@ Whitenite - That's very interesting. Thanks for coming on AG to put your point of view across.
I think people are making a big fuss over nothing. You guys self-evidently had what the judges were looking for (hence the reason they chose you).
I didn't hear the performance (although I was there), but KONFAB predicted you would win (after hearing your set). He didn't mention anything about a conspiracy, he just believed that your style was more accessible, and therefore more likely to please the ear of a non-Cape Town head (ie. the judges).
This whole situation raises a subject that often comes up in relation to Cape Town Hip Hop...
If you look at Cape Town Hip Hop as a brand, these are the negative attributes we have a**ociated with us: snobby, elitist, cliquey, abstract, disorganised, we overrate ourselves, underdeveloped, not club-friendly, esoteric, no business acumen,,, and last but not least, not supported by the people (ie, we can't attract crowds).
Obviously there are many good attributes too (anyone who knows me knows that I believe we have some world-cla** talent in Cape Town), but what I find disturbing is that we're so quick to hate on something that doesn't conform to our taste. The fact that we're all pointing fingers and shouting 'conspiracy' just goes to prove how narrow-minded we are, and how little self-awareness we have of our brand of Hip Hop and how it is perceived.
If you like grimy, esoteric, abstract, syllable-play,,, it's all good. Just don't be suprised if you don't win competitions, or don't sell-out shows, or don't get radio play,,, and definitely don't be suprised when cats doing something more accessible (Lungelo, Pappa Zee, Whitenite etc) get that shine.
We make the decision to be overtly anti-commercial (no one forces that on us). We must also live with the consequences of that decision and accept them graciously.
