a decade and a half later. she has paid her dues in the South Africa hip hop community, performing in South Africa, Germany, the UK and the US. she has built a fan base and rep as being honest, real, upstanding and business minded. and so fast forward to 2009 and it's now her time to officially shine! Contro’ Versy is finally releasing her first full length project in 2009. she has tapped producers in New York ,Germany and South Africa as well as hip hop artists and vocalists, from all over the world.
influenced by everyone from South African divas Sibongile Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, and Lebo Mathosa through to hip hop greats A Tribe called Quest, Run DMC, and female pioneers MC Lyte and Salt-n-Pepa, Contro ‘Versy’s music draws on a wealth of influences to develop her unique style. Fun and playful, but still conscious, the new tracks are already receiving critical acclaim. Her varied topics, changing moods, and innovative sampling bring a new depth to hip hop and a conscious style and confidence rarely seen on stage!!
now this is sista is a multitalented diva. she has worked not only crafting these rhymes, but also in media, production, and performance, through which she has fostered a commitment to education, community upliftment, and mentorship to youth.
as a young, so called “colored” girl growing up in apartheid South Africa, she consistently pursued her dreams in spite of a lack of support and guidance that some other artist are fortunate enough to receive. she has had to maintain and seek her own inspirations and role-models. her successes have always remained grounded in her determination to give back to her community, encourage and support the youth, and inspire them to attain the dreams regardless of their situations.
She conceptualized and coordinated the Unified Urban Schools festival to raise funds for disadvantaged schools. she has used her art as weapon against negativity by participating in events that benefit others. whether performing to raise money for studio time for aspiring artist or writing songs about HIV/AIDS, she understands that she was blessed with the voice, talent and skill to be a catalyst for change and takes that role seriously.
traveling to Germany in 2007 as part of the Each One Teach One project, touring performing, and facilitating workshops at schools in Germany, the United States in May of 2008 as part of an artist exchange program which used Hip Hop music as an educational tool for students, she is building partnerships and spreading her good word all over the world. in late 2007 she created a concept party, recruited top DJs, support staff and club owners who volunteered their experience and time to launch a series of parties called Fresh Ta Death, that asked guests not to pay a cover but instead to donate. through this medium the parties were able to collect canned food, toiletries, toys, and clothing that were then donated to a shelter for street children, two women and childrens' homes, an organization that supports abused women, a hospice, and a homeless shelter.
so u know I had some questions for this Jill of many trades that has produced, managed, directed, and performed in theatrical productions, written for and edited an online Hip Hop magazine, co-hosted the television show Hip Hop on South African satellite channel MK, facilitated workshops and holds that mic with so much confidence.
me: whats the biggest obstacle you have faced being a female mc?
Contro'Versy: not being taken seriously, I went as far as to rock baggy jeans and look all boyish so they can take me seriously but as soon as I grew up and embraced love for self I said man I can rhyme and still wear stilettos because I am a WOMAN
me: being from a whole other culture but still a member of the Hip Hop culture, what has been the biggest adjustment from your country to the good ole U.S.?
Contro'Versy: my biggest adjustment is having to understand the women over here (especially in New York) very aggressive and defensive and people are caught up in alot of materialism (if you not wearing a certain label and drinking certain brands or hanging with the IT crowd you are excluded (this is a global issue but i feel it very intensely over here), and compared to over here back home we eat very healthy so it still freaks me out to see the portions you guys eat at eateries.
me: what is your hope for Hip Hop in South Africa?
Contro'Versy: the music industry in South Africa does not cater to Hip Hop. we have a Hip Hop category at the SAMA music awards but the so called Hip Hop category features everything that is not Hip Hop. For the Hip Hop community to not shun people who don't fit into what they perceive as real (if you don't roll with a certain clique or spit a certain way they they keep you out, its the fear of the unknown. ITS CALLED ORIGINALITY they need to get with the program!).
me: what is your personal goal as a female mc?
Contro'Versy: to never be called a female emcee. to grow to a point where I will be judged by skill and not gender, to able to walk into a room with all the women in Hip Hop and not feel all the competition. we are a minority we can't afford the hateration. also, to educate and create social awareness through rhyme and to just do what I do best, be me and grow and prove to the youth around the world that YOU are the only person that stands in the way of YOUR dreams, the biggest personal goal I'm living it already: creating HERstory.
can I puh-leeze get a "all my sistas stand up!" to that. man, listen.
y'all be sure to keep checkin for this woman. she's on her grind, spreading love and light and we need more of these types of folks in the world and especially in Hip Hop. 'nuff said.
so stay tuned to ya gurl, and if you wanna come meet a sista in person, I'll be at:
Webster Hall Studio hosting this Sunday, 6/21 for The Live Series featuring Angelz Inc, Megabone, Scienz of Life, Wise Intelligent and DJ Chela on the turntables!
Sutra on 7/1 for Sex Wax with one of my fave groups, The Beatardz!
and
Felecia Cruz got me rockin with some amazing women on 7/10! details to soon come! also, check her blog on thebloomeffect.com/blog
y'all be cool til latrs my good peoples!
peaceandblessings
rox
0 comments:
Post a Comment