For the love of Hip Hop
I met DJ Lemonka almost a decade ago when he was a skinny, wet behind the ears Hip Hop DJ, who also worked at a music store aptly dubbed Bring The Noise at Campus Square in Auckland Park. Every budding rapper would frequent this place, partly because they could get the latest Hip Hop records and apparel, but majorly because they also got to hang out with the charismatic, people's person, Nthibane 'DJ Lemonka' Makgeledise.
This North West native is part of the soldiers who spearheaded the introduction into mainstream what is today popularly known as 'Motswako' Hip Hop. His journey spans Mixtape releases, national tours, awards, starting a community radio station and recently, a stint in film.
When did you meet Hip Hop?
In the late 80's, Heavy D and The Boyz and Shine were killing it then.
All time favourite Hip Hop album is Molemi’s Amantsi because it's real stories that anyone can relate to; some sad, some fun. He does great story telling with ease on dope beats.
Why a career in Hip Hop, seems unstable from the onlooker? It is very unstable, there's no security in this industry so you need to have a plan. I just love Hip Hop; I guess sadly love never makes sense.
Fifteen years into the game, what do you wish someone had told you? That sometimes talent becomes the last thing to be considered, it's who you know and how you know them.
What have been some of the major industry changes that you've observed? The sad thing about the rap game is development Bafana Bafana: nonexistent! You'll see a new artist succeed in every 3 years. It's like somebody is chilling somewhere making those decisions. It's sad sometimes when you see talent being underrated forever.
This North West native is part of the soldiers who spearheaded the introduction into mainstream what is today popularly known as 'Motswako' Hip Hop. His journey spans Mixtape releases, national tours, awards, starting a community radio station and recently, a stint in film.
In the late 80's, Heavy D and The Boyz and Shine were killing it then.
All time favourite Hip Hop album is Molemi’s Amantsi because it's real stories that anyone can relate to; some sad, some fun. He does great story telling with ease on dope beats.
Why a career in Hip Hop, seems unstable from the onlooker? It is very unstable, there's no security in this industry so you need to have a plan. I just love Hip Hop; I guess sadly love never makes sense.
Fifteen years into the game, what do you wish someone had told you? That sometimes talent becomes the last thing to be considered, it's who you know and how you know them.
What have been some of the major industry changes that you've observed? The sad thing about the rap game is development Bafana Bafana: nonexistent! You'll see a new artist succeed in every 3 years. It's like somebody is chilling somewhere making those decisions. It's sad sometimes when you see talent being underrated forever.
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| Covers of volume one and two of the Motswako Mixtape. Volume 3 coming soon. |
Producing two Mixtapes, working with over 20 rappers was a dream come true, I’m still humble about it but it was not easy. When I first started, it was really difficult. Some dudes were guessing me up. I had to prove myself from scratch. I had industry friends asking me all sorts of demoralizing questions, like “so you are also releasing now?” What made it worse was that I went for that thumping sound, no catchy hook. Despite all of that though, the project was huge and won best the Mixtape at the Hype awards against Proverb and Sean Pages.
My second project was hectic because dudes thought I was paid through the first Mixtape buzz. I was getting quotes from new rappers that time I'm the one giving them the song and shooting the video. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...I hope I have a new story to tell on the third one.
Last song you bought online?
I recently I bought Tuks' Motswako athlete. I'm not big on online buying though, I'm still old school- I prefer hard copies.ure?
Why, is online not the future?
The Internet is a gift and a curse, it builds and destroys careers. My first project was sold online though and will soon be on iTunes, both volume one and two. It's a great space if you are focused.
State of the industry right now?
In general there's more revenue, cooperates are buying in. Hip Hop is not supposed to be stagnant but some trends though, MOER!!!
Which trends are those?
Well for example, rappers in the states wearing hats calling them bucket hats suddenly‘sdori’ is called bucket hat in South Africa, lol, RAPPERS! But we've come a long way because we are finally sampling Kwaito, so we are going in the right direction.
My second project was hectic because dudes thought I was paid through the first Mixtape buzz. I was getting quotes from new rappers that time I'm the one giving them the song and shooting the video. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...I hope I have a new story to tell on the third one.
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| Known in the streets: Every relevant person in SA Hip Hip knows who DJ Lemonka is. |
I recently I bought Tuks' Motswako athlete. I'm not big on online buying though, I'm still old school- I prefer hard copies.ure?
