@GlobalRickJade: Love & Legacy In The Height Of Hip-Hop

Mona Scott Young is often accused of portraying the negatives of black artistry and existence with the Love & Hip-Hop franchise. In the South African context, we are living in what is arguably the biggest moment of hip-hop and experiencing a larger music industry than ever. At the same time, there are very few depictions of love in the face of hip-hop in our entertainment industry. However one of the longest relationships in the industry is that of Bontle Modiselle and Priddy Ugly. In October, the couple will celebrate 10 years of their love, and in the same year they have made their debut as 'Rick Jade'. For this reason, we invited them to join us for a Balcony Interview and a cover shoot at the Cathedral of Christ The King.

There is a certain calm about any church between mass services, but Johannesburg's cathedral is especially calming. Regardless of your faith, or belief in anything spiritual, the sanctity of the space can't be forgotten or downplayed. On the day of the shoot, Hillbrow bustled with its street salesman, tuck shops, and just across the street a tavern that serves alcohol before noon. None of this changed the nature of one's energy upon entering the cathedral parking lot. Preparing the set in hushed whispers, out of respect for the congregants who came to pray after morning mass, was an interesting experience. "Where do we set up," or "I hope the wardrobe isn't too risque," were the thoughts that entered our minds before Rick Jade arrived.

Minutes passed, then our team clocked its first hour in the church, and hunger began to settle among the crew. Thanks to some quick thinking, a long walk to an ATM, and hitching a ride back with a local cabbie, within minutes of Rick Jade arriving, pap, stew, chakalaka, and cold drinks were enjoyed. Shout out to JMPD for delaying our talent, but the show went on, and food made everyone more of a good sport. With Bontle in the makeup chair, Priddy proceeded to fit his shoot looks and looked like the most jiggy rapper in the land. Once Bontle was ready to fit her looks with our stylist, the show began.

After spending almost ten years together, the two entertainers move as one. When the topic of how studio sessions proceed was mentioned, Slikour comically noted that their relationship was one where sleeping with the talent isn't necessarily a bad thing. The duo laughed animatedly during the exchange, and when Bontle caught her breath, she said with a slight smirk, "We mix business with pleasure and it works."

What many may not know is that Bontle and Priddy have been working together for years. In studio, on set for a marketing campaign, or in social settings, being Rick Jade musically is not far removed from their real life either. “It’s cool, it’s natural, it’s organic,” Bontle says. “It helps when you get on the set, and you work with someone, and there’s a natural chemistry.”

Coming out as Rick Jade this year is only their public debut as a sonic duo, but Priddy says the name came up four years ago in Sandton City. “There was a store that looked like it could have been our store.” At the time, he thought, “It would be cool if we had like a Rick Jade type store.”  

The synergy between Bontle Modiselle and Priddy Ugly is next to indescribable, but it’s certainly palpable. However, they don’t lead with their love. In fact, the two are very professional and only speak on family matters when it truly relates to their communication as artists. Priddy believes one of the most important aspects of their relationship, which in turn bolsters their abilities as collaborators, is honesty. Neither hyper-affectionate nor over-exposed, details about their relationship are kept to a minimal. This doesn’t stop anyone from asking through and thankfully they opened up about their union with us.

“I proposed to Bontle in 2015. We sorted out our lobola last year,” Priddy explains. However, they believe that nobody deserves to have an opinion or pass judgement on their union, which is why they haven’t publicized this aspect of their engagement. Nevertheless, their bond is forever not only through their relationship, but through music. From February 14, 2019, whether or not anybody remembers that they were a romantic couple, music lovers will remember their single “Sumtin’ New.”

Moments like this have everything to do with Rick Jade’s legacy. Centering African artistry in creative dialogue is imperative for African artists to receive their roses before they pass onto the next life. To Rick Jade, this is the end goal of their career. Bontle Ba Afrika Productions and, their joint venture, ‘Global African Stream’ (aka Global African Sounds) seek to document Africa’s creative industries. “It would be such a shame if we came and went, and kids still couldn’t feel that they could be themselves truthfully and honestly,” Bontle notes.

Working as an entertainer places creators at the end of the timeline when it comes to storytelling, but the power lies in production. For Rick Jade, it is important that African art and excellence are celebrated as boldly as our creative industries produce and consume Western content. On top of sharing their creative endeavors, their impact on South Africa, and Africa at large, must also be quantified by what they have left behind.

In close, Rick Jade’sbond through love cannot be quantified numerically. Their union through music will unfold with every new release. But, most importantly, Rick Jade seeks to leave “a legacy of truth, love, [and] perseverance,” once they’ve stepped away from the limelight.

Credits

Misa Narrates, @misaNarrates, Creative Director

Khabazela Mahlangu, @artvillain, Photographer

Atlegang Malao, @atligang_, Assistant Photographer

Tsakane Mhlongo, @tsacassio, Grips

Nhlakanipho Tafuma, @juby__, Grips

Mulalo Teddy, @mulalo_teddy, Graphic Designer

Azania Forest, @azaniaforest, Stylist

Siyabong Mtshali, @siyababa_, Assistant Stylist

Anga Beyile, @theyoungshepherdboy, Assistant Stylist

Lenttonia Beauty, @Zinhle__, MUA

Special Thanks

We would like to thank the good people of the Cathedral of Christ The King for allowing us to enter their holy space. In addition, we thank Love More Music for lending us one of their guitars. Finally, we thank Converse and Samson for contributing to our wardrobe.