Art Da Vinci is a Hip-Hop, R&B, and Afrobeat's artist and producer from Luanda, Angola. My Music blends various different genres, fueled by my passion for storytelling and making good songs. I aim to create music that resonates with listeners on a personal level, drawing from my own experiences to explore themes such as Love, hurt, and loss. I use my music as a personal diary; telling my stories and hoping that some people can relate to them.
Who or what got you into hip hop?
My older brother, Vicyboy, who is also a Hip-Hop/Afrobeat rapper and producer, was the first person to introduce me to Hip-Hop. When we were growing up, he had all the latest music on his laptop, and I'd spend hours listening to artists like Eminem, Nicki Minaj, T.I., Jay-Z, & Drake. Plus, he was always working on a mixtape (which he never finished), and I would follow him to the studio whenever I could. However, I think the real game changer happened in 2011 when I was in the 8th grade. My brother built a DIY recording studio in our room to focus on his music; and he made me his "Chief Engineer", which basically meant that I was in charge of pressing the red button that started the recording and the grey square that stopped recording. That experience ignited my passion for music production and set me on the creative path that eventually led me to making my own music.
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
The biggest downside of Hip-Hop around my hood is the excessive competition. Everyone is trying to make it, and the industry can only accommodate so many artists. This often leads to toxic situations, like when an artist you were supposed to feature on a song steals your beat or your song concept. Sometimes even the producers - who are often rappers themselves - deliberately take weeks to finish your tracks, trying to sabotage your progress. On the flip side, this competitive environment has pushed me to become more autonomous and motivated me to hone my skills and learn as much as I could about music production to lessen my dependency on others. Having a solid team over the years has also been crucial; I've built long-term relationships with a select group of producers,
like LehandroBeatz, Jcob Jr., and Andre Plaisher. Their expertise, combined with the skills that I've developed over the years, has enabled me to be able to express my creativity on my own terms.
Which song made a lot of people know or love Art Da Vinci?
Nokübonga Act. III got mad love from people.
It was the first track I released that really had the streets moving. I remember walking around the Luanda Waterfront with my older brother, Vicyboy, around December 2023 and random people would stop us to give me props. Even more surprising was having senior family members reach out to me to tell me that I should seriously consider Music as a career. Those events really put a battery in my back.
Art Da Vinci... what’s the story behind this stage name?
Well, I made a song in 2022 called 'MonaLisa" (spelt Monna Alessa by St. Catherine of Sienna), and somehow my boss at the time heard it, and she absolutely loved it. She began calling me "Da Vinci", albeit playfully at first, to poke fun at my romantic nature. Eventually the name just stuck, and it resonated with me because I've always admired Leonardo Da Vinci for his creativity and mastery across various fields. It became a fitting representation of my artistic vision and my desire to blend different musical styles, namely Hip-Hop, R&B and Afrobeats, much like Leonardo blended his different knowledge of various subjects to create masterpieces.
If you were to choose one Rapper you would love to work with in future, who would that be and why?
Drake. He made the soundtrack to my youth man, and his music has always resonated with me on a personal level. His ability to blend deep, introspective lyrics, with catchy melodies and memorable hooks is something that I've always admired and aspired to achieve in my own work. I’ve also been deeply influenced by 40, Drake’s producer, and his somber, brooding production that sounds like you’re driving home at 3am on a cold Winter’s night. Collaborating with them would be a fun experience, because I'm already so attuned with their sound that I know we'd create magic together.
On a similar but unrelated note, a non-Hip-Hop musician that I'd love to work with is Justin Bieber. I really like his music.
How is the Response from Family and Friends towards your Music?
They love my music and are incredibly supportive. For example, my latest project, Eurydice, was entirely funded by My older Sister, and My roommate in university - who hilariously had the misfortune of having to spend 4 years listening to me trying to find my sound in our dorm room - remains my biggest supporter 6 years later. Their patience and encouragement have played a huge role in my journey, and I truly appreciate having people who believe in me.
What can we Expect from Art Da Vinci from now?
