Enqore is one of the most talented people within the industry he is the guy behind some of the dopest video’s to have ever come out of Zimbabwe. He is also one the creative minds behind the popular web show Nafuna Tv . We caught up with him to discuss one of his most recent projects his mix tape, THE WAY OF THE SAGE which I found to be refreshing and unique in both sound and content.
How would you define Enqore?
In overall a geek who decides to geek out on specific things like music , animation and video production.
Could you tell us a bit about what the creative process of this project was like?
What happened is after the RUBIX CUBE dropped which was an E.P I was critiqued by rapper /producer Begotten Sun who gave me some pointers on what to improve on which in turn resulted in me switching my rhyme scheme’s and abandoning my “rapper mode” as he would call it. So on this project it was more of me exploring my voice and making my raps a bit more conversational. In a sense this project was not for the people but it was predominantly about me trying to find myself as an emcee.
Your joints radiate a lot of African energy and influences in fact on ‘mhondoro’ you used the mbira instrument what does being African mean to you and what do you think is its significance in hip hop culture?
My philosophy is hip hop is African , you know the whole gesture of giving yourself props and giving your crew props is something that African poets used to do. Whenever a king would arrive to a neighboring village his poet would run ahead of him and announce his coming in the form of rapid chants which was a rhyme scheme essentially . So for me being African in the hip hop context is just bringing it where it started.
I feel that it is important to be authentic in your content it doesn’t make sense to rhyme about guns and b*****s when I’m always at home playing street fighter. As Africans we should embrace and celebrate our heritage and identity. It’s also our responsibility to tell our story which is why there are a lot of African themes on this project.
On the outro ‘Rainbow’ you take shots at a certain type of emcee’s to quote you say “right now rapper’s make me sick these delusional clowns acting like they are in an MTV video your life is not a video you are in Zimbabwe never forget that you idiots.” what’s your take on the state of hip hop locally and as a whole?
Being both a hip hop head and a music video director , there’s a lot of artists who send me content and a lot of artists who want me to do music videos for them and I must say I’m really disappointed with some of the material I come across it’s like they are cloning stuff we have already seen , I mean, I’ve already seen and heard 50 cent, I’ve seen and heard Lil Wayne , I’ve seen and heard Swizzy .
Part of the dislike comes from a lack of maturity that artists have in telling the difference between an artist’s T.V persona and real life, take THE GAME for instance he was candid enough to admit that he still lives in the hood and is trying to make rent for his kids despite the flashy T.V persona we are exposed to in his videos.
So to have a situation where some African cat is purporting to be living the same life that their so called idol can’t afford to live is stupid to me, to see local cats in videos showing off gang signs and such is all so stupid to me, we don’t have gangs in Africa. I think American hip hop is authentic to America and that’s just them responding to their environment why can’t we as Africans respond to our environment? In my opinion Winky D is more hip hop than most cats because he paints a vivid picture of his environment so much so you can tell what ‘Mufombi’ is like without having set foot there. This is why I feel some rappers are delusional clowns and idiots and I still stand by it.
What is an’ alpha geek’ and how much of your geek side influences the hip hop side?
That term came from a friend of mine Rocqui , an alpha is a leader then a geek that’s just what it is , so in short it’s a super geek.
I’ve been ‘geeking ‘ for the past 10 years in the industry in graphic design , animation , video production and now in sound design , so that ‘geekism’ spreads through the music via engineering and analyzing all the technical aspect of it.
You featured a lot of artists that rarely appear in hip hop circles for example , Rocqui and Squash what was the idea or strategy behind that?
The first strategy was to pursue the road with the least resistance most of the people I featured on the project are people I hang with daily or regularly and I didn’t have to look for them . In my opinion it gave the project a rare sound , it wasn’t ‘gimmicky’ so in a sense it was feeding off of unique energy to come up with a unique product.
What other projects do you have in the pipeline ?
