Sustainable development

Picture: ReelCreative Media

I am in deep thoughts meditating about the Grassroots arts festival way forward, its position nationally, and on the provincial level. Honestly there is great need for platforms like grassroots and they indeed are great spaces for networking launching new talent and granting coporates are more direct link with their targeted  audience.

There are more good that can come out of discussing graf than bad however on should not be naive grassroots as it stands is not a sustainable platform it will exhaust more personnel than it will get people motivated. The first mistake we did was deciding to make it a free for all event, this meant that the event is not self reliant. it is a welfare child. every time you do grassroots you run at a loss PERIOD!, no questions asked. how do you transport artist? people complain about the visibility and lack of marketing how do you decide between printing posters and securing a sound system? how do we accommodate and provide meals for the artists? 

Of cause all these are none of your concerns. You want a show and it ends there. All the other jazz is on the shoulders of the organizers. i feel that's where actually you come in how do you contribute to make sure that what you love continues on? How far would a R40 early bird ticket help to get the organisation going even if the funders who have not been so reliable involved? Be part of the movement make sure we do not stop. the more free everything the more quality and content dwindles.

Let me touch on the workshops. We have The Grassroots music summit where i feel key information gets shared SAMRO flies a delegate every year religiously to come, meet artists, share, clarify where its necessary. The numbers at the workshop will determine also if we do  continue or not because there will come a point where all these service providers feel that they do not see the returns on their investment and not send the delegates anymore. i have been approached by various music supporting agents who would love to come and touch base with the PE people. How do I begin to meet their wish when workshop or a music discussion is the last thing in the minds of the role players?

Sometimes even more strongly these days i feel what stands before the Eastern cape is not merely the resources but a mindset. in the part of all those that needs to collaborate energies to make it work they just not gelling. Government, private, artists, media everyone. sustainable development will only begin with each individual taking responsibility from fans to every entity out there.


The Mastabilda

In Conversation with The First King Mr. Soul Clapper No.1

Yahkeem Ben Israel is an emcee, an event coordinator, a community leader and an entrepreneur. With three projects, The Spirit Level, The one who builds and the classic Concrete Thoughts album under his belt, Grass Roots Festival on its third year and being the reigning South African Hip-Hop Award King of the Eastern Cape, Yahkeem is a man on the move, destined for greatness.

SOUL CLAP SESSIONS founder Nkqo managed to pin down the king for an online interview about his third consecutive nomination for the King of the Eastern Cape (EC) category at the South African Hip-Hop Awards (SAHHA) and also to chat about general key points concerning the Eastern Cape hip-hop scene.

Nkqo: Shalom king. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your third consecutive South African Hip-Hop Awards (SAHHA) nomination for the King of the Eastern Cape (EC) category.

Yahkeem Ben Israel: Enkosi kakhulu kumkani. I owe you a phone call. I will do it ksasa ngomso.

Nkqo: Okay dope! Looking forward to the call. Yahkeem, mandiyitshay’ isaqhuma! This is your third consecutive nomination for the King of Eastern Cape by the South Hip-Hop Awards (SAHHA), meaning you have been nominated in all the SAHHA since its inception. I was even hard pressed to find that in other provinces. What makes you that head?

Yahkeem: I love what I do Nkqo. I don’t do what I do for nominations, I did it long before there was SAHHA, but I must say it inspires me greatly to have people on a national scale acknowledging my efforts. To answer you I simply do me.

Nkqo: In your opinion, how has the SAHHA contributed or assisted in the development of the EC hip-hop scene over the last three years of its existence?

Yahkeem: In my own experience it opened doors that would have not opened if it was not for the endorsement of such a professional and effective entity. On the grand scheme of things though, SAHHA on their own would never move anything on our behalf. We as EC natives must do things to develop our province.

Nkqo: What's your take on the fact that not even Ifani is nominated on the main categories? I mean by main categories, the ones that are determined by the public vote. What does this mean about Eastern Cape heads to the SA Hip-hop scene? Should we start to worry?

Yahkeem: Yes. I believe we need to worry, but beyond worry we need to put in work. We need to be visible. We need to kill it. We need to stop fighting amongst one another and leave the mentality of throwing mud on anyone who shows himself to be moving. Eastern Cape is not an island we need to push beyond the province.

Nkqo: I feel you kumkani ‪#‎handless‬. Ha! As the reigning SAHHA King of the EC, what would you say is the province's biggest obstacle? We obviously have the talent. What seems to be the stumbling blocks here?

Yahkeem: We do not empower ourselves with simple and basic knowledge an artist should have. We look so much at what others are doing and not to the detriment of our own movement/progress. We have scores of performers and arm-chair analysts and few workers who will dedicate their energy and time in uplifting the province. Where are the bloggers? Where are radio presenters? Hip Hop journalist? Promoters? Managers? Videographers? You name them. The focus is on being a dope rapper and that is not enough.

