We've interviewed you a couple of times and you always give us food for thought with your answers. Can you start off by telling us how you've been since you come back from Europe?

I have been running all over Scandinavia and all over South Africa with African Hip Hop Indaba ... that was amazing. Hip Hop is huge, but it also very fragile in that the USA version of it could cause it to destroy itself here before it really finds its true self. But, its interesting ... to hear and start the debates about various issues. As for me, I'm still recovering from everything ... Touring Europe, with Black Noise and releasing Rotational High, running Afrikan Hip Hop Indaba 2003 nationally, getting WHO AM I (My solo Cd) out, releasing Plain Madnizz album, getting the Heal the Hood track on radio and doing the video, sending the best b-boy crew of Battle of the year South Africa to the world champs, preparing Da Juice issue 15 for national distribution and Ray Skillz leaving Black Noise after getting married ....phew, its been tough, but that's life.

What was Europe like and what experiences did you get from there that you could import back into Africa?

Europe was an trip.... I learn to respect the differences more and more every time I go, but miss AFRICA so much, a simple thing like we greet each other when passing each other is so reassuring when you are back home, because in Europe they just look right through you and don't greet. As for importing things from their, naaaahhhhhhh , we have over enough international stuff here as it is, we need to concentrate on getting South African hip hop out to the world.

Which airline did you travel with and what were you thinking of while you were flying?

We flew with KLM and you always thinking ... are we their yet? I also spend a lot of time working on planning things in the air, so much time in a small space.

What are your thoughts on airline food? Does it make sense for them to search you as if you a terrorist in the airport but then serve you with a knife and fork for dinner?

Ja, that's strange and then also feed you poison like the plane food, damn, they should let some Cape Flats taanie make the meals.

What are your thoughts on the outcome of the Hip Hop Indaba?

The indaba was good in the sense that we did all we could to get this outcome this time around as far as production is concerned. Every year we learn something new. I think we must audition acts newt year, as some were really shocking once they hit the stage. The MC and DJ battle standard seemed to have dropped and I think that the crowd should never play a role in the decision as to who should win, that will be left to judges in the future. As for the Graff, that was Falko's department and showed how judges should take the responsibility of their decision and explain. The b-boy BOTY was long and we will change the format next year in doing a same day western cape elimination before the finals in the evening, the best crew definitely won at this event. My favourite part of AHHI 2003 was the national tour to the various communities around the country... I am looking forward to next year:-
Suggested dates

NATIONAL ELIMINATIONS
6 Aug - Oudtshoorn
7 Aug - Mossel Bay
8 Aug - P.E.
9 Aug - Durban
13 Aug - JHB
14 Aug - Bloem
15 Aug - Kimberley

FINALS
27 Aug - MC DJ Battle Drmmedaries HAll, Good Hope Centre
28 Aug - Main Hall, Good Hope Centre
29 Aug - Battle With Vapours

Any thoughts on this Tedelex 'hip hop' competition thingie?

I sorta said all wanted to say about that and I think that many will not understand what I am talking about until they knock their heads and experience the real power of these corporates and what their true intentions are. It's cool to get them to back things, but we need to back ourselves and see our true financial power at work to understand why they would back us and what they are getting from it and ..... oh what the hell ...lets just say EXPERIENCE CANNOT BE DOWNLOADED... AFRICAN HIP HOP SHOULD OWN AFRICAN HIP HOP, hey if Sisqo can be handed the best hip hop award by the Grammies and everyone in the USA hip hop scene can do nothing about that shit, we can see that the USA hip hop scene is not owned by them and it has been co-opted by big business who decides what people think of hip hop and even what people percieve as good hip hop. But we should DO and not just complain so:-

I am planning to start an alternative record label, magazine and clothing company here in Cape Town in next year called CAPE FLATS UPRISING. So send articles and demo to 

CAPE FLATS UPRISING RECORDS, 
P.O.Box 31184, Grassy Park 7888, Cape Twon 8000, South Africa. :-
Anyone wanting to contact me can write to the above address or mail me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

We briefly spoke on the phone about your impressions of people out in places like Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, Welkom etc in that you were impressed with the innovation. Do you think that those areas are now experiencing what we experienced in the 80's? 