I plan to shoot some video’s for the mix tape , I’ve already got some footage for ‘mhondoro’ , we just wrapped up the Syn City video. We are working on Kito’s video for his first single. With the new company Nafuna we have rolled out a couple of web shows and we would want to branch out the brand through targeting certain artists and packaging them properly because we have discovered that in Zimbabwe people fail not because there is a lack of talent but because people are not packaged properly which is what we are pushing for.
What’s your favorite track on the mix tape and why?
I like ‘Mhondoro’ and ‘ Rainbows’ .’ Rainbows’ because it is more dub step, drum and base and I haven’t heard a lot of African content on that sound and ‘Mhondoro’ because on a creative level , writing it was a culmination of everything I had learnt and it was also the last track I recorded.
Who are the other people you worked with on this project?
I worked with , Tkrued, B.C who is based in S.A , Rocqui , J.P a Rwandan producer , Squash , Craig Loyal , Zion Black , Aura then Begotten Sun influenced the sound and direction of the project. It was a talented lot of people.
The Juice caught up with two thirds of the Force I.RIS and T SHOC, to talk about the music in general, their views and their recently released projects.
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Let's start with the names, I.RIS and T SHOC those are acronyms right? Could you break down what those names mean.
I.RIS: It stands for I Resite Insight, it's kind of a mission statement, something I look at when I'm writing and spitting you know.It's who and what I want to be, to bring out how I feel and what goes on around me. I give my understanding.
T SHOC: It's not a name it's a mission statement as well. It starts with Truth Showing Hope of Change; as long as you discover the truth, that's your identity, truth of self, balancing the light and the darkness and trying to make a positive change, standing for the truth.
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Why Hip hop? What attracted you to the genre?
I.RIS: When growing up I listened to a variety of genres, I wasn't deep in the beats. Hip hop caught my attention when I started listening to Tupac, Black Star and the like, and it set the basis for me to discover myself as an artist.
T SHOC: When I first vibed to Hip hop, I could relate to it. It spoke stuff I was afraid to express. At first the violent side of it grabbed my attention. Violence is wrong, but it fascinated me how some artists would just go at it, that's what got me hooked at first. Another quality of the genre that I liked is the fact that we have numerous topics and moods. it's that type of music , when things are not looking up, you still have hope. And besides, I'm comfortable with Hip hop because it's a place I can expess myself.
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You both dropped projects, an EP from T SHOC titled Diary of A Mad Black Emcee and an album from I.RIS titled The C.V. I got a chance to listen to a couple of tracks from both of them. Your choice of subject matter, what is your inspiration?
I.RIS: It depends on how you look at Hip hop. I see it as a tool, and its the only channel I have to express things I wouldn't express on another platform. So I try to make the most of it. I also think it has a lot to do with what you listen to. Personally I like to influence the listener, every time I go on the mic I just want it to be worth while.
T SHOC: I started off on a tip like whoever is hot at the moment, i would sound like them, you know, like whatever he/she can do, I can do it. What pushed me to change my approach was, I did a demo once and passed it to a friend, and he thought I sounded like someone else. At first I looked at it as a compliment, but I didn't want to be recognized as a duplicate. I discovered more of myself and the music, when things started to happen in the Zim Hip hop scene, I found out more about Mashoko, Magamba, the British council and met different individuals with their own stories, it changed my views and inspired me to be true to myself.
The C.V. What is the C.V.?
I.RIS: The C stands for concentric, meaning centered on one. And the V stands for vision. Concentric Vision. Things that take place around you could hinder you from understanding what is going on inside you. In a way it means starting from within and going out, I think you can relate to why things happen around you better. I am working on a proper release date for the album, promote it and get a lot of people to listen to it.
What advantages as independent artists have you experienced so far?
T SHOC: Nowadays all you have to do is go on the internet and upload your stuff in terms of distribution, that's an advantage. We also have platforms where we get the opportunity to perform. Places that recognize us as Hip hop artists. You hardly need to be on a label nowadays. I wouldn't mind getting signed, after going over the contract though.
If you could pick a track on your projects that you feel you put a lot of emotion in, which one would it be?
