Hip-hop duo 'build nation'
Unathi Shologu
HIP-HOP MCs Earl Swartz and Agemi Arends are firmly establishing themselves in the Afrikaans hip-hop arena. They are inspired by vital social challenges such as HIV/Aids and the importance of education. Fans from as far as the Western Cape appreciate the contribution they make to music.
The duo explored uncharted ground when, on April 4, they performed as the only Afrikaans hip-hop production at the Vredestraat Sportgrounds during the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) festival in Oudtshoorn. "The response we got from the fans was great. It is good to see that a lot of people appreciate what we do. Some fans told us they came all the way from George and Cape Town to see us perform!"
Swartz said. Earl and Agemi were also the only rap artists from Port Elizabeth who were invited to perform.
Earl and Agemi are from Bloemendal which inspired their song, Vannie Dal Af Meisie.They have been performing professionally for five years now and have already shared a stage with well-known artists such as Jack Parow, Hemel Besem, Jay, Snotkop, Gerhard Steyn, and are currently working on a collaboration with Emo Adams.
They are completing their first original album in July and have also featured on a compilation CD by Kwaai Musiek, which was named after one of their songs, Antie Bekkies. The duo seem to grasp what it means to build a nation one note at a time.