes for things moving forward but Simone hit me up again. So, before I sent emails through to editors, I would always have about three articles I wrote to submit so they could review my writing skills. I sent Simone about three articles I had written at the time, she liked them and asked me if I would love to contribute to the HYPE website and I said hell yeah! Oh, I also had an article published on XXL’s website about South African Hip-Hop that gave me some credit. Also had HYPEBEAST connects but that’s a different story.

Four years later, I graduated. While at home chilling, frustrated because Simone had moved on from HYPE around that time and I didn’t know if that meant my time with HYPE had ended. Keep in mind I wasn’t getting paid or anything, but I truly felt blessed and cool for having been given the opportunity. Fred Kayembe was the new editor and we weren’t that close at the time. I think I only met him once at some HYPE event before Simone’s departure. I was in Venda getting my driver’s licence when I got a call from Fred who said that he loved my work and wanted me to come work with him. The timing of everything was perfect because when he called, I has just passed my driving test and then I got my first car, which helped with getting to the office on time. For a year I was Fred’s assistant, then in 2016 he moved on from HYPE to do crazier things and I took over. I probably skipped some parts because  it’s a long story.

What’s the vision for 2019?

The vision for 2019 is to really celebrate the future superstars within the music industry. Personally, I want to expand HYPE’s influence on the other genres too that are also still part of our community. Also have a vision to create more interactive experiences, collaborations and higher quality content. Its going to be a crazy year.

Hip-Hop, define it in your own words…

Hip-Hop is God’s gift to the world. Those are my words. This culture has changed so many lives and continues to do so and grow.

Who’s quickly making their come up in the industry according to you?

You have a lot of young artists and unique artists coming up. The likes of ByLwansta, who was one of our first HYPE Freshman, he is really set on dominating. ByLwansta is also the first South African (and only) to have appeared on the famous COLORS platform, which is crazy. Then you have new wave artists such as The Big Hash, Lethabo Acid, Yuang, PatricKxxLee and so many more paving their way to the top. Other artists like Touchline, Luna Florentino, Kingsweetkid, King Lutendo and a whole lot more are working hard. Then you have our HYPE Freshman 2018 winners such as Rowlene, ASON, 3ple B, Tian and others I mentioned before gearing up for a takeover. I’ve also been keeping an eye on the alternative guys like Tron Pyre, Angie Santana, Una Rams, Espacio Dios and so many others who are special.

Music, Fashion or Alcohol, one’s gotta go lol.

Alcohol can go bruh…

What are you grateful for the most?

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’m constantly given to make a mark and super grateful for the support structures I have.

Favourite jam at the moment?

I currently have Mac Miller’s ‘Wings’ on repeat now. R.I.P

When you started, you never thought…?

Never thought I would be such an influential voice in South African Hip-Hop and get event invites from London, New York & Los Angeles. Crazy.

Who is Roo really?

Roo is a grown-ass Venda kid from Shayandima who over the years has grown in confidence, appreciates all that God has blessed him with and is destined for overwhelming great things. That’s Roo.

 

Follow Roo!

Instagram: @_rooat

Twitter: @Roo_AT

Facebook: Rudzani Khorro Netshiheni

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Pearl Shongwe On Her Journey In The Broadcast Industry And What’s Still To Come

Pearl Shongwe / 31 / TV & Radio News Anchor / Host of the most impactful youth leadership show on the continent, One Day Leader / Voice Over Artist / MC & Facilitator

How did you mould your way into the broadcast industry?

From winning a radio talent search competition in 2010, I’ve come a long way.  It’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication, networking, failure, rejection and a lot of patience! I’ve tried not to plan too much in my journey, I have set my eye on things I have wanted to accomplish and worked steadily from there. I follow my gut and I allow myself time to grow into whatever role I’m in. Being authentically me and not allowing myself to succumb to pressure has helped me stay true to my cause. It has not been easy and I’m grateful that my journey hasn’t been the smoothest because my character and who I am now is better for it. A lot of the skills that I possess have had to be self-taught, which is one of the things I remain profoundly proud of!

 

Your schedule is probably demanding, how do you keep focused?

There is a lot of demand on my time but with everything I do, my secret is to talk myself into staying present, so that I don’t miss out on any experience and any opportunity to be grateful. It’s so easy to fall into ‘auto-pilot’ mode and so it’s become imperative for me to take it one show at a time, one voice recording at a time, one shoot at a time, etc and be fully present so that I can deliver the best standard of work possible. I have been working 7 days a week for several years now and yes, it gets exhausting. It is especially difficult because I miss a lot of family and friends time but I think I’m getting better at managing that now, especially this year. I have learnt to manage my time more efficiently.  That also comes with sacrifices like saying “no” to paying gigs!

 

What have you learnt on your journey in the industry so far?

That it’s so important to do things your way, in your own time and pace. People will try and mould you into their own ideas of who you are and what you should be doing, and when. It’s not necessary to live up to anyone else’s expectations except your own. Rejection is part of the game. Deal with it. Do your best, audition, get better, take notes, practice and perfect it! Do what you can, until you can do what you want. Also, never forget why you started and always pay it forward.

Biggest moment you’ve had?

There have been so many! I’m gushing just thinking about a few of them! It’s impossible to single out just one. My most stand out Television moments include what was the very first time I was booked as a field reporter at the 2014 Carling Cup, making my debut on SABC’s longest running breakfast show, ‘Morning Live’, and working alongside Kass Naidoo on the Rio 2016 Paralympic show. Also, signing off at the end of my first news bulletin on Metro FM was a massive moment of sheer elation, joy, and satisfaction. I had dreamt about it for a very long time.