Yes, that's part of what I felt, but I also felt a sense of true desire to learn, which is lacking in the bigger cities. I think that the more access we have to information about the history of a culture and the true essence of hip hop, the less people do the research and give credit to those who paved the way for them. It is a lack of AFROCENTRICITY in our outlook of disrespect for our elders that cause us to make the same mistakes over and over again. If we listen to Shaheen and POC and Hugh Masakela and others about the record industry and then take action to counter that, we will not make the same mistakes and hear artist after artist complain about record labels. These small towns for now have that desire to listen and learn, I hope that it does not change for them as we here look at things like air twists and act unimpressed because we see that so often, the same with other information that is hidden behind these so-called hip hop stars ... like how these big houses in videos are owned by the record labels and how the record label owns and earn most of the money from hip hop ... 

Tell us about your new cd "Who Am I?". I read about it in the paper and on the Tools Of War newsletter. What topics did you touch on?

Well, I haven't written any rhymes for myself in a long while and as I have said before I'm not really an MC by heart, but more of a b-boy. I wrote about the situation in hip hop and South Africa. I am proud of deals with African self hate and hip hop and the corporate stealing of the Africans wealth. Who am I is the African search for identity as well as the so-called coloured search for identity in South Africa. Coconut Man is about blacks acting and sounding white and not wanting to be themselves and think success is about being as white as possible. What the Fuck is real is about ... well what's really real in this world including hip hop. Cape Flats Uprising is about a dream I have that we will rise from this subdued state here on the Cape Flats and rise up and take charge of our future.

It speaks of the stereotype view they have of us and how we see things here and would like to see things become. Black Facts is about African contribution to civilization and very factual about our contributions. Africa for sale is about us selling our continents to the lowest bidder. African Sun is about the African sun as an analogy at sunrise, midday and sunset. Civil Lie is from the BN Hip Hop Wont stop album. Who taught you to hate yourself is about, well just that. 

Who did the production for this album?

The production was by Patty "Caramel" and Marley 

Do you ever feel tired of saying the same message over and over again, especially to the media? What would you like to see the media (newspapers, magazines, radio, tv) do to satisfy the community?

Damn, somebody has to keep at them and hopefully eventually they will listen or see that our version of the media like Da Juice Hip Hop Magazine or Videos will counter what they say. Here's an article I just sent to the media :-

De-centralise the media in South Africa for the sake of variety and curbing the increase of racism

I turn on the television and I seldom see the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Pretoria and other parts on this beautiful country tell their own stories. It is one of the worst things that South Africa could do I think. We have such an amazing country and people, but all we get to see is the Guateng version of our people. It is sad that we are doing exactly what the USA and other big countries do. We are marginalizing our people to the stereotype that is enforced by one version of our country. We need to encourage that we get to see the diversity and have all our people tell their own stories and thus expand our exposure to each other. Why can the SABC not decentralise the programming and television coverage to each province? Would that not develop more skills and in so doing create more diversity and give exposure of all our talent which expands beyond these stupid popstar and pop idol comedies, that are huge adverts for brands instead of giving true reflections of what it really takes to survive as a true musician beyond the hype and millions of exposure that can never be equaled once these sponsors turn their backs for the next season of the show. Our country has millions of rands worth of singers, actors, technicians, managers, event organisers, etc, but do we buy South African first because we understand our support equals jobs, reduced crime and because we are truly proud of all South African product and not just our specific tribes product within South Africa? 

We have so much stories to tell and we know that we need to expose ourselves to each other. It is the SABC and yet we have one province giving its version of that, which excludes a huge percentage of this country. We can create so much more jobs if we expand the coverage of the various cities and languages and cultures from the huge variety that we have. We still know so little about each other, yet we know so much about the USA and Europe, thanks to SABC. My brothers and sisters, I have travelled to other countries and I have not met a people as diverse and beautiful as you are and I am sure that any others that have left home also see that. Recently I met a white man from Port Elizabeth on a flight back home and he said he would never travel to England again, he said we have so much beauty right here at home. I agreed and we spoke for hours about the food, natural beauty, friendliness, cultural differences and humour that is so amazing here in South Africa. I said I was from the Cape Flats and he was shocked that I could speak such good english and also asked many questions about what it was like living in his media created version of the Cape Flats. We admitted that we would not speak to each other during Apartheid and how we have to be forced into confined spaces like this plane, to address these issues. It is like Credo Mutwa said that when you are standing on a beautiful mountain, it is very difficult to see its beauty. We all need to stand further back and look at our beautiful mountain/ country from a distance, to see its true beauty. 