Nkqo: That makes some much sense. I personally question EC bloggers all the time. Actually I think it should be a crime if one is studying journalism in the Eastern Cape and claims she/he loves hip-hop, but she/he is not blogging about it just for fun or building up her/his profile. Ok cool, enough about what I think. Why should the Eastern Cape be seen as something special in this competitive South African Hip-hop industry?

Yahkeem: Eastern Cape is raw and untapped. It is rich in almost all elements of Hip Hop. Our rap is characterized by heavy content which is the direct influence of political history most activists that commanded and influence the rest of South Africa with their thoughts. Given enough push EC could represent RSA internationally.

Nkqo: Are you sure you are talking general here or you are really uttering about yourself. Hahahaha. This year you are nominated withTsviehloheem ThePrince, your former group-mate of Khululekani [Let my people free]. Will we ever see the legendary Khululekani together again on stage or perhaps on a recorded joint, nje for some dope reason?

Yahkeem: Honestly I do not have a definite answer for that question. I try to avoid talking about Khululekani. I do not want to raise people’s hopes and not deliver. I love Khululekani with all my heart, that’s all I want the people to know. KK made me.

Nkqo: Come on Mastabilda! If you can lead a province, one assumes the right to think you can lead a hip-hop group. Your last thoughts on KK?

Yahkeem: We decided to quit KK. We did not have time for the crew. We kept messing up performances due to lack of practise. The day where we can fully dedicate time to KK then maybe we can bring it back. But also we do not want to rule out that just maybe KK's time came and went. Everything in its season.

Nkqo: Sweet! What is leadership in your opinion?

Yahkeem: Leadership is Influence.

Nkqo: Ok chill! No need for perfect sentences. Hahaha. No jokes though, I agree with that ish like my grab agrees with the mic at a dope session.. Who would you like to have a business lunch with?

Yahkeem: Osmic. If not, the premier of the Eastern Cape.

Nkqo: Haha. Go figure or gold finger! Which artists would you take along to that lunch?

Yahkeem: Adon Geel; Luckeez and WordsUntame

Nkqo: If you had to advise the MEC of Sport, Arts and Culture, what would you highlight?

Yahkeem: EC is talent rich and the continuous Provincial Brain drain is killing The Province. As part of their job creation drive they should never neglect the arts.

Nkqo: What is it that you love about the province, beside its talent in music?

Yahkeem: It is not over saturated. You still can connect with nature and the people. I love EC, it’s chilled.

Nkqo: I don't know if you've been to the Wild Coast, it's one of my favourite parts of the Eastern Cape. In fact, next time we host Soul Clap Sessions in Coffee Bay, I would be honoured if you would headline the line-up. What say you?

Yahkeem: I would be humbled and honoured to headline such an event. I have deep respect for Soul Claps; they have invigorated what was formerly known as the border region. It would be my first time also to the wild coast. So let’s do it.

Nkqo: It’s a deal king. Now, can you tell us something we do NOT know about the Grass Roots Festival?

Yahkeem: It is literally something from nothing. Graf might be the answer to most of the things EC Hip Hop been lacking on.

Nkqo: Can you tell us something we must know about the Grass Roots Festival?

Yahkeem: Grassroots Arts Festival bridges the gap and seeks to introduce the EC to the rest of South Africa. This year we will have the most improved Grass Roots Festival.

Nkqo: Why is the history of Urban Connection sessions important to the Eastern Cape hip-hop scene going forward?

Yahkeem: God! The Urban Connection! My man the significance of that history cannot be expressed properly in words. It introduced us to one another, it was a hub for creatives, it was an engine, a healing space, our escape, if there was ever a time when just being in a session was important it was that time. It was a spring board for movements across EC. Urban Connection renewed our hope made us believe in the Eastern Cape. Every dope emcee from EC has been there.
I don’t know if I answered you but you just took me back.

Nkqo: Yeah darkie yam! hahaha! Good memories indeed. Now we are in leadership positions and still shaping the Eastern Cape hip-hop scene. Can you name 5 rappers to lookout for in the EC?

Yahkeem: Automatic, Peace Avenue, Bliss, Static Flo and I met two cats at the Soul Claps on that abstract flow.
A special shout out to Blaqseed, Mr Douw, Nomsiki and Poetic Rebellion.

Nkqo: Word! Since we are now shouting out, I might as well tag my homeboys, Rhyme Related. What's up OIL, D Raw & Viking, Lush, I can go on forever. Which artist are you gonna be collaborating with next? Why that exact artist and why that specific producer?

Yahkeem: We are at the studio currently working on Builders Digest an album we are releasing next year. As for now we have worked with Cush Solomon, Adon Geel, Subz, War Snare, and other awesome producers. We have Naked Eye, Bonafide(LDF), Ranto, Nqontsonqa, Asanda Bam, Smerf, Bella, Love child and we are still working. I worked with these individuals because they are gifted and they respect their craft.

