Namibian musical trio Black Vulcanite were last week included in the BBC’s list of the ‘250 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs Of All Time’ for their 2016 track ‘How to Rap About Africa’, off their first album ‘Black Colonialists’.
The list polls 108 music critics from 15 countries around the world for their top five hip-hop songs.
The Black Vulcanite song was listed in first place by South African music critic Sabelo Mkhabela, and is the only Namibian track to make the cut.
They ranked above South African powerhouses Youngsta CPT and Stogie T as well as American rapper Lil Wayne on Mkhabela’s list.
Ultimately, all points were tallied and a list was formulated. Notorious BIG’s 1994 hit ‘Juicy’ made it to the number one spot, earning the BBC’s nod as greatest hip-hop song of all time.
When asked what he thought gave their song an edge, Black Vulanite’s Okin (Nikolai Tjongarero) said it was the honest artistry displayed on the verses, the impact from the words chosen for the chorus, the knock of the beat and how they all came together.
“When Mark (Mushiva) originally came up with us doing this song concept, it spoke to AliThatDude (Alain Villet) and myself instantly.”
The trio had fun writing and recording the track, which is how Okin knew early on that the song would do well, even if he didn’t anticipate it going this far.
“We were all a bit dumbstruck. I was shocked and confused, and I didn’t even realise the list was on the BBC site until I read through it the second time.”
The poet says he felt a mixture of elation, confusion and pride at being recognised in this way. He believes it is a positive thing for the industry, as this is not only their accolade, but one for all Namibian musicians.
“Any positive accolade, especially one given from outside our country, can only benefit our industry. It shows not only our own people, but the outside world, that even if you come from such a small population, truly reaching for your dreams and being the authentic you can take you and your craft beyond where you ever imagined possible.”
On when fans can expect to see them on stage again, Okin hinted that it may be sooner than expected, as Mushiva, who is out of the country, could be returning soon. Until then, they will be focusing on their new project.
The 2015 Namibia Annual Music Award best music video winners formed in 2013 and released the project ‘Remember The Future’ the same year. They have been featured on OkayAfrica, a digital media platform dedicated to African culture, music and politics, and in the South African Rolling Stone magazine.
– @MissAnneDastood on social media
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