Our education, television, media, magazines and books all played a huge role in the indoctrination of South African minds during Apartheid. We must insist that it plays a huge role in de-briefing and de-programming our people. We must also insist to our government that they have our best interests at heart, by insisting that media plays that role in order to change the situation sufficiently. The romance is over, the slogans like new South Africa have come and gone and it is long overdue that we address issues of racism and creating a collective South African identity that encourages us to be a true unified country beyond supporting the national sport teams and other such superficial harmonies. 

My brothers and sisters of South Africa. We have to speak out and let our voices be heard.
Contrary to what the news portrays, we the good people are the majority in this country, but because we are silent, it appears that crime is running our beautiful. I challenge to do something however small it might seem to change things. Remember, Apartheid used force and action to cause what now exists, we have to use force and action to change our country to the amazing place we all know it can be. 

Aluta Continua
Cape Flats Uprising
Emile YX? 

This year we've seen a huge explosion of hip hop (more like rap) in the media, but we know better that true hip hop has been alive and well in this country since the early 80's. How does it make you feel seeing all these "all of sudden I'm an expert on hip hop" folks out there?

That's inevitable ... I predicted this some time back, but it is foolish to expect the revolution to get onto their controlled media. It obviously hurts seeing all those you know know about your contribution never mention you, but that just proves that they have a huge egos and do not actually understand hip hop as an African form of expression given to this generation and that it might even be the final form of expression for us to topple the capitalistic status quo. HIP HOP IS REVOLUTIONARY. If it gets played on TV or is in the media all the time, you know that what is being said is not part of the essence of revolution or hip hop. These multinationals will not have hip hop spreading information that creates a counter to their control. They do do not want you to step out of their system and become a revolutionary that says fuck your money and system, I'm setting up my own and money can't buy my soul.... then they are fucked and can't sell you shit. That's all they after, your money and to control the masses minds with bullshit about how they will make you rich as a pop star like that idiot Ja Rule, can you believe he didn't know what Soweto was ... what fucking planet is that idiot living on... You visit South Africa and don't know that... damn, he is the role model for youth or considered to be a good example of hip hop ... get the fuck outta here. 

I know that those who have gone before will only one day be featured on videos here like they now do for Kool DJ Herc and CRazy Leggs to show that they are down with the old skool and that they are real, well thats because hip hop is without respect for people that made it possible to MC or BBOY or do Graff ... you know its sad that we have to look to the Chinese who in Kung Fu movies always are so respectful of uncle who taught them and will die for uncle or the fathers memory. Here black lives are all too expendable. THEIR MONEY IS NOT WORTH OUR SOULS. It can not buy the energy of the circle or the skills to make crowds flip the fuck out when words and spirit combine to penetrate souls and the 3rd eyes or make the body fly across the floor as if weightless ... THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FEEL THIS and DO NOT CARE ... the question is DO THESE NEW FOUNDERS OF SOUTH AFRICAN HIP HOP WANT TO BE ACCOMPLACES TO THE DEMISE OF THEIR ANCESTORS MEMORY AND SUFFERING FOR THEIR FREEDOM TO SAY WHAT .... they will disgrace our people for money and fame???? 

Where do we draw the line?

I think that time will tell and the really real will FEEL, while the FAKE BLING IDIOTS will work for "the man" and make our people look like idiots for money. We do need to own the airwaves and hip hop to really draw any type of line. This version of RAP & FAKE SHIT is now in the hands of money ... THE DEVILS ITSELF and the real will continue on the outskirts of this show of capitalistic decadence sold as the real and for many it will be seen as such and we will be told to get with it and stop living in the past and our ancestors will smile down on those who remain TRUE AFRICANS - REVOLUTIONARY .... 

Should we be accepting money from corporates to render a service under the pretext of the corporate using hip hop to expand their brand?

This is inevitable and will happen, but we have to keep to the programme and plough our energies positive actions and MAINTAIN POWER AND FINAL DECISION OVER WHAT WE CHOOSE TO DO
and also what extent we are willing to go to ... WE MUST MAINTAIN THAT POWER

As the gap between the poor and rich continue to widen do you think that we are fighting a brick wall? What are your thoughts on "if we can't fight against them - join the system and fight from within the system".  Does that work?