Nkqo: In your opinion of course, can you drop me 5 dope hip-hop producers in the EC.

Yahkeem: Top Shayela | Beatology | Adon Geel | Cush Solomon | Mr Measure | Myth

Nkqo: Which EC hip-hop deejay brings the house down for you?

Yahkeem: Kenichi is crazy with it. Adon Geel and Ms Jay are too smooth, Simone was a beautiful surprise, Subz and Beatology are brave. Everything is about the mood and concept. RIP Dj Miles

Nkqo: Ok cool, back to the awards. When we met in both the last SAHHA, exactly the same two thoughts kept coming to my mind. One, "****, this king keeps getting taller and taller, and two, this brother doesn't only look dope, but he represents the Hebrew Israelites Nation with proud and honour. Who designs your dope outfits?

Yahkeem: LOL that’s what you thought? LOL this cracks me. My wife is my stylist.

Nkqo: What do you say to critics who state that Grass Roots Festival is another Port Elizabeth event with Yahkeem's friends from J - Sec?

Yahkeem: I do not have to say anything to them. Nkqo abantu bakuhlala bethetha. If anyone thinks what I am doing is not fully representing then let them initiate something that will represent the way they hope Graf should represent.

Nkqo: Solid! Any last words to the heads?

Yahkeem: Keep it moving. Do you! Don’t complain. No one owes you anything. A dope script won’t sustain you.

Nkqo: "A dope script won't sustain you", I hear you. Oh well, that brings us to the end. Thank you so very much Yahkeem. Send my respect to your wife and kids for allowing me to borrow your attention. By the way, I think your oldest daughter has beautiful bright eyes. ‪#‎future‬ ‪#‎nations‬ ‪#‎health‬‪#‎wealth‬. I give thanks kumkani. Dope claps.

Yahkeem: Thank you for the opportunity that you have given The Mastabilda to connect with the Soul Clappers. My wish is that we all learn from one another and elevate our push beyond Eastern Cape. We need those who are not necessarily artists but believers of what we do to go to school come back and occupy key positions in relevant structures and organisation and help us push from inside. We sometimes pitch ideas to people who are totally ignorant of the texture of our art. We need an inside man. Shalom Shalom.

The 3rd annual Grass Roots Festival is on the 5th – 7th December in Motherwell NU2 stadium. Hip-hop lovers from all over the country, especially in the Eastern Cape are invited to be part of this hip-hop festival. Line-up to the Grass Roots Festival will be announced soon.

Follow Yahkeem Ben Israel on these links:
soundcloud.com/yahkeem
mp3twit.com/j6x
http://youtu.be/8mmogcFBBNs
http://youtu.be/8XMms8D4JYU

A Concrete Thought review by Ncedisa Mpemnyama

Yahkeem Ben Israel and Mama Iris Mqotsi.

An award winning luminary in the Eastern Cape hip-hop scene, Yahkeem Ben Israel is a highly respected lyricist who has been among a few who have withstood the rigors of time in an art form that breeds despondency. He is a proponent of what he and his colleagues call “Truth Music”, a sub-genre which seeks to return hip-hop to its prophetic tradition; a tradition which has been waning since its incorporation into capitalism.

Yahkeem has recently released an LP called Concrete Thought. A twenty track blitzkrieg that uses hip-hop as a lens to assess what this country is and is not. From track one titled in-throw, which ends with a visceral speech from what sounds like Khalid Muhammad, the temperament is an in your face, no holds barred reckoning with black life. In the song, Yahkeem says “zihlabana nje ziyalamba/ wonke lombhodamo uzalwa luphango”. Here he utilizes a Xhosa idiom which speaks of cows in a kraal that fight among themselves because of hunger. This hunger is what Concrete Thought is about. A meditation on why there is so much internal conflicts amongst blacks and equally why they (blacks) reside away from respectability as a race?

The album also functions to raise awareness on the life and times of one Livingstone Mqotsi, an educator, lawyer and author; a veteran of the Unity Movement and a committed anti-apartheid community leader who died dissatisfied with how the lives of the people he loved remained relatively untransformed after the advent of democracy. Apart from the mediocre song dedicated to his memory, you are left thinking, shouldn’t the LP have probed more on this remarkable revolutionary? I feel more needed to be done in the album in order to popularize his ideas. The song is more biographical than ideas-centered, unlike what the leader of Unity Movement, I.B Tabata once demanded of those engaged in the struggle against apartheid. The Unity Movement which Tabata and Mqotsi were a part of thoroughly respected ideas and I had hoped to get this coming out clearly with the song in question.