I'm currently working on an Art Book with Ascoh Abloh, filled with romantic sketches and animations drawn from my childhood that complement my upcoming album, Cartas de Um Romântico Vol. 2, which is set to drop in late November 2024. Additionally, I'm collaborating on a joint album with my producer, Andre Plaisher, which is expected to be released by Easter 2025. I'm also participating on a lot of features, so be sure to keep an eye out for those as well.
Who is your Celebrity Crush?
Kathryn Celestre.
Shout Outs
First and foremost, a big-shout-out to Jawsh Typhoon. He's been my mentor in this game since 2011, and he's the most selfless person I know. None of this would've ever happened without him. He just dropped his new EP, Post-Romantic, so please go and give that a listen.
I also want to send a shout-out to LehandroBeatz. He might be mad at me right now but I hope we can fix things; the world needs that Monna Alessa Part. III.
Lastly, a huge shout-out to LSAJ & Dala Fam. They make artist management look easy, and their support means everything to me.
Mthizo is a Rapper, Songwriter and Composer from Zola, Soweto. “I just love making Music” ~ He says
Who or what got you into Hip hop?
Kabelo and Keabetswe, My Cousins from Meadowlands. I used to visit them during School holidays and at that time I was attending at a local School and they were at a multiracial, so they were already consumers of hiphop and would introduce me to different kinds of artists.
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
The good thing about hip hop is that it is very informative. Music is a go to medium of information for young people and that alone possesses the power to influence them positively. The bad thing is that we fall under a sub genre called Kasi Rap which is sorely considered as underground and deemed not marketable by industry leaders because it’s raw, forgetting that it speaks directly to your layman or ordinary black South African, so that comes with a lot of struggle for the artist as there is little to no monetary value to sustain the artist/culture.
What made a lot of people to know or love Mthizo?
I am just unavoidably good lol. Yeah that, and I guess how I always push myself to the limit to try and be versatile as possible because even with us being “kasi rap” and all, I’m always pushing to be heard by everyone. They just don’t make them like me anymore, I’m unique.
Mthizo… what’s the story behind this stage name?
It’s simply a nickname you get for your real name ekasi. For example, Jabulani would automatically be Sjava or Javas. I’m Themba so that would make me Mthimbana or Mthizozo so I went for Mthizo because I wanted to be authentic, I mean just by intro, you already have an idea of the kind of person I am or where I come from.
How was the experience winning the 10K challenge by Back to the Cuty Festival?
It means a lot! I mean, it’s ten thousand rands lol. But really, it’s an achievement because it’s a segment of the biggest Hip-Hop festival in Africa and with winning I got to be one of the many names to look out for and also that the accolade will be written in history books, it really feels amazing. Getting rewarded for what you’re passionate about and what you’ve been working hard for, couldn’t feel less than great.
What Challenges have you had while you were preparing for the 10K Challenge?
Honestly, none! I was ready to kill anything and everything that was in my way. I could feel that I have everything that I need in me. No better way to explain than that I almost got disqualified for going AWOL after a short break in the competition. When we had those breaks, others would stay out and maybe rehearse or stress and whatever. Me on the other hand, I would just go to the other side and watch performances on the main stage, easy.
Before and after Winning the 10K Challenge, how has your life changed?
What I love about it most is the recognition from people who would not even look at me twice before and some of those are names that hold weight in the industry. So it opened a lot of doors for my career, a real stepping stone.
If they say you had an opportunity to work with One great Rapper in the World… who would you go for and why?
Honestly the thought hasn’t crossed my mind yet. I believe those that are best, when they happen organically or when I’m working on a song and I suddenly get the feeling that actually so and so would sound good on this.
What can we Expect from Mthizo from now?
More music of course, more content because ya that seems to be the key these days so I guess that’s where I’ll be focusing more on.
Who is your Celebrity Crush?
Lol I’m a married man
Shout Outs
Shout out to everybody that’s riding for SA Hip Hop. Shoutout to everyone that’s ever given me a shot, everyone that’s been rooting for me. Last but not least, shoutout to my team. Thank you!
Mayday is a Grime Artist and Rapper from Birmingham, UK
Who or what got you into hip hop?
Mom raised me on UK Garage music and from there I found Grime music and the people had the same accent as me and that was it!