YOU HAVE TO BE GOD TO FIGHT FROM WITHIN AND NOT GET SWALLOWED BY IT, I am not sure that I have an answer to that. I think that we have to create something to counter their distribution network first locally and then internationally, so that we have more options to get a bigger variety of information and talent out to the masses and not give them monopoly over distribution of information. I think that as long as our worth is dictated by our financial worth, we will always be controlled by them, but if we learn to respect ourselves as being more valuable than all the money they can ever offer, they fear that shit. I have turned down so many of their offers of thousands of rands for hip hop events that gets youth in smoking and drinking and other shit, that they now know not to ask me that shit. You have to stand your ground no matter the outside forces that will tell you shit like all money is bad and try to let you give just one little so that they can later use that against you and say that you have double standards and that then justifies them getting thousands that you have influenced to become hopeless again. You see, its about learning to really LOVE YOURSELF and THUS GIVE YOURSELF MORE WORTH. they think that we will sell our souls for any old shit they offer and become afraid when we will not budge when they keep increasing the amount they offer.... 

What are your favourite cuts on your new cd?

"I am Proud of", "Coconut Man" and "Cape Flats Uprising".

Some people want to know if that is your real hair or are you wearing a wig?

After all tat talk of realness... I will be a total idiot if I am walking around with a wig????  It started as a conscious exercise and ended up being a learning curve for me about how we are influenced by others to look and act like them. I was intending to grow locks, but too many idiots are wearing dreadlocks and its become a fashion statement to them instead revolutionary. I find it interesting to see how people react when they see me. Sisters check their own air by brushing it down with their hands, brothers laugh but I pull that cap tighter so that they cover the kroes, or they make that shit real short so you cant see the kink or they die it blonde or they straighten that ... its very interesting. I learned a lot about my concern for what others think and also had less interest from sisters ... (that is a big price to pay, but its OK when those superficial types I am better without). 

Do you ever rest?

I am going to take a break next week ... hahahah I have to get away before the end of Oct to recharge or I'm gonna implode.

What does Emile like to do to relax?

Walks in nature, especially sunsets walks on Muizenberg Beach. Driving around the Peninsula or watching whales in Hermanus ... that's amazing ... we are truly living in heaven here in South Africa. Skateboarding freestyle. Soccer, rollerblading, swimming or just sleeping late ... really late. 

Your favourite book?

I have a few. Steve Biko "I write what I like, Dr Francis Cress Welsings "THe Isis Papers", Anthony Browders "From the Browder File" and I am currently reading Michael Moores "Stupid White Men" - its like all the stuff Minister Farakhan says, but by a white guy and he's a bit more funny. 

I am working on 3 books of my own at the same time. What is Hip Hop, Making a Black Noise and RAPPS an acronym for Rhymes, Articles, Poetry and Short Stories. 

What's your favourite food?

Anything my mom makes especially roast chicken ... you know sunday lunch, Roettie and Curry, Fish Gatsbys, Calamari Rolls, Piyalla (dont know to spell that) & Prawn salads ..I don't eat red meat or pork. 

At the moment who are your favourite artists in this country?

HIP HOP
Tumi and the Volume
Mr Devious
Goddessa
AMU

Your top 5 albums of all time?

SOUTH AFRICAN
POC - Our World 
Black Noise - Rebirth
INTRIBE - Bubblegum in my Afro
Tumi & The Volume

AMERICAN
Beat Street Vol 2 ... Compilation - fav song The Battle Cry 
Rock Steady Crew ... Ready to Battle
Public Enemy ... Fear of a Black Planet
Beastie Boys ... License to Ill
Two Live Crew ... Nasty as you wanna be
Digital Underground - Sex Packets 

non hip hop

Genuines - Goema
Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
Bob Marley - Uprising
Peter Tosh - Get Up Stand Up
Tracy Chapman - Crossroads

Where can we buy your cd and how much does it cost?

It cost R75. Send postal order to P.O.Box 31184, Grassy Park 7888, cape town 8000, South
Africa. add R30 for overnight post. Can be bought in Cape Town at African Music Store,
UHURU, Jukebox or Roots. 

We'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, we know that you are very busy, do you have any last words?

Yes, Thanks for covering hip hop in South Africa and the rest of Africa. 

Anyone wanting to contact me can write to the above address or mail me:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . I am planning to start an alternative record label, magazine and clothing company here in Cape Town in next year called CAPE FLATS UPRISING. So send artciles and demo to CAPE FLATS UPRISING RECORDS, P.O.Box 31184, Grassy Park 7888, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.

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