There is an interesting language conundrum which seems to make itself into a problem for the artist in question. The old colonial versus indigenous language tension, which often burdens the artist. With a song like indaba kwamkhozi for example, which is the strongest joint in the LP, Yahkeem sounds at ease with regards to delivery. On the song he sounds like an old erudite man dispensing oral stories around a fire whereas on some English songs like same cause he sounds unsure and lacks the conviction of indaba. This is a problem that will continue to afflict South African hip-hop for a long time until it is clearly and completely decolonized.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mmogcFBBNs

Black artists representing the cultural wing of the Black Power Movement, i.e. the Black Arts Movement were already wrestling with this problem of decolonization of the arts in the late 1960's. Larry Neal, one of its prominent members, had this to say about this issue in his well-known essay, (Black Arts Movement by Larry Neal), "It is the opinion of many black writers, I among them, that the western aesthetic has run its course: it is impossible to construct anything meaningful in its decaying structure. The cultural values inherent in western history must be radicalized or destroyed, and we will probably find that even radicalization is impossible."

What this means is that we have to decide at some point, do we stop hankering for inclusion in the dominant white value system or do we seek to reject them and construct a new value system as Biko intimated long ago?

This debate is the most important aspect of Concrete Thought. Apart from the stunning musicianship which drips from every well-conceived song, what differentiates it from most LPs coming from the margins of the music industry is its strong revolutionary themes. Most ‘conscious’ art these days resides at the ‘protest’ level. The grotesque thing about ‘protest’ art is that it seeks recognition and inclusion in the dominant structure. It is not for the total transformation of the system in order to allow equal access for all according to merit.

From the onset Yahkeem eschews protesting. He seems to be listening to the poet Etheridge Knight’s acerbic criticism of protest art which functions like a sharp assegai stabbing the body of western aesthetic. Knight puts the problem thusly, "now any black man who masters the technique of his particular art form, who adheres to the white aesthetic, and who directs his work toward a white audience is, in one sense, protesting. And implicit in the act of protest is the belief that a change will be forthcoming once the masters are aware of the protestor's ‘grievance’ (the very word connotes begging, supplications to the gods). Only when that belief has faded and protesting end, will black art begin".

The LP has its moments of weakness, like the rigid nationalist world view with its homophobic rants of rejecting ‘sodomy’, and the naivety inherent in songs like come out of here, where the artist wants to drag misguided brothers and sisters out of the hell-hole that is racist capitalism, as if it’s that simple. This is naive in that there is no free zone or space within capitalism, what you have only are the systems’ inner contradictions which when destroyed can offer a new world.

What one gets to confront after the 20th song of a rather longish LP is the realization that here is an artist who is done with protesting and is on the road towards the creation of black art, the only art with an aesthetic that can still offer the whole redemption. Yahkeem’s Concrete Thought is a must have, Shalom Yahkeem!

You will find the review by Unathi Slasha on the same album interesting:

http://www.yahkeembenisrael.blogspot.com/2013/03/concrete-thought-review-penned-by.html

Concrete Grind Review by Thandikhaya Mzozoyana

 

On 7 of July, 469 Bar Lounge was the place to be for PE hip hop heads. The Grassroots Arts Festival presenting the Concrete Grind show for the third time this year. The last two show brought us Projektah from east rand and Naked Eye from the Vaal. With this one i guess Yahkeem and his team figured they should go big or go home. The BeatOven and Yourlokalhead inclusion on the line-up promised to be a memorable show.
With Adon Geel stuck in Grahamstown, Yahav was left to make lyrical marathon for the Sons of Law set. He delivered and did not disapoint but Geel was missed. When is the album dropping? The BeatOven mixed a head banger set after Yahav's food for thought lyrics. The combination of the Two Headed Monster and X-LYRICIST was lethal. X-LYRICIST is a lyrical genius and cats must watch out 'cause "it's the rise of the LYRICIST". Storm got on stage and pleased the crowd and what is a Storm set without the 'THUNDER STORM PLATFORM'. During the i...nterval Dj Sebs of KQ fm dropped a soulful mix on the decks. Highlight of the day was when Kubl5senses gave his students, Nyikima and Pythagorhymes, the mic. Nyikima and Pythagorhymes ripped the mic to shreds and suprised the shit out of me and everybody else. Kubla felt the heat of being outdone by his own proteges, so he took the last leg and killed. The Grand Finale remix put a lid on an epic perfomance. Can Yourlokalhead and The BeatOven top that? That was the question.

The BeatOven is not any ordinary deejay, he's a live perfoming deejay. Yourlokalhead's command and manipulation of the crowd was amazing. Yahkeem was under pressure but delivered as always.
"The success of a show is not the quantity of the audience but the quality of the sound" those are the words of the Mastabilda. The sound was crisp, the mics were perfect. The bouncer minus the three piece suite was Ohayv a.k.a the love writer himself. The only disapointment was when we was told, 'IPHELILE'. ‪#‎PEACE

Malcolm X Autobiography as told to Alex Haley

Alex Haley is the most amazing African writer to have ever lived. There would have never been a better qualified individual to capture and reflect accurately the life and time of the giant Malik El Shabazz.

The book oozes with inspirations, intense emotions and motivation for black people in particular. It is so graphic you won’t help yourself but feel you knew Malcolm X personally.