Why, is online not the future?
The Internet is a gift and a curse, it builds and destroys careers. My first project was sold online though and will soon be on iTunes, both volume one and two. It's a great space if you are focused.
State of the industry right now?
In general there's more revenue, cooperates are buying in. Hip Hop is not supposed to be stagnant but some trends though, MOER!!!
Which trends are those?
Well for example, rappers in the states wearing hats calling them bucket hats suddenly‘sdori’ is called bucket hat in South Africa, lol, RAPPERS! But we've come a long way because we are finally sampling Kwaito, so we are going in the right direction.
 |
| Game Changer: Randall Abrahams. |
Whose chair would you like to sit on for a day?
I would like to sit on Randall Abrahams's chair for a year. He is a game changer, the most trusted judge on the biggest reality show (Idols). Every contestant feels that his yes is the one that matters, plus when contestants win, they get to work with him directly at Universal where he's the Managing Director. Their catalogue is already impressive and they just bought EMI/CCP; a powerful major in South Africa. Homie was CEO of the SAMA's and still managed to work with the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) somehow. Dude was station manager at Y-FM from 1997 to 2002. Those are the kinda changes I wanna bring in the game.
I wish I could speak: Venda
I'm really good at: Afrikaans (LOL, I can explain! )
If only I was better at: Zulu
Everybody knows this about me: I keep it 100% real all day, every day.
Signature drink: Dry Lemon
My greatest achievement is being able to get my song as a soundtrack in District 9, a Hollywood movie. For the first time when watching a movie, I waited for the credits to see my name.
What have you learnt from life so far: You can't control everything
What do you do better than dejaying and producing? I kick ass in Project Management
Extra hours in a day or more money in the bank? More money in the bank mos def.
Natural hair or a weave: A weave will mess up your house though, but if I'm in love I'll keep on sweeping! Anything really, as long as she’s comfortable. A wig is the only thing that gives me nightmares because some women wear it like a sweater: today it's on, tomorrow not, third day it's back on.
Jozi is a land of opportunities or a dream killer, depending on your plan
Love is such a beautiful thing
In my heart I always carry my passion
What are yo rushing to complete this year? Making sure everything at Kopanong FM is in order since I'm leaving my position as Station Manager next year.
The future? Volume 3 of my Mixtape. I also just did a bit of acting on 'The Gift' movie and its dropping in December on your small screen. I don't know where this will lead but I'm hopeful.
I would like to sit on Randall Abrahams's chair for a year. He is a game changer, the most trusted judge on the biggest reality show (Idols). Every contestant feels that his yes is the one that matters, plus when contestants win, they get to work with him directly at Universal where he's the Managing Director. Their catalogue is already impressive and they just bought EMI/CCP; a powerful major in South Africa. Homie was CEO of the SAMA's and still managed to work with the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) somehow. Dude was station manager at Y-FM from 1997 to 2002. Those are the kinda changes I wanna bring in the game.
 |
| Times' up: DJ Lemonka plans to leave Lehurutse based Kopanong FM, a community radio station he helped to start. |
I'm really good at: Afrikaans (LOL, I can explain! )
If only I was better at: Zulu
Everybody knows this about me: I keep it 100% real all day, every day.
Signature drink: Dry Lemon
My greatest achievement is being able to get my song as a soundtrack in District 9, a Hollywood movie. For the first time when watching a movie, I waited for the credits to see my name.
What have you learnt from life so far: You can't control everything
What do you do better than dejaying and producing? I kick ass in Project Management
Extra hours in a day or more money in the bank? More money in the bank mos def.
Natural hair or a weave: A weave will mess up your house though, but if I'm in love I'll keep on sweeping! Anything really, as long as she’s comfortable. A wig is the only thing that gives me nightmares because some women wear it like a sweater: today it's on, tomorrow not, third day it's back on.
 |
| Like many, The City of Gold has been an enabler for DJ Lemonka. |
Love is such a beautiful thing
In my heart I always carry my passion
.JPG) |
| Whatever life throws at DJ Lemonka, he stays winning. |
The future? Volume 3 of my Mixtape. I also just did a bit of acting on 'The Gift' movie and its dropping in December on your small screen. I don't know where this will lead but I'm hopeful.
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