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
Good - Birmingham is KNOWN for making good Grime music and having some of the best Grime artists
Bad - There’s not enough collaboration between them and the infrastructure needs a lot of work but both of these things will come in due time
Which song made a lot of people to know or love Mayday?
Canva or Adobe for the recent jump in popularity but before that either Secret Weapon or She Wanna ft SD9
Mayday… what’s the story behind this stage name?
My friend H gave it me when we were 15 and he said if you ever do music or something this is your name, then H got killed and years later I started music so it was chosen for me
How was the experience being on The Adobe Express Ad?
Was fun, also how it came about it was crazy so I’m just taking the experience and living in the moment
Before and After the Adobe Ad, how has your life changed?
Just more eyes on the music I’m making, even more countries tapping in. I’ve been in the studio since so there’s not IRL effects I’ve noticed yet
What challenges do you have when you are busy dropping freestyles live or in public?
None. If people are walking past I won’t see them again in this life, so I don’t care lol. I’m there to work.
What can we Expect from Mayday from now?
Awful Lotta Birmingham, my next project, Nov 12th
What are your funny Childhood memories?
My first pet was a Hamster, then he escaped and caused terror for like 4 days till we found him at the back of the garden
Who do you want to Send your shout outs to?
BIRMINGHAM. DA CITY. 0121.
Kope “Tswyza” Makgae is a Rapper and Media Practitioner from Polokwane in Limpopo Province
Who or what got you into hip hop?
I honestly don’t remember how really, but I just remember loving the culture growing up, I was moreover exposed to the fashion, sports and music up close wen I went to the US with My Mom in 1994. I just remember loving the accent and Music then Boom 💥… I’ve since wanted in.
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
Well, I’d say niggas always Rap about how they’re gonna leave the Hood for a better life and never really leave the hood… because 80% of their lyrics is about how many gangsters they affiliate with, how the hood is dangerous and how much poverty they’ve endured.
The reality is… when you glorify something long enough, you end up subconsciously being it… so you never really become the positive part of your raps.
Nna I’m a dreamer and I use Rap or Hip hop to amplify those dreams
When did you realise that You can act and when did the acting Career Start?
I’ve always known I’m a funny character socially and My comedy has always had punchlines which married My music and comedy. I professionally started in 2010, but I’ve always been an entertainer from choir, MCeeing local events and Radio Dj
What made a lot of people to know or love Tswyza the Rapper and Kope as an Actor?
I really honestly don’t keep tabs about views and following, whether I’m trending, famous or popular or not. I really love being a creative in both Acting and Music… and not the fame aspect of it. Great work will be celebrated nonetheless
Tswyza… what’s the story behind this stage name?
Tswyza is short for flavour, so growing up I’d add flavour In everything I do and the name stuck
What’s the story behind “The Tswyza Show” and What do you Love most about it?
The Tswyza Show is a creative and unique Podcast interview approach… and which better way to interview rappers than in what they do best (which is Rap)?
So I’ve gotten exposed to the writing, skill and delivery of most rappers & I’m humbled for them honouring the invite.
What challenges do you have when you are busy dropping freestyles live or in public?
I honestly believe free-styling is all about timing and mood, it’s not challenging if you’re driven by a goal… it gets challenging when you are not motivated, cuz you can’t be telling people how tough & lyrically great you are OVER & OVER & OVER AGAIN
Who would you say is the King of Hip hop or The Best Rapper in SA and Why?
I think My show has taught me exactly that, there can never be a crown-bearer in SA, because there are so many different styles and approaches I’ve seen on the mic.
These niggas are bringing the heat in their own languages, style and delivery. There are always better RAPPERS and always less better rappers with better PR.
Your Journey before and after Generations… How has your life changed?
Generations definitely put your guy on the map & created a pretty big buzz which I use to propel to other levels in the game. It only changed My social status and not my character though.
I’m still pushing and using the platform to get to where God wants me
What are your funny Childhood memories?
All Ill say is PAARL PEARL is a HELL OF A PAP SAATJIE 😳😂😂😂
Shout Outs
I’d like to send a shout out to everybody that feels like they aren’t getting it right… it’s okay, take your time and learn to the lessons that come with it. You’ll really reap the benefits once you’ve fully appreciated the challenges. Shout out to everyone who is doing dope stuff while going through the negative
Landrose is a multilingual Hip Hop artist born and raised in Tembisa.
