Yanga Interview

Yanga is destined for stardom because other artists don’t only need him for his witty rhymes but for his film production skills too. The hit maker dropped Awuth Yam Remix last year which features AKA and Kid X. The hit was well received, the video dropped in Feb and is currently sitting on 124k views on YouTube. Mantshingilane is his latest effort and we can’t wait for the visuals for this joint. We got to interview the star and this is how it went:

How would you best describe Yanga?

Used to be really short, now I’m toe to toe with the tallest. I’m lyrical entertainment, I embody the chorus. A Libra that’s into things, like those that partied before us. My dawg, I been in the game with Skwatta Kamp in the tour bus.

How did the name Yanga come about?

Its my birth name. 

Where did you grow up and what were you like?

I grew up in Queenstown, in a double  story house, that Honda with the lights that flick up parked in the garage. Didn’t last long. By Grade 4 my dad lost his job and we were staying together in a one bedroom flat with my mom and my 3 siblings. My dad started a new business and bought a house in the burbs. He passed on before we moved in. So I went through high school with a single mom struggling to pay for a house she couldn’t afford to buy to begin with. I was the intellectual rebel, always in detention for saying too much, had issues with authority. Always looked and dressed different, always misunderstood. That’s why I came to Joburg. To find like minded people.

What inspired you to get into the music industry?

I always wanted to entertain, I used to enter high school talent shows, was in the drama club, I played a trumpet in the brass band etc. I loved the stage. Anyway I could get it I did. I developed a passion for South African hip hop off the back of Mkhukhu Funktion, that to me was the loudest any black male could express himself. I came to Joburg to be a part of this then bubbling genre. It seemed to me that SA Hip Hop could take over not just the country but the world too. I wanted my voice to be a part of that movement. 

How did you start rapping?

Started in primary school, grade 4, it didn’t go anywhere from there, we just came to school with 4 bars talking about toys and sneakers. In Queenstown rap never blew up like it did in JHB high schools. I was always writing songs that never came out but I kept my mind fresh, I learnt how to place words to emphasize emotion. I taught myself these things through repetition. 

What did you get into first, rap or visuals?

I got into rap waaaay before I even thought about film. I got into film because of rap. I shadowed Slikour and I inherited his will to help the genre. I taught myself the production of music videos so I could help artists represent themselves the way they saw themselves. A lot of the videos at that time didn’t connect with either the song or the artist. My role was to make sure the music video depicted the lifestyle and reality of the artist, I mean we can dress it up but the core of the message in the video needed to ring home a whole lot more.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Various things, moments, family, relationships and especially dreams. I dream big, if my dreams don’t scare me I try dream bigger. I’m obsessed with going big or going home. I’m also blessed with some real friends who happen to be in the industry and we inspire each other for greatness. 

How did you get into doing visuals?

I started by doing viral videos, had a webisode series depicting the everyday life of rappers behind the scenes. It was called Rapper’s Reality. Then I shot my 1st ever music video for Kwesta’s Stomp. It was good at the time but I was so disappointed by the final product that I kept at it. Always trying to better the outcome. I guess it started coming right when I shot Boom Shaka Laka, that was one of my most impactful videos. Although I had already won a Best Video award at the Metros a few years earlier. I’ve always been my worst critic.

How do you prepare for your shows?

I rehearse with my DJ. We try and prepare a specific set for each show but sometimes I perform with other artists so the intro and order is a little different.   

Why did you choose to sign with Vth Season?

I worked with Vth Season on music videos for AKA so I know they’re very professional and efficient. We proposed a deal that incorporates Mahogany (my own imprint) so that it grows with me. The opportunity to join forces with a reputable stable and build my own thing under that umbrella was exactly what I was looking for.

When can we expect a full length project from Yanga?

You can expect an E.P (Touch Is A Move) later this year and an album in 2016.

What was touring with AKA and the Cash Time family like?

It was incredible. I have toured as a videographer with Skwatta and Kwesta before but to get on stage and rap was really special. Made some crazy memories on the road. 

How did Run Jozi change your life?

I always had a plan to make the jump from film to music, when Run Jozi came out I had completed the initial plan. Sometimes these things never actually happen, I’m glad I took my shot. I quit as a senior editor the day I found out Run Jozi was gonna be the next single. It was crazy coz I was going to work from 9-5 then hitting the studio from 7-3am. Since Run Jozi dropped, studio is what I do everyday, it’s my life. I love it. Don’t put much above it. 

Where did the inspiration for Mantshingilane come from?

I always go to this specific complex and they always give me problems at the gate. I go to parties and see people struggling to get in. That’s the inspiration for the song. Those situations can get so infuriating and security guards never wanna let you up unless you compensate them. That’s how it works in our country. I made the song so we can laugh about that. 

What type of girls are you into?

I’m into honest girls. They’re very hard to find where I go.

I am sure the ladies out there want to know if Yanga is seeing anyone?

You think so? I hope not. But they are more than welcome to ask me. Lol.

What do you look for in a woman?

I look for someone who is comfortable with who they are in a room full of models.

What do you do for fun?

I make songs and I make memories with my friends. 

Top 5 places you like to hang-out in Jozi?

I’m a homebody. I’m always home or at a friends. Preferably a friend with a studio. 

Your Top 5 S.A Hip Hop artists?

1. KO

2. AKA

3. KHULI

4. KWESTA

5. KID X

Top 5 songs on your playlist?

1. Kid X – Cooler Bag

2. DJ Sliqe ft Kwesta + Flabba – Do Like I Do

3. Anatii ft AKA – The Saga

4. L-Tido – Dlala Ka Yona

5. Yanga – Mantshingilane

Any words of wisdom to up and coming rappers?

Keep going back to the studio. Don’t be embarrassed by that. You will get better every time. Whether you’re a SAMA award winning rapper or a come up lame, you will always need a hit. For that you gotta stay in studio. 

Where can your fans reach you?

@itsyangachief on Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and Twitter.