 

The Lesson I extracted from it was that History Controls Destiny. How?

 

Malcolm growing up has no special life or extraordinary upbringing. He was a typical black child faced with adverse conditions brought forth by the illusion of white supremacy. The assassination of his father worsened matters driving his mother into insanity. One thing that had a negative impact on the Little’s, as a family they had to be separated due to his mother being institutionalised.

 

From that point on the road was strictly downhill, deteriorating by the second. Malcolm was moved to one of their elderly sisters in the city; just imagine a rural boy fascinated by city trinkets. Blinded by the city lights he got heavily involved in drugs, prostitution, and crime in general. He was the man in the streets, man of many names that sought to describe his street smartness.

The turn-around, his awakening was strangely brought by his incarceration. With the inspiration he got from his blood brothers who were now fervent followers of the man that was introduced to him as a lamb and a messenger of Allah, Elijah Muhammad.  He begun to study and read himself into sanity. He explored The History of Black People, Extensive European history and mythology, plight of black people, black traces in the scriptures, ancient black civilizations, etc. 

 

The Connection of Black people to grandeur, greatness and splendour changed his perception of himself, his environment, the world and his role as a black man. He rose from the ashes, the lowest pits, the depths of wickedness and sin to be amongst the most influential Black figure in the History of life.  He did that with no formal education, he became one of the first so called ex-con’s to rehabilitate them through study and hold public lectures in the finest institutions of higher learning. His life and transformation redefined Educatedness and questioned the need for formal education as it stands currently.

 

Malcolm X epitomizes evolution. He was born Malcolm Little, transitioned and conquered the world as Malcolm X, and was Malik El Shabazz at his exit. Each of these figures has their own individuality and tone of Voice.

Grassroots arts Festival 2012

 

Grassroots arts festival is something from nothing. you can get in contact with them by emailing grassrootsartsfestival@gmail.com

Indaba Kwamkhozi Video Remake 12 May 2013

Wehad an amazing time today shooting a music video for the viral Indaba kwamkhozi song featuring Phira and Adon Geel on the beat. Peace to Reel Creative Media and The Hebrew Kollective.

For More information you may contact us at grassrootsartsfestival@gmail.com

Pictures courtesy Makhi Concepts

The Sprite Uncontainable Talent Search_ Port Elizabeth Leg

Mind That

I am not the one that was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I am part of those that had to scramble and fight to get anything going for them. This trained me very early in my life. It taught me to be a soldier and it taught me to endure. I learnt to use whatever small thing I had effectively.

 

This was critical teaching in my upbringing. “Creating something out of nothing” is a motto I adopted, or it rather adopted me I don’t really know. All I know is I had nothing, I have nothing but I am determined I am going to create something that is going to outlast most things most people have and they parade every day.

Don’t get this twisted I am not aiming to write and inform you about material acquisitions. NO! Life is beyond that. I was blessed with an infinite creative mind-set; it has limitless abilities it can create a new universe for all its other powers are yet to be revealed as I journey along. I will guard that mind with every molecule I have in my body. It is a greatest treasure any human being can ever have.

 

Your mind is a control station. If you are not in control of your conditions and thoughts then my friend your mind is a controlled station. You can’t allow that. You being great successful, your being you and your being everything that you are at peace with depend on it. Then the question is would you waste thought trying to entertain what people might be thinking and saying about you? Or would you rather spend your time discovering your true potential?

 

You need to make that distinction. Fight for who you want to become. Don’t let your condition hold you back. Ayililo ilizwe lenkenke eli. If you have brains you have everything and more remember that. Life is about soldiering after all.

It is never about the Hype

It is easy to get caught up in the hype of things. it is easy to recite meaningless words when the true spirit of what got you picking up the pen is gone. it is easy to do the right thing with the wrong spirit. it is easy to point fingers. it is easy to be plastic.

the world is transient, organics are expensive because there is always a cheaper imitation just around the corner. this has forced a lot of trusted brands to water down, and weaken their material to keep up with times and survive the times.

you really get cornered empty shows and hungry children. Demanding parents, and rising prices. What do you do? Quit and focus on an unfulfilling job. Do you give in and like Torea release an album explaining why you had to give in. do all these people like when we post status updates calling ourselves Real heads really purchase our albums.

Must we really sound stupid to sell? are people dumb? could the record executives be right that people are dumb, stupid and lazy they dont want to think? if they not everything the labels say they are, why is there no intelligent music on the main stream?

Personally i refuse to give in. i am a writer before i am a rapper. i beleive in the greater cause. i will keep on speaking even though my voice drowns in the mainstream noise. i will not do what i do not like because i need cash.

Deutoronomy 23 vs 23

23

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Shalom Family beleive in your abilities you maybe the one you are waiting for. stop looking next door and making excuses. It is not about the hype remember that.

