Earlier this month, we announced Sjava as the face of our February cover. In addition to shooting the cover in studio with us, he joined us in the latest episode of the Balcony Interview series. Prior to his arrival, we encouraged our social media fam to submit questions for the award-winning musician. In conversation with us, Sjava answered with as much depth as possible, but here are a few gems you may have missed from his interview.
Rapping is a skill, it must be practiced
Sjava related that rap music is something that must be practiced. For instance, in conversation with us, he explained that everything he writes may not ever make it to the studio. This is so because rap, like any art form, is one that requires practice and patience. Sjava eloquently compared the practice of writing lyrics to homework as a student. In essence, the activity is simply to test the strength of his pen in preparation for the times when he wants to exercise it on tracks like those that featured in his last studio album, Umqhele.
#ICYMI Sjava related that rap music is something that must be practiced. For instance, in conversation with us, he explained that everything he writes may not ever make it to the studio.
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 15, 2019
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His verse on "Vura" was a freestyle
Sjava jovially explains how his "Vura" verse came to exist. While he explained the importance of writing one’s bars beforehand, there is magic in a freestyle. Not to mention, his verse on "Vura" is likely one of his most iconic to date, according to the rapper.
In @Sjava_ATM's Balcony Interview, the rapper also took the time to explain how his iconic "Vura" verse came to be.
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 15, 2019
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The importance of paying homage
Nina Simone is an artist whom hip-hop has shown much love. Sjava noted the importance of South African artists paying homage to the musicians that came before them. For instance, he notes the value of working with artists like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, in the same way, that J Cole samples the likes of Chaka Khan’s generation.
Nina Simone is an artist whom hip-hop has shown much love. @Sjava_ATM noted the importance of South African artists paying homage to the musicians that came before them.
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 15, 2019
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Rap life isn’t always an easy life
When asked about how Emtee is doing, Sjava noted the difficulties that all artists face. There are various frustrations that come with being an artist, and sometimes they have nothing to do with the label to which they are signed. In conversation with Misa Narrates for his cover story, Sjava noted that before recently there was no “home” in the traditional and most common sense. In this way, before fame, problems he faced were of a different kind, whereas today the issues he notes are ones that come with success and more financial freedom. From the outside looking in, everything may seem grand, however, for the artists living their dreams, rap life isn’t always an easy life to live.
When asked about how @EmteeSA is doing, @Sjava_ATM noted the difficulties that all artists face. There are various frustrations that come with being an musician, and sometimes they have nothing to do with the label to which they are signed.
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 15, 2019
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Social media hate has an impact, even for the successful and famous
Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have made it even simpler for fans to reach their favorite artists. Gone are the days of writing letters to through a fan club, now people can type “@Sjava_ATM” and get in touch. However, not every message is positive, and for Sjava a learning curve was remembering that one nay-sayer in the face of hundreds of fans is not the voice to place one’s creative focus. When an artist receives hate, it is important to remember the positivity shared by fans and loved ones instead.
Social media is a tool at the end of the day, and for getting in touch with our favourite artists it is useful. However, @Sjava_ATM explains how Twitter and platforms like it can expose artists to debilitatingly negative energy.
— SlikourOnLife (@slikouron) February 15, 2019
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Credits
Misa Narrates, @misaNarrates, Creative Director
Khabazela Mahlangu, @artvillain, Photographer
Mulalo Teddy, @mulalo_teddy, Graphic Designer
Atlegang Malao, @atligang_, Assistant Photographer
Azania Forest, @azaniaforest, Stylist
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