Rapper ’Flash’ visits schools to share new single and career advice

Local rapper and songwriter Hlumelo Mangolotin, fondly known as “Flash Ikumkani” by his fans, has embarked on a high school tour around Buffalo City to promote his single Umbonowam, which was released early in February.

The tour will also promote his upcoming single titled Twenty-four, to celebrate his birthday on March 25.

“As a representative of the Eastern Cape in the national hip hop scene I felt it was relevant for me to share more information about my industry back home, because not enough information is shared on various multimedia career paths for learners,” he said.

“There is also a lack of grassrootslevel development of the multimedia industry in the Eastern Cape and also not all learners are academically inclined or athletic.”

He said one of the aims behind the #UmbonoWamHighSchoolTour, was to support pupils who were interested in multimedia as a career choice.

“Based on a career guidance programme for high school learners around Qonce [King William's Town] and East London, we have guest speakers from veterans in the multimedia industry such as Sivuyile Vovee Batala, who is part of SABC, to highlight the various career options available within the industry.” The musician will end his tour on Friday in East London, at Wongalethu High.

“The love from the school learners has been amazing. I knew my brand has impact but the response has been overwhelming and it made me realise that I have a bigger responsibility towards curating content that not only represents where I'm from, but that will also positively influence the future generation that looks up to me.

Flash, with his affluent rural upbringing that forms a significant part of his music, said: “Umbonowam is a single that serves as affirmation to myself and everyone that their dreams are valid . . . [it] showcases the blueprint of my life story – that I am a man from the rural areas determined to change my stars.

“I may have deterrences but it does not mean I will stop realising my full potential on this God-given Earth.”