I’m not ashamed to use clichés, because they usually mirror reality, so I’m going to use one unashamedly. Dynamite comes in small packages! There, I said it. This is no cliché when it comes to Nthabi, this petite C4 really does pack a punch. We caught up with Miss Nthabi, who chatted to us (ok wait, she just sent us an email…) about her new offering “WELCOME TO ME”, the state of SA Hip Hop and some of her favorite artists.
Your new album is titled “WELCOME TO ME”. From the title, it sounds like quite a personal and introspective album, would you say that this album is a solid representation of who Nthabi is?
Most definitely. The title is pretty self-explanatory. It introduces the listener Nthabi the person, not just the artist.
Who did you work with, how long did it take to complete the project and how many tracks is it?
It’s a 14 track album which took about 3-6 months to complete (recording and mixing). It features the likes of MXO, Lebo Mashile, Maleh and Jazzmen and production from Instro, Dj Kenzhero, Oots, Alias and Helio.
What is your album about?
It’s all about ME! From where I come from, to where I’m at and where the road leads to for me. It’s like an autobiography in way.
Most people have moved towards the more contemporary Hip Hop sound and content, if I may call it that, how different is the sound of this album compared to some of your previous projects you have done? Have you channelled yourself towards the more contemporary sound or kept elements of the golden age/ vintage hip hop sound?
This album is very different from my last offering. From the content to the production and just overall delivery. I wouldn’t classify it as any of the above mentioned sounds. It’s just beautiful music. I’ve made sure I didn’t give people what they expected or give them something they’ve already heard from me. So I went all out with this one and just completely opened myself up and didn’t put boundaries to my creativity.
Do you still think that there are sceptics surrounding a female presence in Hip Hop? It’s quite evident that there are far more fewer female Emcees than male one’s, could that be that because Hip Hop is now centered around male voyeurism and capitalistic aspirations? In such a world, is there a place for the female/ female Mcee and what do you think your role as a female is in hip hop?
Oh my gosh, are you SERIOUSLY asking me the “female emcee” question again….
Who are some of your favourite artists right now both in this country and abroad?
Internationally I’m really digging Jesse J. She has a strong voice and is a beast when it comes to live performances. Locally, my boys Ill Skills are really doing it for me. They work extremely hard and are super focused, which is why I think they’ve gotten to where they are today.
What do you think is the state of South African Hip Hop, is it in a state of progression or regression?
Definitely progression. If you look at where Hip Hop in SA was 10 years ago and where it is today, it’s developed a lot (from both the musical and business aspect). There have been a lot of good and bad changes but overall, I think we are doing well. My only problem is that it seems like a lot of artists are still duplicating what’s already out there rather than offering something new.
There are so many talented Hip Hop acts in the country, the likes of you, Bhubesi, Hymphatic Thabs, Qba, FIFI, Mawethu, Reason, Zaki Ibrahim, Ill Skillz, ETC Crew etc etc , that have so much to offer, why is it that you guys don’t have a strong mainstream presence or even a buzz?
I can’t speak on behalf of other artists, but personally I think I don’t have a strong mainstream buzz simply because I’m not using the “mainstream” formula to market myself and my music. Media tends to want stuff that’s hot right now and that doesn’t always mean hot and different. If autotune is the new hot trend, then that’s what they will be expecting you to sound like when give them your music. Trust me, my team and I do submit songs to radio and a lot of them will tell you my music is too heavy and not “trendy” or marketable enough. I’m not willing to change who I am just to fill the role media expects me to so I would rather find other avenues to promote my music. My e.p was a free offering and it managed to open enough doors for me without forcing me to conform to the expected so I know it’s possible. It may take time, but it will get there someday.
What would you like people to know about your new album and about Nthabi that they didn’t know already?
Well, the album is far from a hardcore Hip Hop album and far from a boom bap album. It’s extremely soulful…just like the artist. As much as I love Hip Hop, I actually don’t listen to a lot of rap music like I used to.
If this track is anything to go by, everyone should go get a copy of Nthabi's album. This track is amazing!
Miss Nthabi ft Maleh-Fly by Petrolbomb