Concrete Grind Review by Thandikhaya Mzozoyana

The Concrete Grind ön Sunday was epic. It started late but most of us were late anyway. After the appologies by the Mastabilda, Storm got the busine$$ going with the "THUNDERSTORM PLATFORM".

 

Storm is a legend period and i always pity an artist that perfoms after his set. Yis tried but lacked energy and delivery. The beat battle between Adon Geel and Subz was mind blowing. Geel was on that soul tip while Subz kept dishing out head bangerz only, and during that battle MC's got on stage and kicked their verses. Romano entertained us with his wacky signature laugh and we got a suprise by the name of X-LYRICIST, the kid packs heat(watch out Yahav).

 

Subz won the beat battle. Hustle Simmons gave a dope set and out rapped himself, there's a track called "ZIKHIPHANI" were he explains that he is doing it for the love(don't get it twisted though he wants the gwap but he ain't gona fake it), it's for the heads. Hustle ain't tryin' to save the world. Sons of ...Law are out to "save the world" and they also killed it with Yahav being the more charismatic member of the duo. During their perfomance my lil' bro was like, "bhuti this is the kind of music you need to sit down and listen carefully". Amandla to the Sons of Law!

 

Naked Eye almost stole the show and shipped it to the Vaal, it's hard to please a PE crowd especially when you're out of town but Naked Eye had us singing alöng to his hooks like he was our homeboy. He closed his set with a Sotho track and we sang along to that as if it was our first language. Sifuna uNaked Eye abuye qha...

 

Yahkeem made sure that the title stay at home by starting at a high note "HARD HITTING" and that got us going buck wild(we were not bobbing our heads, we were bobbing from the wast up). The Mastabilda gave his all perfoming tracks from his previous album and current one. Sprite was in the house reminding heads to trust their instinct and big up to Yahkeem for organising that.

 

 We're looking forwad to the next Concrete Grind instalment and big up to the Grassroots Festival. PEACE!

Do not Forget to March

March is one of the most significant months in South Africa. It is a month of defiance, a month of selflessness most of all a month to honour and celebrate the martyred. On the 21^st March 1960 our people under the leadership of the Pan African Congress challenged the status quo by handing in the dompases, the march led to a blood bath which to this day the actual number of people that were killed by the askaris cannot be verified. This was dubbed the Sharpeville massacre and subsequently the day as Heroes day.

The day is significant because beyond everything else it displays the will of our people to move as a collective. It also instils in us the living the need for sacrifice which in my vocabulary sacrifice is giving up something of high value for something of even greater value. What is greater than life? When you give your life away for the cause of the collective what do you gain? This is a question I cannot be able to answer today nor in a century to come. I simply scribble to acknowledge and give praise to the unknown. Honour the fallen and forgotten.

It is indeed amazing how we as a society are selective in celebrating our heroes. We embrace what media endorses; we are not free to remember whomever we will, whenever we will. Our perceptions are policed and channelled in accordance to required ends. We are not even aware that such is occurring; we wallow willingly in this quagmire with the outmost contentment.

 

Those that lost their lives so that we gain ours would be honoured if we could start being radical in our thinking. They would be pleased by us being modest and carry on the torch for the absolute liberation of our beings. They would at least smile in whatever form they are in by seeing young people living meaningful lives that displays totally the commitment to vision of our people. They would be humbled by our being Valliant warriors who roar for change.

 

As you enjoys the crumbs of capitalism and spoils of post 94 be mindful of the sacrifices of those gone by do not squander their blood as if it were mere swine that was slayed. Do not be a neo colonialist and oppress your own by introducing self-serving laws. The fight is not yet over because the current scuffle is not a fight against a race but a war against certain principalities that fail the efforts of our heroes. I would love one day to author a truimphant story of the present generation.

 

This March, do not be afraid to think outside the dictates of society. This March, do not be timid. This March take on the spirit of 1960. This March, remember your heroes. This March, forget party loyalty and embrace Truthism. This March, begin a journey to the everlasting books life. This March, do not only speak of greatness be about greatness. This March.

Yahkeem ben Israel

Concrete Thought Review Penned by Unathi DarkBlood Slasha

If you are looking for punch lines in a project or music that puts you into a dance mood then you may as well stop reading this! The album kicks off with a nice beat then Yahkeem’s raspy voice is heard polemically articulating his dissatisfaction and concern with the current status quo, and how he is affected and confined to suffer the repercussion of the past socio-political –economic system and white capitalism and its exploitation, blaming them for his present sticky plight.

 The second track is on that ‘’ Keep it real’’ steez, it sounds too street yet he drops science with ease. One can easily tell that he despises rap music that suffers from dearth of lyrical depth and substance. Throughout the whole project he embodies and showcases his lyrical ability and flashes his prowess by flossing his creativity as a bilingual emcee when he fluently switches from English to rap in isiXhosa. His vigorous delivery ranges from a conversational rabbi’s typical manner of imparting a lesson to a fast-rap-machine-gun spitting a barrage of literary scripts. My favourite tracks on the album include “They gave us”, “ New Chain” feat Ohayv, “Hard Hitting”, “Come Out Of Her”, “Mind in Chains” Feat Tsviel the Prince, “Letter from the pen”, “ Response” and “Simple truth” featuring the likes of Naked Eye, Quaz,Yahav, Yis and Shmael.

