Etete rapper Kenny poised for next step [Watch]
Although he began by recording off-the-cuff verses on an old phone, Zama can now be found featured on songs on Spotify and with his own originals on SoundCloud.
Twenty-year-old rapper Kenny Zama is part of a rising wave of local hip-hop artists who are reflecting the troubles faced by a forgotten youth.
The Etete resident has been creating music for around five years, using it as part expression and part therapy.
After losing his father at age five, Zama was raised in a single parent household by mother Alice alongside his two sisters, Alica and Maina.
“I had a tough time coping at school to be honest, which I think was partly because there was no father figure for me. My mum worked hard and gave us everything we needed, but it was tough for her to be the provider, the mother and father,” said Zama.
It was while at North Coast Agricultural College in Shakaskraal that he discovered a passion for listening to and writing rap music.
“I really started to get to know rap history, starting with Drake and then listening to Biggie and Tupac, all the way back to NWA. On the local scene, Pretoria rapper A-Reece became my favourite,” he said.
Alongside five friends – calling themselves the Trap Gods – Zama began to develop his stage persona and decide what to tackle in his lyrics. “When I got out of school I looked around and saw a huge number of people couldn’t find jobs and were doing bad things because they had too much time. I want to become successful so I can give back and help uplift these people,” he said.
Zama cited the lack of cultural activities, education and job opportunities as the main reason for a discontented youth countrywide.
“I think if there were more showcases and talent competitions then people would at least have something to work for until they could find a job.”
Although he began by recording off-the-cuff verses on an old phone, Zama can now be found featured on songs on Spotify and with his own originals on SoundCloud.
His first EP, ‘Legit-Heat’ was released on SoundCloud last year and can be found by searching for ‘Kenny Legit-Heat EP’.
It was produced by KwaDukuza-based Icethirtyeight Renzo, a longtime collaborator of Zama. “I always have such a good place to start from when Renzo sends me a beat. He’s got magic fingers, I’m telling you!”
Although Zama has not broken through in full, he has a few live performances under the belt and is ready to take the next step.
Watch this space.
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