 

Look up to any one in the industry?

There are so many female broadcasters that I have immense respect for; Kass Naidoo, Ayanda Allie Payne, Azania Mosaka, Carol Bouwer, Oprah Winfrey, Lara Baldeserra, Bonang Matheba, and Gorja Calvin-Smith are at the top of my list but I also have a deep sense of admiration for women working behind the scenes in television including Desiree Markgraaff and Mmabatho Montsho who are such A-graders!

 

What’s the end goal after doing your part?

There’s a lot that I still want to achieve but I think one of my ultimate dreams is to own a TV and Film school in the township. Our children are so talented and need to be supported if they are passionate about the arts. I always think of what Oprah has done for our country to advance education and to provide better opportunities for young girl children here, it’s something that I think everyone should aspire to do; to contribute towards positively changing the trajectory of the future of our children. Our success is not our own, it is meant to build others up and to create a better reality for those who come after us! I also have a secret dream of being a diplomat and then retire in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands at 45!

Working on anything else in 2018 you’d like to share?

Not much. I lost my dad in January this year and I think my biggest commitment has been to try and focus on my healing journey and being there for my family.  It’s been a challenging time and I’ve just been showing up for all the current projects I have running without wanting to put myself under any pressure. I am an extremely ambitious woman, and though it’s been a little weird trying to allow myself to slow down, I’m actually okay with it. I am not complacent however and something exciting is definitely brewing for 2019, but I won’t say too much about it for now. All I can say is that I’m banking on it being a game-changer for me.

 

Talent, consistency and hard work, what do these things mean to you in your everyday work life?

Talent is not enough, consistency in itself is hard work and is tough to maintain and well, hard work pays off! Cliché but, it works! Whether you believe in working hard or smart – either way, work must be put in!

 

Strong, fearless females are usually seen as intimidating in society, how do you deal with that stigma within your work space?

I don’t think about it and so there’s nothing to deal with. I stand tall, go about my business and get the job done. I have no emotional capacity to deal with negativity or to try and nurse egos or even notice who is feeling what about my position. It’s simply a non-factor. There’s work to be done and I’m pretty good at shutting out the noise. Men or even women who feel intimidated should rather focus on their own journeys. Life’s too short to try and keep up with anyone else. Pearl Shongwe is busy working…are you?!

Follow Pearl!

Instagram: @pearlshongwe

Twitter: @Pearl_Shongwe

Facebook: Pearl Shongwe

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Gigi Lamayne On The Hip-Hop Game Right Now, Inspiration And Dominating 2017

Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney / 23 / Poet, Musician, Songwriter, Activist, Actress, Voice Over Artist & Wits Graduate in Anthropology & Media Studies

 

What does Hip-Hop mean to you?

Hip-Hop is a lifestyle and way of living. It moulds one’s mind, behaviour and experiences. It allows for wisdom to be spread by the oppressed. It allows for victory to be attained by the hopeless.

When did you decide to get into the game? Your favourite single so far?

I was sixteen, so back in the year 2010. My favourite single is definitely my debut for 2017 titled ‘My Ugly Boy’ produced by new kid on the block, J Twinn. I can’t wait!

How’s your 2017 looking like?

Packed from brands, to music, to new business ventures for myself as well as my company, Hart Roc Entertainment. It’s going to be a crazy year for Hip-Hop and the rest of the industry. Endorsements, projects and of course, the #GigiGoesGold saga continues.

Who inspires you in the South African music industry?

Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa and Miriam Makeba.

The awesome thing about being a female rapper is?

You get to train twice as hard to beat the guys. 🙂

Do you believe Hip-Hop and fashion go together? If yes, how so?

I honestly do. Fashion has always been a huge part of the Hip-Hop culture. As with any culture, apparel is of significance. We find so many people denying this fact, however, to belong holistically to any way of life, one has to embody the physical and mental aspects of it. This is fashion.

Fame or fortune?

Fortune.

What do you believe your industry still needs to do in order to improve?

Working together and thinking beyond South Africa.

What would you love to achieve this year?

Domination.

Follow Gigi!

Instagram: @gigi_lamayne

Twitter: @Gigi_Lamayne

Facebook: Gigi Lamayne

 

–Bridgette Makhela

Solo On His Sophomore Album, The Hip Hop Game And His Consistency Plan

Zothile Langa / 28 / Hip Hop Artist

Why Hip-Hop for you?

Hip hop is what I have put most of my practice into, my most effective form of expression.

How long have you been in the game?

I’ve been writing since I was in high school. My first project dropped back in 2010.

Your latest offering Dreams. B. Plenty, does it make you proud? How so?

Yes, my project makes me feel proud. I’ve put two years into it, there’s a lot of emotion.

Your favourite body of work in your career so far?

‘Jubilee no’ LigaMo’, which drops tomorrow, 26 August. It’s about my late grandmother and late cousin. It’s a song close to my heart.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m in the studio for eight hours, hit the gym at 5pm, then back to the studio at 10pm.

What’s your consistency plan to remain relevant in the music industry?

Be my authentic self. Listen to myself as I change and apply that to the music. Most importantly, stay true to the music.

Any one you look up to in the industry?

It would definitely have to be Kabelo Mabalane.

What would you still like to achieve?

Everything. I don’t think I have many achievements under my belt yet, I still want to make sure I complete the Dreams trilogy.

Your message to your fans?

I didn’t buckle under the pressure! I truly appreciate all their support over the years, without them I wouldn’t be here today.

Follow Solo!

Instagram: @thisissolo

Twitter: @ThisIsSoloSA

Facebook: This Is Solo

 

–Bridgette Makhela