The whole project is highly inspired and is dedicated as a salutation to the life and writings of the honourable Livingstone Mqotsi.
He is suggesting that people listening to the project should delve deep and find out who Mqotsi was since a lot of people have no idea who he was and what he has done for the liberation of the black nation. The production on the album is definitely not the dopest you have ever heard. But do not be fooled by that grave statement because Geel does justice to Concrete Thought. Marro, Eden, Xct and Vast words also contributed with beats to this offering to help diversify the sound on the album. I feel that the “Back in the days” track that is produced by Luckeez is not meant to be part of this piece of work. The beat is seriously weak. Or is it me? Or am I too used to Hip-hop sampled beats? Nonetheless the overall of the song sounds dull and it does not arouse any interest that leads one to endure enough and listen to the lyrics. I feel that it should have been excluded from the album. I comprehend that Yahkeem was attempting to have a Radio track that the public may easily relate to. But “Indaba Kwamkhozi” with Phira (the dude is a ridiculously gifted vocalist) sounds pretty fresh, and is one of the most outstanding cuts on the project that Radio stations ought to be playing for the public as a musical treat.

What I enjoy the most on some of the tracks is the art of song arrangement how he appropriately picked relevant audio clips from different revolutionary speakers and meticulously interwoven them with the beats of the songs at the end to further thoroughly explicate and emphasize the point he is attempting to convey. I personally think that this is Yahkeem’s best work ever to be put out for the public. Out of all his previously released material, this is the project that stands out to bare evidence that he is a dedicated and diligent lyricist that waits to be celebrated. The project should be a paragon of social commentary and politically charged raps, and music that carries a message to the masses in the Bay since the realm of rapping is largely dominated and overcrowded by punch line orientated raps. I say this due to the mere fact of lyrical consistency throughout the album. I believe every single head that has love for rhymes that are accompanied by logic and reason is obliged to raise both thumbs with extreme confidence and recommend this offering to others with the same taste in rap music.
The bard

The song For Mqotsi's Lyrics

Yahkeem Ben Israel Ft. Sane (of Words Untame) Produced by Bongani Eden Koza

 

Sane: Time, time and time again/

 they take them out/

one by one shut them up/

feed them so they can’t pull out/

surely Truth will rise again/

sure to ease the aches and pains/ young man/

you were made by the works not by the gains/

by the fruits yea shall know what seeds they have sown/

Verse one:

You can never be acknowledged equally on both armies/

Neither can you be an agent for both parties/

Simply because you’ll love the other/

And hate the other/

Let the words I utter/

Resonate in your soul as I convey the story of the father/

The honourable comrade Mqotsi the Livingstone/

In His life time He proved a brimstone/

Fire to the opposition/

Firmly fixed to the cause no level of education/

Could pollute his vision/

Love for his people sparked rejection/

An outcast who never partied in the annihilation/

Of his own/ never known/

To wantonly gobble the spoils on the table of the master/

A soldier/ who like the seven sons choice the grave than tasting the swine’s meat/

Deliberately dancing off beat/ to the master’s tune…

Chorus:  You will always be in my memory/ It’s for you brother one true other/ You will always be in my memory/ It’s for you and matters we do things for/

Verse Two:

Not everyone engaged in the struggle was in it for the whole/

Some secretively persuade their personal goals/

Livie remains a Sole/

 Example of a soul/

Totally committed/

 When he was rejected/

By the education system because of his radical views/

He never kneeled before the machine begging for crumbs/

Instead he intensified the cause/

Defied their laws/

 He served liberatory interests/

With the purity of infants/

In his quest to disseminate Truth about the beast/

He pioneered publications/

Entertaining content relevant to the black nation/

His mission/

Was loosening the minds in chains/

As long as ignorance reigns/

The master’s grip remains/

He gains/ overwhelming power over the back souls

 

Chorus:

Verse Three:

His troubles begun to increase as people awoke to the apartheid scam/

His efforts demanded the subjects to act/

Ink from his pen proved to be a threat/

With an impact/

That surpass all chaotic riots combined/

All hell broke loose when this refined scholar released the house of bondage/

It sparked rage/

The fury from the pale system had him skipping states/

To seek refuge in the diaspora/

Where he remained until the apartheid order/

Was seemingly overthrown/ the tone/

Of his voice during the negotiations/

Through to the dawn of the new dispensation/

Haunted the black images advancing the white cause/

His stance had him muted and considered shelf material/

Until his burial/

The ruling class pretended as if he never existed/

Musical Profile

Emerging from the hostile streets of Motherwell, Eastern Cape's Largest Township is Yahkeem the Mastabilda a Profound lyricist, Poet Extra oedinaire, social commentator and Cultural activist. Yahkeem is a Hebraic name denoting "The one who builds", The Mastabilda is self explanatory and was given to him as by the GHETTO YOUTH UPRISING a social movement based in Motherwell, after observing the zeal and level of mastery in his quest to provide alternatives for his people. Mastabilda is more an attribute than a name. Growing up in the township he spent most of his time in the sphere of thought as he never mastered any of the ghetto arts fit to exalt and gain one glory in the hood this was a blessing in disguise for it enhanced his imagination, which was to be chief weapon in his arsenal in latter days.

