iFani Opens Up On The Growing Buzz Around His Mixtape “Msebenzi Wam”
iFani Opens Up On The Growing Buzz Around His Mixtape “Msebenzi Wam.” South African hip-hop veteran iFani is feeling a renewed sense of momentum around his latest project, Msebenzi Wam, and he is making sure to acknowledge the people helping push the conversation forward.
The Eastern Cape lyricist recently took to social media to express his gratitude to Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka and podcaster Thakgi Ledwaba, whose public support appears to have given the project another boost.
Sharing his appreciation, iFani wrote, “iyabulela iMfene ka Mamthembu”, which translates to the Baboon of Mamthembu is grateful. He went on to reflect on just how powerful influence can be in the entertainment industry.
“In this industry, you can fall from one man’s tweet and you can rise from another man’s tweet. That’s the power of influence,” iFani said. “So when I say Thank You to Sol & Thakgi I mean it from the bottom of my heart coz I know the power of influence they have.”
Phenduka recently praised iFani’s eight-track mixtape Msebenzi Wam, describing it as a “beautiful, brutally honest and vulnerable piece of work” and revealing that he had been playing it repeatedly.
Released under Asanda Empires, the project continues iFani’s reputation for delivering deeply personal music, with his storytelling anchored in isiXhosa, lived experiences and an unapologetically honest perspective.
For iFani, the contrast between creating music and his academic background could hardly be more striking. The rapper holds degrees in computer science and computer engineering from the University of Cape Town, but says the entertainment industry operates by a very different set of rules.
“It’s not enough to be good. You have to be liked too. By the right people. It’s a tricky industry. Not like Engineering at all,” he wrote.
The recent change in energy has clearly lifted iFani’s spirits. In typical fashion, he joked that he was almost ready to wake his late grandmother Mamthembu, collaborator Bravo Le Roux or even late hip-hop icon AKA, also known as Supermega, to tell them that “ziyajika izinto for iMfene”, meaning things are turning around for the Baboon.
His appreciation also extends to the fans who have supported the project beyond streaming platforms. iFani highlighted the nine listening sessions he has hosted for Msebenzi Wam, taking the music directly to audiences in cities and towns including Mthatha and Makhanda.
The listening sessions have allowed the rapper to reconnect with supporters while creating space for the stories behind the music to be heard in person.
iFani’s latest reflections also underline one of the more complicated realities of the music business. Artistic ability may open the door, but visibility, timing, relationships and influential voices can determine how far the music travels.
For an artist who has experienced major highs, difficult setbacks and a determined return to the spotlight, the growing attention around Msebenzi Wam represents more than just praise for a new project. It signals a potential shift in the conversation surrounding his work.
With influential voices now amplifying the project and fans continuing to show up for the listening sessions, iFani appears ready to embrace the renewed momentum. The work has always been his. Now, it seems, more people are finally paying attention. Zizojik’ izinto.