I.RIS: Illumination.That track was direct for me. I think all tracks on the C.V. have my essence in them, or personal issues. It's always hard to talk about stuff when you are going through it. The stuff I was going through had some effect on me, but I got through it, and Illumination was that track I used to release some tension.
T SHOC: Every jam on the EP was on a personal level, but the one track that I really put it down was Between Half Past Earth and Quarter to Heaven. I still go to that song. I see myself in that song. It was an intense moment for me, really trying times. Things appeared to be on a standstill. That song gave me closure, and to think I actually thought of excluding it on the EP, but O.P. told me to keep it on the project, and I respect him for that.
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If you had the last opportunity to do a track, what would it be about?
I.RIS: I'd try to put everything in it.[Everyone in the room laughs.]
T SHOC: I don't think I would even spit on it, I'll go in the booth talk about stuff I've been keeping inside. I've got stuff I'm waiting for the right time to talk about. I'd go through some samples chop them up and maybe someone will hear it and run with it..,they'll be like 'Yo man, rewinda patwo minutes apo...' [Laughter]
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12/3/2012
He is the self proclaimed KING of H-TOWN, who has been riding high on the wave of his banger single which is titled H-TOWN. This single has a dope video to go with it. To be honest as simple as the video was, it was truly a pleasure to watch and refreshing as compared to the usual nonsense we are exposed to, if you are Zimbabwean you know exactly what I mean. I am talking of none other than TATEA DA M.C , anyway I caught up with him to talk a bit about what he has been working on and what working on the video was like.
So who did the video?
The video was done by Artwell Mukonyora , ANGEL ARTS and it was shot in the CBD.
Who was behind the concept?
It was my concept , I really wanted to try out something different and show off as much of the capital as possible. I mean most videos have a bunch of chicks and dancers in them and with this particular video I just wanted to go with the less travelled route.
How long did it take to do the video and what was it like?
It took 2 days in total to do it. It was hectic though especially getting a building to use for the rooftop shots, shooting would start at 5AM and end at 1030AM.The building we were using didn’t have electricity so we had to go through a number of floors via the stairs to and fro.
What projects have you done before and what do you have lined up?
Well in 2009 I released a single titled ‘love and passion’, in late 2010 I released the ‘remix killa mixtape’, in late 2011 I dropped the ‘remix killa mixtape 2.0’ tracks off these projects are available on my reverbnation account, reverbnation/tataedamc . I been writing a lot lately so I am dropping 2 mixtapes ‘MASS APPEAL’ and ‘SUNSHINE CITY’ then the album H-TOWN KING.
What do you feel is missing in Zim hip hop?
Unity of purpose, the movement needs to be out there, if we all come together to build the art then I feel we would be able to give more to the industry not forgetting the need for more airplay and corporate sponsorship.
Would you feel offended if people were to refer to you as a commercial rapper and what’s your take on that?
No, I think I fit the bill, not to say i don’t have any depth to offer.
So apart from the music what else are you in to?
Im looking into reviving my clothing brand, I’ve also been working with some local brands such as Harare Originals, Styra Yacho and 7:30 Apparel.
You know here at the juice we like to have fun with the kid in you , what was your favorite cartoon growing up?
I would have to say SONIC THE HEDGEHOG because he was witty and cool , oh and CAPTAIN PLANET because he had swag!...
To get more of tatae’s stuff visit; youtube/tataedamcangelarts, reverbnation/tataedamc, twitter@thehtownking, facebook.com/tataedamc(official) youtube/tataetv
9/2/2012
Who is Teck-Zilla?
First and foremost a hip-hop fan. A Nigerian born emcee,producer/audio recording engineer.
Apparently you roll with a crew known as Str8Buttah could u tell us more about them and your affiliation?
Well, Str8Buttah is a 6man crew made up of XYZ, Rcube , DeckZavier , The Invisible Enigma , Mister Rae and my humble self.
