The Close-Up Presents @iFani_Haymani And Speaks On AKA beef, Inspiring Doc Shebeleza, SONY deal & More

The first episode of The Close-Up features inventive rapper, writer, storyteller, and all-round entertainer iFani. He shares his unconventional journey from growing up New Brighton in Gqeberha to becoming an award-winning rapper and television host.

 iFani first broke through the scene with his chart-topping single Ewe, which introduced us to a new age Xhosa-rapper unique in style and dress. From featuring on YFM’s Hot 99 for his debut single Hola Haters, he went on to cover Hype Magazine, win a SAMA for Best Rap Album for his debut I Believes In Me, 1 st  Quadrant and graced some of the biggest stages on the South African entertainment calendar. 

 In 2015, for his second album, I Believes In Me, 2 nd  Quadrant, he set an ambitious goal to sell goal on the first day for album release. Controversy soon followed, with fellow rapper AKA accusing iFani of selling his album to alcohol brand Redds. iFani was in partnership with the brand at the time, performing countrywide on their Redds Carnival roadshows. 

 “I was overwhelmed by the backlash, it was disappointing to see some people who I thought were on my side, jumping over to AKA’s side, and it was too much for me to bear, so I took a step back.” – iFani says on the allegations and backlash from the rumour. 

 In the aftermath of the controversy, iFani would later take a break from the music and entertainment industry to go on a self-discovery journey. Four years later, he’s back making music and looking to reclaim his spot at the top.

 “I was leaving everything to focus on myself, one month turned into one year, one year turned into two years, two years turned into four years, so now, I have a chunk of four years,  me time.”, he says. 

 The Close-Up is a documentary styled web-series that explores the stories behind some of the most interesting personalities in media and entertainment.

 “The internet allows us the opportunity to tell our stories in our own voices. It’s important for us to document our culture and people in a way that’s true to the African narrative. iFani’s impact on South African Hip-Hop is often overlooked, especially considering his remarkable achievements during local Hip-Hop’s best era.” – The Close-Up Producer Eric Says on the story behind iFani.