‘I rather write about something than talk about it,’ says young artist
Bars says he has the ability to fuse commercial sounds with an underground edge
KEMPTON Park’s Bhungane Hadebe, alias Raw Bars, will captivate those who are alert to authentic hip-hop.
The name Raw Bars is an acronym for Real Artistic Work Beats Any Rapper’s Sound.
The 20-year-old’s flair for hip-hop was kindled at the age of nine when he started writing poems and later moved into writing rap verse in the studio at the age of 13. Bars says he can express himself better in writing. “I would rather write about something than talk about it,” Bars says.
His hip-hop talent is derived from his love for poetry. “So, that was when I dived into the genre.”
He says his signature that sets him apart from other artists is that he puts his reality into his beats. “By that I mean my everyday life and everything I go through, everything I see on the streets and everywhere I go.
“I feel that alone puts me on different a pedestal. There is nothing else I would rather do but this. I live music.”
Above all else, Bars is modest, saying he is an ordinary guy and there is no image he is trying to project or standard he wants to conform to.
“I do not try to act in a certain way. What you see is what you get.”
Bars says he has the ability to fuse commercial sounds with an underground edge, allowing him to relay his messages well.
“I came up with the genre called ‘conscious trap’ in which I can jump on a club banger beat and still be able to use deep lyrics that can make a person think and make you dance. This is the kind of genre tha a person can dance to and at the same time I am tapping into your consciousness while having fun.”
He said he got into the industry with the influence of people he grew up around.
“One of my older brothers was a sound engineer and the other a mere lover of hip-hop. So, in a way, hip-hop kind of chose me. It was like a second nature type of thing.”
Among his accolades, Raw Bars has recently been selected for the Hunter’s Dry Start Something campaign in partnership with Metro FM.
“I got a chance to collaborate with JR and we came up with a track called Oochee Wally, also produced by JR.”
Raw Bars has appeared on stage with fellow East Rand artists Priddy Ugly, Frank Casino and BigStar Johnson.
He says his favourite rapper of all time is Tupac (2Pac) Shakur.
He has also released his 10-track project titled Road To Conscious Trap.
His most notable accomplishments include sharing a stage with his idols AKA, Riky Rick, Cassper Nyovest and HHP on January 6 at the First Friday Celebration in Polokwane.
He say his music is for everyone who can relate to his truth.
“If my music resonates with you, then you can enjoy with me,” Bars said.