He started rapping in 2010 and rose to stardom when his viral hit song "The New National Anthem" won the hearts of South Africans in 2020 and he never looked back ever since!
Who or what got you into hip hop?
My Mother was a singer and a writer. She always used to write songs at home and she would sing most of the time. She heavily influenced the writer in me until I met someone with a studio to record at (Lexo) in 2010 and my first song was Hip Hop. That's when I started.
What is the good and the bad thing about hip hop around your hood?
The good thing about Hip Hop in my hood is that it gives young people a voice to express themselves creatively and have style while they're at it. It gives them freedom of speech and inspires them to believe that they're also capable of getting out of the hood and better their standard of living.
The bad thing about it is that there's not a lot of movements around to support young people's talents anymore. The influence they get from listening to some of their favorite artists gets them into substance abuse.
What made a lot of people to know or love Landrose?
People got to know and love Landrose because of his rapping skills and musical talents. Being able to cater to different cultures in different languages also plays a huge part. Especially when you're doing it with flair.
Landrose… what’s the story behind this stage name?
There's no Rose without a thorn - Meaning nobody's perfect. I resonated with this phrase a lot because it speaks to me. And because I'm from South Africa, I needed to give it some flavor from the Motherland.. So when you see me shining, just know that the "land rose" up and supported me. That's why I'm Landrose
How was the experience being on The Tswyza Show as his very first Guest?
My experience on The Tswyza Show was great! We unpacked a lot of information creatively and it was such a great moment. Needless to say that it's my second home now. ❤️
What challenges do you have when you are busy dropping freestyles live or in public?
There's not too many challenges that I can think of hey. If I'm in a good mood and ready to take the mic, it'll definitely be a fun time.
Who would you say is the King of Hip hop or The Best Rapper in SA and Why?
Hard To Say! I don't think we can give the supreme crown to just one particular person regardless of the eras. But I'll say we do have great rappers that will always be in the history books of South Africa from the likes of AKA, K.O, Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest, Prokid, Nasty C, Emtee, Proverb, Stogie T just to name a few.
What can we Expect from Landrose from now?
Expect Creativity, Collaborations, Better Music, More Music Videos and a holistic Brand.
What are your funny Childhood memories?
Funniest Childhood Memory - I once wet the bed at my aunts place when I went to visit. I woke up at night and realized that the bed was wet. I started crying out of embarrassment. When everybody woke up, I told them the bed was wet because I was crying and not because I peed myself. 😂😂😂
Thinking about it now makes it even more hilarious.
Shout Outs
Shout out to Nasty C. The creative genius that you are is beyond my explanation. I don't wanna explain, I just wanna give you your flowers.
Secondly, A Huge Shout out to K.O! Your consistency and delivery is something that even some great artists in the world can only dream of. When you've been doing it for that long, it's not luck at all. It was written in the stars!
Lastly.. Big shout out to everybody that gives Life to Hip Hop.
From the artists, producers, filmmakers, podcasts, magazines, blogs, reactors, fans, brands etc...
Hip Hop is alive because of you!!
LilSavage Dah Rapper (real name Kudzai Shalom Muregi) is a Rapper and Song Writer from Zimbabwe, Masvingo.
Who or What got You into Hip hop?
I was inspired by Nasty C.
What is the Good and the Bad thing about being a Rapper around Your Hood?
The good thing is; you become respected and not just a random person, you’re characterised.
The bad thing however is that some people will speak bad and talk trash about My music just to kill My self esteem.
What is this One Song that made a lot of People to know or Love LilSavage Dah Rapper?
Mudulu wanga feat Magriza.
LilSavage Dah Rapper; what’s the story behind this Stage name?
I was a hip hop dancer in a group of 5 and i was the shortest, most aggressive, youngest and didn't like rehearsing in dance moves when others practice, i would prefer looking than dancing so there was this one guy who said this nigga is Savage, till i recognised I'm “little” one, so i named myself LilSavage.