Individually we are relevant pieces that make up a larger puzzle in the music industry,as we have hand in many technical aspects in the media world. XYZ and Rcube are both into video directing(under another media company called Capital-Hill), Deckzavier and Mister Rae handle all website(graphic) designs and I mainly do audio stuff(XYZ,Mister Rae and Deck also make beats). In other words Str8Buttah is a self contained unit.
Whats your journey in terms of coming up been like up until now?
Don't wanna sound cliche but hey its a long road and a hard drive but I can't really complain. All setbacks have in more ways than one helped shape me into a better person. I still believe I'm steady on the road to destiny. I've never been the one to rush,I rather take things with baby steps. So in summary,I'm content with where I'm at now.
Have you ever worked with any artists from Zimbabwe before if so who and what was it like and also, do you have any future projects lined up with any Zimbabwean hip-hop artists?
Yeah, I think Synik is the only one so far. If my memory serves me right, it was in 2009 when he dropped a verse on a song called "2010" which also featured emcees from Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa and the UK. What it was like?... hmm really easy, Synik is an emcee's emcee. Don't wanna sound like I'm hyping dude but hey the proof is in the songs,the lyrics,the flow and the message.
As for the future,I kinda have something brewing in the background…best kept secret…shhhhhh.
What projects do you have lined up right now?
How would you describe your sound?
I'd say its hard edge, boombap, soul, break beats, chopped, flipped, electronic, effects…a gumbo of influences and styles.
Whats your take on African hip-hop at the moment?
African hip-hop has definitely grown in recent times, really great to have African emcees do the BET cypher shorts(Ghana, Nigeria, SA). On the other hand I feel the culture is still developing but evolving with the various indigenous African cultures. That should be our niche, mix it a bit. Flip it here, twist it there. The language don't matter, if you wanna go Swahili, do it with gusto. If you spit anglo, do it with gusto or I dare say swag.
How can people access your material?
Most of my works are online via my crew's website www.str8buttah.com or you can easily do a google search on me (teck-zilla…trust me I'm always online..haha). Find me anywhere Facebook/soundcloud(teck-zilla) and youtube/twitter(projektcancer).
What was your favourite movie last year?
hmm a tie between "Hobo With A Shotgun" and "Limitless"
Popularly known in the hip hop circles as UPMOST MYBRUTHAZKEEPA, for his smooth freestyle’s, spiritual hard hitting lyrical content and poetry. A huge Michael Jackson fan and avid music lover who decided to take hip hop seriously at the age of 14, after having been inspired by AFRITUDE NATHI, MIZCHIEF and the ‘GREAT’ late KING PIN with whom he was blessed to share some cypher’s with. We caught up with him to talk about where it all began and the premature death of his much anticipated DUB ASSIGNMENT MIXTAPE PROJECT.
What did you call yourself before you were named UPMOST MYBRUTHAZKEEPA?
Well I started off with the name Milky Cereal I got it from an LL cool J track, then came Tapp Dogg this was during the G-FUNK era, Mack Flow, then I was trying to impress the ladies, Dzash which was closer to my birth name, Nitap The Upmost which then turned to Upmost which then evolved into Upmost MyBruthazKeepa.
What does the name mean?
At first the name was solely an ego thing, I just wanted to be the Upmost emcee as compared to the others however with time the meaning of the name changed to what I aspire to be which is the upmost human being. And as for the extension which is MyBruthazKeepa I feel with my calling, I owe it to the others to share my experiences and views so as to inspire them to be the best they can be, its also the side of me that keeps me from my ego and makes sure I stay grounded.
Do you feel that zim hip hop is growing?
I would answer that from three different perspectives which are, radio airplay, material released and industry economics. As for the radio airplay, our Gvt introduced a 70% local content law on our airwaves which saw our local radio station playing more local material this has been a plus as it has made it possible for most artists to be heard however the only downside to this is that hip hop is an outspoken art form so this has forced some artists to be censored and to be heard via other means such as the internet which is sort of a good thing too.
More material was released last year than ever before, so many mixtapes and albums which was a huge plus. I feel its not quite an industry yet because artists are still shy to sell their material but its growing regardless.
