Politically potent lyrics have been the domain of hip-hop stars since long before Malema re-discovered Kill the Boer. Haitian star Wyclef Jean made headlines lately when he tried to create hip-hop’s biggest political hit running for president of his country.
Politically potent lyrics have been the domain of hip-hop stars since long before Malema re-discovered Kill the Boer. Haitian star Wyclef Jean made headlines lately when he tried to create hip-hop’s biggest political hit running for president of his country.
In a bold move to pre-empt the impending trend, which South Africa hip-hop star could step away from the mic and into the political play pen?
Kabelo Mabalane of TKZee is one of South Africa’s most established stars. In fact he has been riding the wave for years longer than would be allowed for a president’s two terms in office.
As a reformed drug addict, soon-to- be-preacher and completer of the strenuous Comrades Marathon, he has serious street cred.
Rhodes Music Radio (RMR) deputy station manager Masixole Mdingane sees a political saviour in Hip Hop Pantsula and his multiracial appeal.
Sadly, relations between hip-hop and white people have never been great, with many pointing a finger at the white man’s substandard dance moves.
But Hip Hop Pantsula, a former Strictly Come Dancing champion, could revolutionise government with a new department: The Department of Diski Dancing and Movement where people could apply for status as previously disadvantaged dancers.
Radio Grahamstown interim station manager Khaya Thonjeni heralds JR’s hit song Make the circle bigger as having the same political potential as Zuma’s Mshini ’Wam.
Government tenders will from now on simply be referred to as “make the circle bigger” between political comrades.
However, it’s Jub Jub who's in the front running for continuing our new South Africa tradition of favouring politicians with jail time under their belts.
Sadly, his reason for being jailed was not ‘for the struggle’. The hopeful star’s career has certainly been tarnished by not following the politician’s moral code.
You can wait until you are in office to unleash the drunken car accidents and indiscretions. Of course, that doesn’t give him any less clout.
If hip-hop won’t come to politics, perhaps politics can go to hip-hop? Jacob Zuma is already following in the footsteps of his American hip-hop namesake Jay-Z.
Jay-Z graced the White House whereas JZ has sipped tea at Buckingham Palace. JZ is expanding his “brand” by starting his own newspaper.
Next he can open his own clothing label like Sean “P Diddy” Coombs and then maybe a presidential fragrance that Woolies could stock.
His hit summer track “Lovin every lady” will debut with a bootie shaking music video including all three of his wives. But it’s Malema who could have the most successful career in rap.
He’s as controversial as an early millennium Eminem and has already had a hit song. Why should this budding artist fizzle into a one hit wonder?
Rocking the stage name “Mad Mouth Malema,” backed up by ANCYL groupies; Malema is set to be SA’s up-an-coming act with the most potential for an international record deal, or at least a few hits on Youtube.