I also noticed there are alot of niggas on social media named the same “LilSavage” so i added Dah Rapper to make it different
What’s this One thing you would like to change about Hip hop in your hood?
Event organisers should focus more in booking local artist and the government should make a free studio in every town which is free to push talents.
Who would you say is the King of Ven Rap and why?
I see no king, maybe coz they all seem to be similar to me.
Who’s your Celebrity Crush and Why?
It used to be Kamo Mphela but i don't have anymore coz she seems to be older than me 😂.
Shout Outs
My Family members and Friends 👑
Rtee Dope is a Rapper from Chavani, who is now also found at Cosmo City.
Rtee Dope’s music influence come from the likes of American Rapper NF, where he struggles a lot to find beat makers who can make NF type Beats.
So for him to move from Limpopo to Gauteng, he’s now seeing the difference between the two hoods when it comes to the hip hop approach.
More information on the interview
Host: Jabulani Jay
Camera: Mancane and Mahumani
Lection is a Rustenburg born Beatmaker, sound engineer, producer, performing artist, events organiser, voice actor and videographer just to mention a few skills God has granted me. I spent most of my childhood years in Mafikeng so a lotta people kinda confuse the two.
Who or what got you into hip hop?
The culture and freedom to express yourself through words and beats. I have my Brothers to thank for that as they played a lotta Tupac, Biggy, Snoop, KRS back in the days.
What is the good and the bad thing about being a Rapper around your hood?
Pros of being a rapper is expression, it’s easier for the next person to know how you view the world through your music or lyrics half the time.
The Cons are the stigma behind being a rapper or musician for that matter, most people rarely think anything postive or don’t see it as a good career choice.
You are one of the fastest rappers in SA, what inspired you to rap like that and how do you feel about the reaction from people towards your fast rapping skill?
Bone Thugs and Harmonony and Busta Rhymes were my big influence in terms of double time rapping so I just flipped it to my home language which is Setswana. The most rewarding thing about that skill is how people react to it especially on stage.
What is this one song that made a lot of people to know or love Lection?
I got into the commercial scene through “Basadi”
Lection… what’s the story behind this stage name?
Lection is a combination of all my names Thebe Jairus Solomon Lekhonkhobe (Lek/c, T from Thebe, I fro Jairus and On from Solomon)
What is this one thing you wish to change about SA Hip hop?
More than just the genre I’d really love to see more opportunities for artists so that the industry can grow.
What do you Love Most about your fans when you are on stage?
I love how engaged fans get when I’m on stage, that’s priceless.
Follow Lection On:
Facebook - lection
Instagram - @iamlection
X - @Lection
Shout Outs
S/O to each and every individual who has played a role in my career and you Rap Type Mag for this opportunity to chat with me. Bless, hope it grows bigger and bigger with each breath you take.
All the way from Shirley, The Rapper Karci Phairz is one of the most influential artists who is also known for his performances.
Karci Phairz started writing lyrics at his high school times; his first song “Sacrifice” came after he faced this huge depression and he expressed his feelings oh that song.
The Rapper says he is the most streamed Rapper in his hood; Shirley, Watervaal and Elim. His secret weapon for achieving these streams is collaborations. Karci Phairz is also one of the rappers who features a lot of artists from outside South Africa
Find more about Karci Phairz on this Full interview
Host: Jabulani Jay
Camera : Junior “Makepisi” Maluleka
The Tsonga Trap Star Canicee from Mpumalanga is making huge waves and receiving more love day to day.
Canicee is Mostly known for his Tsonga Trap hits that people seem not to get enough of.
Canicee Dropped few Albums and looks like he is about to release another one very soon.
On the 15th of June 2024, Canicee was booked for performance at the Wata Na’s Just a Chillas Winter Edition - Road to Wata Na Event where he nailed the performance and people went crazy as he did his things.
We had an interview with The Tsonga Trap Star right before his performance asking what Youth Day meant to him as an artist. He spoke about few things but one of the things he said was: “We as youth have to express ourselves as young people. Not meaning that we have to forget about what happened back in 1976 but we have to celebrate in style, that’s one of the reasons why we have “Party ya Misava” on the 16th of June”
Please watch the video for more of What Canicee said
