“Hip -hop grew and self-started, crude and black-hearted, in the African habitat, nude and black–blooded.” These were just a few of the words of poets in motion, or rather poets of emotion at Lounge Around where The Hip Hop Death Sessions were launched recently.
“Hip -hop grew and self-started, crude and black-hearted, in the African habitat, nude and black–blooded.” These were just a few of the words of poets in motion, or rather poets of emotion at Lounge Around where The Hip Hop Death Sessions were launched recently.
Rhodes University’s poetry Society, BUA in partnership with the Drum Society and Big Al entertainmment held the first performance of a series of upcoming monthly events. The Death Sessions will be held once every month this year.
The line-up was teeming with local favourites such as the witty Dopeless Narcotics, Tsepiso Nzayo, Macabre of Elements Himself, All naturals and many more. Even Grahamstown-born Nangamso Mtyingizane aka Epic had to be there, this time as a duo with Nelson Mandela Metro representer Hishaam.
These two Hype magazine award nominees wowed the crowd with their playful yet creative lyricism. Their prime act was preceded by exciting recitings by Pietermaritzburg rapper, MC Scam, East London’s Sibongile Silonga (aka Slogan) and Johnny-B.
“I started the sessions last year and the heads brought it up this year,” said poet, emcee and organiser Phelo Mthembu. “As growing hip-hop artists, we would like to make the culture recognised in Grahamstown.
The Death Sessions are there to give platform to local and outside artists,” he added. The name ‘Death Sessions’ may seem scary to some but to these hip-hop heads it means greatness and life.
Mthembu says “Emcees and rappers regard themselves as ‘ill’ or ‘sick’ (good) but we have gone beyond that level.”
According to organisers, though there was a lack of sponsorship, the event proved to be a huge success. “The support we have been getting has skyrocketed and we are grateful for that.” As the Poetry Society says “BUA forever rest your piece!”