What inspires your sound?
I love reggae, jazz, blues, you know music with a culture, they all influence my sound.
We understand that you were putting together a project last year but something messed up happened could you tell us a bit about that and how it affected you?
The project I was working on was called the Dub Assignment. I was looking for an organic sound and this project had me digging the crates for dub music it took me a while to gather all the influences I needed on this album. I linked up with one of my favorite producers , O.P and we would spend hours selecting material for sampling. After months of selection we started recording the project however our biggest mistake was not backing up the material because sometime later O.P’s computer crashed and all the material we had worked on was lost. Truth be told I was pretty crushed.
So after that what was the next step?
I kind of lost myself when the project didn’t work out like I had planned then the smallest but biggest thing happened. I saw some graffiti on a wall in, Joburg South Africa, that had the phrase ‘STAY FOCUSED BLACKMAN’ written on it , that stuck with me and inspired me to get back on track.
This phrase inspired me to do a track titled after it, this track then evolved into a mixtape concept which I named after the phrase. I dedicate this project to any one who is going through something, its like my gift to hip hop.
What more can we expect from you this year?
I have had such a paradigm shift in terms of focus and direction, I want to implement more of my ideas and see more results. To me every word is a prayer meaning whatever I say I want to see it come into fruition.
I’m also looking forward to getting more acquainted with the business aspect of the industry i.e managing artists and setting up shows.
Did you have any favorite cartoons growing up?
I liked The space cats, the word play in it and humor was witty, I also liked the Visionaries , Saber Rider and Dick Spanner.
In your own words what makes a good artist?
Mad creativity, being relevant to real life and being true to yourself.
23/1/2012
For most people who’ve frequented Mashoko/Magamba spoken word events held in Harare every month, have heard the sound that most emcees bring within their sets in terms of the beats, and you might have an idea of the quality of beats the man who simply goes by the name O.P. [On Point] has been churning out of his studio.
With a magazine up his sleeve, a long line up of mixtapes, he invited me into his studio and I got a chance to sample some of his material while we kicked around some Q & As.
When did you start? When did you develop a passion for the music?
O.P.: I can’t remember when, maybe started around the time I discovered the music my folks were listening to, you know, I listened to it too. I was born in it. A significant point I can remember when I knew I had the passion for hip hop was around 2002, after high school I started to mess with FL Pro, wasn’t sampling, I was composing stuff from scratch. I was solo, then I met Cheeks. We were rapping back then, recorded some stuff at the first Mo VIP studio. And things just took of from there.
You’ve been the go-to-guy for a lot of artists. What’s your formula, why do you think artists are after your sound?
The truth? I think it’s the way I freak my instruments. I also think it’s the music I listen to and how it inspires me.
What equipment do you work with, hardware or software?
For beats, I use FL and Reason and Cubase 5 for mixing, I’m feeling it. AKG perception 2 microphone, Inspire soundcard and a Behringher mixer. Soon upgrading to Pro Tools.
Weren’t you in SA for sometime a while back?
Yeah in 2004, and that’s when I decided to get serious with the beats. I was working in the IT industry, but I’d get home feeling depressed, so I decided to focus on sound engineering and did a 2 year diploma. I bought some equipment, came back home and have been establishing ever since.
Apart from making beats, you also record and mix the artists that come through?
Yeah, I’m still perfecting my mastering though. It’s an experience to work with artists you know.
Are you working on any projects?
I’m doing mixtapes , producing for a whole bunch of artists. I’m also in a crew called Ill Immigrants comprised of myself, Naye Sean and Cheeks. I’m also gonna be rapping on our projects. I’m working on a magazine THE PLATFORM, I’ve done two issues so far.
Oh and the state of hip hop right now, I don’t know how SA managed to overtake us in terms of establishment, growth and appreciation. I wish rap music and hip hop culture had more recognition in our country.
Artists that O.P. produced beats for include;
OutSpoken
UpMost
Synik
The Force
Black Bird
Naye Sean
Depth
San SeBB
The Masked Avenger
