DJ Lemonka points out missing links
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday April 12, 2016 18:00
DJ Lemonka is one of the respected Motswako hip-hop DJs in South Africa. DJ Lemonka was in the country last week to promote an upcoming mix tape he did with Tatto Lefoko called 2744.
He shared his sentiments on how he sees the local hip-hop industry with Showbiz. DJ Lemonka said he partly believes that Motswako hip hop originated in Botswana with the likes of Nomadic, explaining that by now the music genre should be commercial in Botswana.
“There is a lot of talent within the Botswana hip hop industry but there is a lot of missing links that are stopping rappers from excelling and reaching the commercial side of it. It’s not only about talent but the different routes you have to take,” stated DJ Lemonka.
He pointed out that for a rapper to excel they need a good administration team. “Rappers need an administration team that consists of people such as booking agents, marketing team, publicity team and a manager. Without these you will not excel. Look at people such as Da Les, he is all over the media coz he has a strong team that pushes his stuff,” he advised. He stated that he has been following Botswana hip hop as he knows a number of rappers, the likes of Touch Motswako, Euri, ATI, Chrome, Scar, Zeus and Drama Boi.He stated that apart from having an administration team, rappers should take an initiative in making sure they take part in marketing their brand. “A good example is Zeus, every time when he is in South Africa he goes around to different radio stations and provinces marketing his brand. That’s why I have also come here to promote this upcoming mix tape”. DJ Lemonka has taken an initiative to help promote local rappers by taking their music to different radio stations across South Africa.
He recently featured Drama Boi on his latest mix tape, in which he collaborated with rapper Tatto Lefoko. Drama Boi was featured on a track titled Ezi. On his upcoming solo album he said he would like to work with the likes of Chrome, Big L Wasekai. “I have been trying to get hold of ATI but I can’t seem to get hold of him.” The hip hop music industry in his home country South Africa is currently blazing fire because rappers know how to sell their brands.