It was very early in his life that he started to be fond of his pen, with no direction really aligning to anything that was popular on TV. The environment was not assisting him as well; it was dry and provided no motivation, inspiration or platform for a would-be artist. Things shaped up very late with the formation of the mighty Ghetto youth Uprising. It was in 2003 that he started to take his writing serious juggling in-between essays and rap scripts.

This was the same year that Khululekani an IsiXhosa Hip Hop outfit which proved a powerhouse not only in P.E but Thru out the Eastern Cape was formed, their glory stretching as far as places like Joburg and Cape Town to mention but a few. Khululekani enjoyed massive following and The Mastabilda was in the thick of things pioneering an era with this dynamic crew. He was a member alongside Tsiviel the Prince (one of p.e's fine and explicit rhyme slayer) and Ohayv (Founding member and vocalist of Usiba Noncwadi). K.K as it was affectionately known went on to release a greatly anticipated self titled E.P that enjoyed massive radio rotation from stations like Kqfm, Uwfm, Khanya fm,Bay Fm etc after the success of the E.P however life spiraled to different zones and made it almost impossible for the trio to meet and rehearse.

This vacuum set up a platform for Yahkeem to explore music as a soloist. 2009 saw a lethal combination between the Mastabilda and The Musical genius Beatology their interaction gave birth to THE SPIRIT LEVEL a bootleg album that wrecked havoc nationally. Prior the release the project got coverage in publication such as hype magazine it was the splendidly launched in April 2009 at Umhlobo wenene fm an on air one hour Launch this was a biggest step any independent artist has ever taken and a grand entrance on the scene. The Spirit Level established Yahkeem as the best kept secret and a jewel of hip Hop in South Africa. that very year got him performing in the sessions like The Hype sessions(The P.E leg), Queenstown annual Hip Hop session, Intloko Zeenyoka Launch, to mention a few.

In the year 2010 as South Africa was preparing to welcome the world Yahkeem Was busy at the Heavenly approved Studios with Geel Ben Israel eastern cape's most gifted and versatile producer working on an E.P entitled The One who builds with this project he went all out promoting it countrywide Performing it at sessions like Street Pop and did Splash Jam twice the same year (both in Joburg), Mr. Pickwicks, and townships around Cape Town. Massive activity also on The Fan parks and fifa zones around the bay. It enjoyed rotation on stations like ujfm, uwfm, trufm, vowfm, hedelbergfm, e.tc... The same year he was a panelist in The Splash Jam Hip Hop Conference raising the flag for the marginalized Eastern Cape.

Yahkeem's work has caught attention of the following media platforms:

Publications:

The Herald, Hype magazine. Ilizwi, Izimvo e.t.c

Radio Coverage:

UMhlobo Wenene fm, Kqfm, Fortefm, Rmr, Vut, ujfm, hot96, Bay fm, www.rechrgedradio.com, Trufm, Goodhopefm, Hedelberg fmuct fm, Khanya fm, alex fm, Moretele Community radio, Israelitemix, V.O.Wfm, Radio Graaf reiniet, Radio Zibonele E.t.c

Websites:

http://www.afrispora.com, http://rechargedradio.co.za, http://www.sheetstreet.co.za,,http://www.foundnation.co.za, http://www.reverbnation.com/TheMastabilda,http://www.facebook.com/mastabilda

Discography:

Intsimi Mixtape, Khululekani E.p, Concious Bling By Louzy Living, Bling City by Divided Souls(iamerican mixtape) The Spirit Level, The one Who Builds E.p, Formal Slang by Words Untame,Dj Zakes Mixtape, Truth Music Compilation, Reherb Mixtape, Officially Offside Mixtape(protest Compilation)

Latest Perfomances:

Opening Of The Season Hobbie beach 2010, Grass Roots arts Festival 2010, st. Georges Fan park2010, Fifa zone Central2010, Splash Jam 2010, Guild Theatre 2010 Mr Pickwicks 2010, Bensonvalle College 2009

Other music Related Abilities:

Radio Production, Deejaying, Master of ceremony, event Organisation, public speaking, Artist Management, Markerting and promotions.

Social Responsibility:

Workshopping inmates and motivating them to develop their artistry and interpersonal skills.