“A certain administration which I won’t call by name took the arts out of the schools, and that left the brothers out on the street with nothing, so they went to the turntables and started rhyming. Then they had a way to express themselves, and that’s the birth of hip-hop”. -Isaac Hayes.
Raheem Kemet is an artist that has lived and breathed hip hop for a very long time. From humble beginnings as a street MC to playing with a full band at major festivals, he has proved time and time again that he can deliver a charismatic performance on any platform. Since his introduction into the music scene, there has been a clear and perpetual evolution and growth in his artistry and approach to making music. This approach has taken this creative entertainer from the back alleys of grimy Durban to stages in Reunion Island and Seoul Korea. He has now signed a recording contract with Sony Music Africa, as well as being a partner in the new entertainment enterprise EMG.
On a grey winter’s morning, Raheem and his band The Maku delivered an up-to-the-minute performance in a distinctive location at The Vintager, 6 Station Drive, Durban. The segment was filmed for Aweh.online, by Justin McGee, Ricky Basnett, and Marc Maurel. The clothing was supplied and designed by Amanda Laird Cherry Apparel, with styling from Luyanda Sosibo and Alc Man. We caught up with Raheem to get a little more insight into his music. The video was edited by Justin McGee…
The Maku band members consist of:
The Grand Duke Raw: DJ
Logan Byrne: Bass Guitar
Yeshindra Naidoo: Drums
Drums Mthunzi Mchunu: Guitar
Nkululeko Sibisi: Keys
1. Firstly can you give me your name, age and what you do for a living?
Born Abdul Raheem Abdul-Rasheed aka Raheem Kemet. Age 36. Artist: Rapper/vocalist/poet. and one of the Entrepreneurs and Directors at EMG(Elevator Media Group) where I have teamed up with my brother Shaquille Abdul-Rasheed and Luyanda Sosibo in this exciting new venture.
2. Tell us about the culture of hip hop in Durban and what attracted you to the sub-genre initially?
Early 2000’s, I thought I was rapping when I left home and headed for my first ever gig that I was booked for taking place at a club called Rocbees on Stanger Street. See, the show I had soundcheck for was a fashion show that was gonna start later that night. Anyway, I arrived early enthusiastic as ever although trynna play it mellow because this was uncharted territory and I had to represent. There was some sort of audition going on and I didn’t understand, because why would I have to audition if I’m already booked? Regardless I thought it was a screening for the show to make sure no wakness got shine on that stage.
I stepped up and did one joint in front of these two afro-centric judges, whom one of them (blaq fist, Keith Kunene) I later would team up with for a few concept shows as The Reapers.
Got off stage and was told by the judges I didn’t make the cut. DJ NKA, the selector at that time pulled me aside and gave me a few wise and encouraging words, “you’re dope and got great potential, you just need to rap about your surroundings and tell your story, representing where you from” That was it, I got introduced to the true school of Durban’s hip hop. Took down his number, went home, wrote a new verse and called him to kick the script. Also, I got called by the fashion show later that afternoon and did do my first ever paid gig as an Emcee.
3. So what has been cooking in the Raheem Kemet camp at the moment, what can your audience expect from you in the next few months?
Musically, On the release front, people should lookout for a new single I collabed on with the multi-talented Raplyf artist and Producer Makwa, facilitated by Sony Music Africa and co-produced by Wes My Meds. I did most of the composition on this track with a little help from some guest producers. I just launched the campaign #Takemetoseoul for the Home Cooked Sessions event series with my business partner Luyanda Sosibo under our new company EMG (Elevator Media Group). The campaign and event series focuses on mentorship, giving a platform to local talent as well as being the bridge that facilitates new opportunities.
Something that’s been quite exciting to develop in the recent months is the live band concept to my music, and soon I’ll be introducing ‘The Maku’ to my live performance repertoire. The name is quite personal to my story and sets the tone for the African cultured elements I want to incorporate into my music.
Raheem Kemet & The Maku is a 6 piece ensemble bridging the gap between live and electronic instrumentation – orchestrated around music composed by myself. Together the ensemble produces a melodic fusion of sounds influenced by Jazz, Neo-soul, Hip Hop and Electronic music.
4. Tell us the best and the worst aspects of being a Durban creative?
Best, I create better here. The worst, the industry is at its infancy which in turn becomes a catalyst of the crab in the bucket syndrome for those who remain stubborn with unteachable spirits. Have a teachable spirit and that alone will cover a lot of ground in the journey ahead. Surround yourself with people who are as eager as you in your career. Remove the kak unapologetically.
5. Any advice for the young up and coming rappers trying to get into the scene?
Be open to learning. We all learn new things every day. Find your purpose in your art, like really dig.
6. What are the best and worst parts of the music industry?
Tough question. The best is when things come together, and the realisation that there’s a time for everything. The worst is when artist die broke because of the lack of understanding in business as well as not taking initiative in finding out more from the available organisations out there willing to assist.
7. What makes the city of Durban unique?
The diversity in our culture, our beaches, our famous Eastern cuisine, the raw explosive talent found in the most unexpected places, our beautiful people and the possibility of greatness in every form.
8. Tell us a bit about where you grew up and some of your early influences getting into music?
I grew up in Hopdale, Newlands West but had family in almost every section around our city.
My childhood and first contact with music was in the form of my mom’s old school soul/RnB/pop records, then my developed fan moments in Micheal Jackson and NWA tapes.
9. What are some of your favourite places to play in both Durban and the country?
My favourites are cultured and alternative spots, from art galleries to warehouse setups, to Roof Tops. I’ve played all the above. I mostly associate myself with movements that share the same values as me. The club scene is dope but limiting. I prefer spaces where I have the freedom to express in full form.
10. You are still based in Durban, have you ever thought about relocating for the sake of your music career and what has kept you here?
I would wanna stay Durban based and move around temporarily. I feel moving around is vital for a fresh perspective on things. But I don’t think I would relocate prematurely to another city. Learned that lesson already lol.
11. What are some of the best and worst parts of the city?
Home is where you make it fam. I’ve heard stories first hand from the stowaways to the uptown suburbs. Everybody out here trying to survive, there’s beauty and pain in everything. There’s gotta be something we could do for the homeless as a city. Not too sure yet, but there’s gotta be.
12. Do you think you will be rapping forever?
Nah, I’m a firm believer of evolution as an artist. I will write and compose music till I die yes, inshallah. The form in which it will manifest shall remain unpredictable. Being behind the scenes and helping others win as well, remains the vision. Aweh Skettit…
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