A normally introverted schoolgirl has found her voice as a hip hop rap artist.
Kokstad-born Sarifa Sokutu, 18, who goes by the stage name SA_Rifa, has released a single titled Two Eyes.
The young lyricist and songwriter is currently enrolled at a King William’s Town high school.
The budding microphone maestro raps about living a life of complete freedom, a life that is not governed by the opinions of other people.
“Two Eyes is a song I wrote in 2016. I would write songs without beats until my parents introduced me to a beat producer, Andy. I didn’t have to do that much explaining him.
“The producer took the ideas I had in my mind and made the song pop,” she says.
SA_Rifa says she wants to create music that is intercontinental and relatable to diverse audiences.
“The recording process of Two Eyes was incredibly seamless.
“In past years we had trouble with the mixing and mastering of the song. But this time around it was recorded effortlessly. The energy in the studio was unmatched.
“To top it all off, I have an artist from Zimbabwe, Dean Denarro, who features on the track. When he came on board he brought about a different flavour to the song, which makes the song so continental,” she said.
SA_Rifa says she looks up to local rappers such as Rouge, Nadia Nakai, Gigi Lamayne, A-Reece and Nasty C.
The single has been distributed to more than 100 radio stations across the country.
East London’s globally reaching Keith Ngesi Radio was the first station to play the song.
“It is only a matter of time before the song hits most radio stations. This is my first single and I am protective over it.
“Right now my aim is for as many people as possible to hear the song,” she said.
SA_Rifa says the unwavering support she receives from her parents is one of the biggest motivations for her. “My parents are incredibly supportive. I am so blessed to have them in my corner. I thank God because I have friends who are into hip hop and their parents don’t support them.
“Mine are always present. They are physically there when I record in studio and transport me to where the music requires me to go,” said the rapper.
The St Christopher Private School matric pupil says her passion for hip hop has given her quiet nature the boost it needed to approach a music career with confidence.
“I performed at school recently. That was my very first set up performance for an audience. I was shocked by their reaction because at school I am not a talkative person. I went from being a super quiet kid to being the one who is noticed.”..