10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIFI COOPER

She’s been blowing up our stereos with her hit single Kisses. Here’s what we’ve learnt about this 24-year-old rapper who’s been dubbed the “first lady of motswako”.

1 Her real name is Refilwe Mooketsi. The talented muso hails from Mahikeng in North West, the hometown of hip-hop greats Khuli Chana, HHP and Cassper Nyovest.

2 Aged nine she was the lead singer in her primary school choir. “I was 18 when I started rapping,” she says. “I realised the motswako (Southern African hip-hop) rap game was spearheaded by males. I saw it as an opportunity to go in and learn to do my own thing.”

3 Fifi was raised by a single mom. “My dad died when I was still in primary school but I’m thankful for the musical seed he planted in my head at that early age as he was a musician who played multiple instruments,” she says. Her older brothers fulfilled the role of father in their family. “I love them to bits. They’re mad supportive and provide the emotional support needed in this tough industry.”

4 She was discovered after she’d posted rap videos online. “My management heard my songs and looked for my contact details. They called and proposed a meeting – and that was the beginning of a beautiful career,” she says.

5 Before the release last year of her debut album, 20Fifi, she caused a stir in 2010 with her breakout single, Chechela Morago, as well as with her work with artists such as Khuli Chana – she provided vocals for his 2014 hit Mnatebawen.

6 Fifi studied media at Boston Media House but had to drop out after a year because of money worries. That’s when she began to focus all her attention on music. “And look where I am today!”

7 She looks up to female rappers such as Nicki Minaj. “I like Nicki because she has her own style,” she says. “You can see now that a lot of girls want to be like her. It shows she was original. Now people are faking themselves just to be like her. I love her originality.”

8 Fifi scooped three Metro FM Awards this year – for best produced album, best female album and best newcomer. She was also nominated for two Samas.

9 She’s a proud mama! She loves to share pictures of her three-year-old son, Resego, on social media. Aw!

10 She had such a great year in 2015 that she dubbed it “20Fifi” – which is also the title of her debut album. We can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for her!