The Rap Type Mag Awards (RTM Awards) celebrated more than music and entertainment when a local rapper named Makapeni (Tribe of One) was honoured with a special trophy for making a meaningful impact at Elim through Hip hop.
The award recognised Makapeni’s contribution to the communities around Elim and surroundings through hip hop, highlighting the power of music to inspire, connect and create positive change beyond the stage.
Makapeni Started his Music Journey around 1996 inspired and mentored by his Brother Chris Mahungu and motivated bhis Childhood Friend Nyiko Maluleke also known as “Soshangan” who started Tsonga Rap around Elim.
Time went by when Makapeni started Producing Music and Rapping in the Year 2000 where he formed a group with his friends.
The group was called “Black Warriors” with “Makapeni, Soshangan, Lymphinix and Makapeni’s Younger Brother… Frozen Tears in it.
They had a Studio called Backyard Records where a lot of rappers were discovered
Hip hop was not fashionable by the time as people heard a lot of strong language when they played it in their hood.
However, Backyard Records produced, Raised and inspired a lot of Rappers around Elim and the surrounding communities, Rappers like; Dala Fam, Ms Kulie, G-Ice, Nebo SixFour, and Many more
The trophy serves as a symbol of appreciation for the rapper’s dedication and contribution to the community, while also encouraging other artists to use their platforms for positive influence.
The RTM Awards continue to create a platform for celebrating the people who contribute to the development of hip hop at grassroots level. Through recognising artists, legends and community contributors, Rap Type Mag hopes to inspire a new generation to understand that hip hop is not only a form of entertainment, but also a powerful tool for expression, unity and community development.
The honour is a reminder that an artist’s legacy can extend far beyond the music — it can be found in the lives they touch and the communities they help build.
Big Shout out to Makapeni (Tribe of One).
Thank You for Pushing the Hip hop Culture around Elim and surrounding communities #RTMAwards #RaptypeMag
