If you had to describe Hishaam in a paragraph or two what would you say?

Hishaam is a bio-mechanical android sent back from the future to strike the delicate balance between the reclusive writer and the charismatic performer.

How old are you?

I’m 24 Earth years old

What was it like growing up in New Brighton Port Elizabeth?

Growing up in New Brighton is like growing up in any neighbour, you have choices to do good or bad it just depends on your influences.

I understand that you got involved with the hip hop scene in the early 2000’s.?

It was actually in 1999 that I wrote my first rhyme and I would really have to credit a close friend, Madoda Matomela, who introduced me to the idea of writing my own songs.   I was into hip hop but at the time hadn’t explored the notion of making my own.

What prompted this?

Hip hop at that time for me just stood out from what I’d heard growing up.  I think KRS One’s – “Emcees Act Like They Don’t Know” was that moment for me.   I was just intrigued then later my love for writing solidified it for me.

Tell us about the crew Art Official Element and did the group release any music?

Me and my close friend, Mr. Weathaspoon, started a crew called ‘The Art-Official Element’, we never released a project but we did record a few songs one of which being a song called ‘inches away’ which was on an international mixtape and got a lot of attention from that.

How did you get involved with True Sight Music?

Well Jbux approached me after we had bumped into each other a few times and presented me with an opportunity to be part of something very special.

Describe your lyrical style and flow and what artists influenced you?

My style is very subjective and is influenced by my time as a spoken word writer, my flow is kind of a mesh of guys like Ghostface, Black Thought, Tumi, Ground Worx that influenced my approach to delivery.

What is your view on the music scene in South Africa?

I think the South African music industry is very formulaic and stagnant, there is no room for new, fresh ideas and sounds, just look at Die Antwoord.   Need I say more?

Who in South Africa would you like to work with?

I really like to work with Playdoe, Tumi, Black Jacks, Konfab, Nasty Ed, Waddy Jones, Mizi, Nyambz, Dj Kenzhero, Ben Sharpa, 9. A-Sounds, Sykotiq, Definition Baroque and Alias.

Which producers are you working with?

I’m currently working with Grahamstown producer Alias on my next e.p.

What material are you working on now?

I’m currently working on my next e.p with a producer from Grahamstown named Alias, it’s going to be very different from my current e.p “HOW TO MAKE IMAGINARY FRIENDS”.

Tell us about the True Sight release “How to Make Imaginary Friends”, give us a synopsis of what this is all about?

It’s a play on the ‘alter ego’ that us artists adopt and make part of ourselves.

Is there a plan to release a future full length album?

Yes there is definitely a full length album to come but I need to create a demand first.

Where can people find your music?

If you’re in P.E. you can go to Black Concepts Store (123 Parliament Street, Central) or check for me on Facebook (Hishaam Honzo) or e-mail info@truesightmusic.com

Have you performed elsewhere in the country?

Yes I have, in Cape Town and Joburg; both were very low key performances.

As an artist what is the biggest challenge facing you?

I think the biggest challenge is getting paid and living off this music thing because I still have a full time job and I am not seeing myself quit anytime soon.

Tell us something nobody knows about you?

I’m a cancer, I like long walks on the beach, and candle lit dinners and can shoot electricity from eye balls.

What are your favourite hip hop albums of all time?

Wow, albums that have moved me would be The Roots- Illadelph halflife, Pharaoh Monch- Internal Affairs, Common- Water for Chocolate, Nas- Illmatic, Mos Def- Black on both sides, Madvillian- Madvilliany

What albums are you listening to right now?

El-P- Wereallgoingtohell, Stevie Wonder- Innervisions, Soweto Kinch- Conversations with the unseen.

Favourite songs of the moment?

Gary Numan- Cars, Roy Ayers- Mystic Voyage, Gary Bartz- Celestial Blues, Yack Ballz- Gas galaxy, El-P- DMSC, Thom Yorke- Eraser, Gorillaz- Empire Ants

If people want to get in touch with you how do they do that?

You can find me on Facebook (Hishaam Honzo) or email me on theartallcaps@gmail.com or check out the website www.truesightmusic.com

FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS OF HISHAAM TRACKS:

Hishaam – Peanut Butter Sandwich

Hishaam – Track 9 from Truesight Music Compilation

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