WeeklySA_AdminTALENTED:Cruz Afrika’s work ethic is propelling him to hip hop’s driving seat.
By Gugu Sibiya
Cruz Afrika has joined a constellation of hip hop stars whose lyrical waxing and messaging is increasingly finding a home in the disciple’s hearts.
A gift that has not only been confined to his rapping. His love and passion for broadcasting haunted him until he took a leap of faith when he joined Thobela fm.
“After hip hop getting into radio was the next best thing. A dream I realized a month ago. hip hop mošate is a fusion of music and light hearted gossip programme on Thobela fm, on Fridays from 9-10pm.
“Hip Hop Mošate is the kind of show people kick off their shoes to on a Friday evening, catch up with the entire week’s gossip. It’s always interesting and entertaining to know who’s doing what with whom and where” he says, adding that the success of his show flies on people’s enjoyment of living vicariously through celebrity’s lives.
“You’ll be amazed at just how many people love the show. Mind you it’s not confined to the youth. It also tickling the fancy of the young at heart. Other people’s exploits especially the celeb brigade, make people de-stress and forget their problems” he says talking about the reach of the show.
Aside from lifting a lid off people’s under cover adventures, Cruz whose given name is Tshepo Modise, has a broad footprint in the music industry.
His newly dropped six track EP Half of Me, is a biggie. “I couldn’t believe it we were trending” says the elated star. Half of Me which was launched on Youth day, is a cocktail of stars who’ve brought their A-game to the mix. Motswako queen Fifi Cooper slays on Catch Emotion. USA’s Eada represents on Solo while Musiholiq, Kay-E and Eindo bring the roof down on put my city ‘on’.
“I couldn’t resist roping in amapiano star Ntosh Gazi of John vuligate fame with Vukani and Sibanga on the track mjolo.”
Like most successful artists, Cruz has paid his dues alongside some of the giants in the industry. “I started out with the late Robby Malinga. Working with this talented unassuming man was like attending a master class every day. I learnt so much about professionalism, respecting my craft and lifting others as I succeed” he says of the legend known for his versatility and pride in balladeering in isiZulu. Other luminaries that have sharpened his skills in preparation for his rapper’s path, include Molemo Maaroganye aka as Jub Jub, Stoan Seate and Bonginkosi Dlamini better known as Zola 7.
“I’m very passionate about imparting my skills to those that are threading on my footsteps. It’s therefor a no brainer that I’ve roped in the creative prowess of younger producers on the EP. I can assure you they didn’t disappoint” beaming from ear to ear like a proud mentor he is to his protégés.
A proud winner of the Best Influencer Award from the Black Company Awards. “It’s always good when we get a pat on the back. It means somebody is watching and noticing your efforts” he says appreciatively.
“This is the most exciting time for my label Afrika hotlines. Our plans are sadly on hold for now. We’ve parked them because with the advent of the third wave we need to do everything in our power to stay safe and protect those around us.
“God willing, we’ll still revive the club to club tour that will include Lesotho and Botswana when things get better. We want to aggressively promote the EP. Our dream is to elevate it to anthematic status” he says in a prayerful manner.
