IsiXhosa rapper makes his mark
FROM the dusty streets of Mthatha, young rapper Mikkie Somaqhuzu is taking Eastern Cape isiXhosa funky rap tunes to the world with his latest extended play (EP) release.
Based in Johannesburg, the young rapper is pushing to make his mark in the rap industry. His latest EP,
Andkalibali, has seen him travel to various parts of the country sharing his isiXhosa rhymes.
Mikkie Somaqhuzu, whose real name is Siyanda Mona, said he believed in being authentic and staying true to himself and his background.
His music has also been reviewed and featured on rapper Slikour’s urban hiphop
publication, Slikour on Life.
The 22-year-old fell in love with hip-hop at the age of 13 after listening to his cousin’s Eminem album titled, So You Wanna Freestyle.
“I grew up listening to a lot of hip-hop but that album made me take pen to paper and dance on it. That’s when everything started.
“I think this is something that I dreamt of but I didn’t know how to start or write my own rhymes from scratch,” he said.
However, it was only in 2014 when he first recorded a song. After matric in 2014, he moved to Soweto, Johannesburg, where he started to record his debut single track Brika Mxhaka.
The song was playlisted on numerous stations around the country, including Ukhozi FM.
In 2015 he released his debut EP, Ivelile Intloko, that has six songs including Brika Mxhaka. Even though Mona is not
where he wants to be yet, he is working hard to get to the top. Last week he recorded a video for e.tv’s lifestyle show, Shiz Niz.
He also auditioned for the SABC1 OneMic show and will be one of the contestants on the reality show.
“My plan in this music thing is to have my own recording company to help my brothers, especially in the Eastern Cape, because there’s so much talent in my province but the problem is that we do not have enough equipment.
“We always end up coming to Johannesburg or Cape Town,” he said.
To listen to some of Mona’s music, follow him on social media under Mikkie Somaqhuzu.