Mohalenyane Phakela
LOCAL rapper, Jiji F, is making a mark beyond Lesotho’s borders, with a performance lined up at a Johannesburg-based club called Kitcheners Carvert on Saturday evening.
According to Jiji F, his love for rap stretches back to when he was in kindergarten, with his first recording released in 2008. He shot to fame after featuring in Basali and J Cob’s track Ke Teng remix which became club anthems. Since then, Jiji F has gone from strength to strength releasing solo offerings and collaborating with other artistes. He works closely with the sought after MIP crew and co-owns the clothing line Empire.
Since his rise to stardom, the Khubetsoana-based rapper has become a feature on the Hip Hop shows calendar with fans duly obliging each time he performs. His blending of rhymes in street vernacular has endeared him to fans who can relate to the lyrics.
Jiji F’s hit single Papa Ka Lebese has been getting a lot of air play and circulated among fans, as well as rapper Nirex’s offering Animale, on which Jiji F also features.
Speaking to the Weekender this week, Jiji F admitted he felt goose bumps as it will be his first time performing in Johannesburg.
“I am caught up between excitement and nervousness as I will be performing for the first time in Johannesburg to a totally different crowd,” Jiji F said.
“I feel I have to produce the best performance ever so that I leave an unforgettable mark there because most, if not all, the people there will be hearing my music for the first time.”
Jiji F also said he believes the platform will open many doors for him, as well as the much-needed exposure he has always wanted.
“It is every musician’s dream to perform beyond his home country, so I think that the performance I am going to give out there will, not only make my music known to a different market, but will also create connections for me,” he said.
The gig, dubbed Last of my 20s, is promoter Moeketsi Manoeli’s birthday. Jiji F will be performing alongside South African deejays such as DJ Elque, Jab a Jaw, Khobe One and Mr Grant Keith, making the Papa Ka Lebese rapper the only performing act on the lineup.
