Say ‘ewe’ to Channel O hip-hop video nominee
EASTERN Cape-born muso newcomer Ifani is going places. The talented man recently returned from Los Angeles after performing at the South African Arts Festival (Saaf) there.
On top of that he has been nominated for the Most Gifted Hip-Hop Video at this year’s Channel O Music Award.
The national Department of Arts and Culture hosted the inaugural Saaf in Los Angeles, which showcased seven South African films and seven musical artists, representing the diversity of the South African experience over two days. Ifani’s six co-performers were Hugh Masekela, Wouter Kellerman, The Soil, Simphiwe Dana, the Parlotones and Mahotella Queens featuring Jozi.
“The fact that they chose me was something else,” Ifani said. “There are rappers who have been in the industry but they chose Ifani to represent rap culture.”
He said more than 2000 people attended the event in Los Angeles.
“When the Americans saw the posters, they researched on all the artists that were going to perform and by the time we arrived they knew our music,” he said.
Ifani said the Channel O nomination was a confirmation to him that he was doing good. “They see my work, and they acknowledge it. This means a lot to me,” he said.
For years Ifani performed underground and only this year released his debut album, I Believes in Me. He said it was the first part of a “four-quadrant sequel”.
Although he’s making waves now, it has not always been easy.
“Most people inside the industry did not quite believe that people love my music. They did not believe I had supporters,” he said, adding that his album sales proved he had a following.
In the Channel O Awards’ most gifted hip-hop video category Ifani has been nominated alongside Aka, Reason, Ghanaian rappers Jayson and Sarkodie, E.L and M.anifest.
Ifani said his music had had little airplay compared with his fellow nominees.
“I don’t count community radio stations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape – those people have been playing and supporting my music.
“But the major stations like 5FM, Trace and MTV Base hardly play it – you’d swear I’m still underground.” He said the industry was starting to see his potential now “because people have been buying my album like crazy”, and that without public support he would not be where he is now.
His followup album, I Believes in Me (The Third Quadrant) will be out in April and the last two in 2015 and 2016.
To vote for Ifani’s video Chocolate and Vanilla featuring Blacksuga, SMS 6D to +2783-142-1004-15 or visit the Channel O website. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Homeboy Ifani needs your vote
EASTERN Cape-born muso newcomer Ifani is going places. The talented man recently returned from Los Angeles after performing at the South African Arts Festival (Saaf) there.
On top of that he has been nominated for the Most Gifted Hip-Hop Video at this year’s Channel O Music Award.
The national Department of Arts and Culture hosted the inaugural Saaf in Los Angeles, which showcased seven South African films and seven musical artists, representing the diversity of the South African experience over two days. Ifani’s six co-performers were Hugh Masekela, Wouter Kellerman, The Soil, Simphiwe Dana, the Parlotones and Mahotella Queens featuring Jozi.
“The fact that they chose me was something else,” Ifani said. “There are rappers who have been in the industry but they chose Ifani to represent rap culture.”
He said more than 2000 people attended the event in Los Angeles.
“When the Americans saw the posters, they researched on all the artists that were going to perform and by the time we arrived they knew our music,” he said.
Ifani said the Channel O nomination was a confirmation to him that he was doing good. “They see my work, and they acknowledge it. This means a lot to me,” he said.
For years Ifani performed underground and only this year released his debut album, I Believes in Me. He said it was the first part of a “four-quadrant sequel”.
Although he’s making waves now, it has not always been easy.
“Most people inside the industry did not quite believe that people love my music. They did not believe I had supporters,” he said, adding that his album sales proved he had a following.
In the Channel O Awards’ most gifted hip-hop video category Ifani has been nominated alongside Aka, Reason, Ghanaian rappers Jayson and Sarkodie, E.L and M.anifest.
Ifani said his music had had little airplay compared with his fellow nominees.
“I don’t count community radio stations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape – those people have been playing and supporting my music.
“But the major stations like 5FM, Trace and MTV Base hardly play it – you’d swear I’m still underground.” He said the industry was starting to see his potential now “because people have been buying my album like crazy”, and that without public support he would not be where he is now.
His followup album, I Believes in Me (The Third Quadrant) will be out in April and the last two in 2015 and 2016.
To vote for Ifani’s video Chocolate and Vanilla featuring Blacksuga, SMS 6D to +2783-142-1004-15 or visit the Channel O website. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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