Cibil Nyte plans massive comeback

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Wednesday October 19, 2011 00:00

Scheduled for release next month, the album is expected to have 15 tracks most of which are complete with singles like I Just Wanna Holla already playing on local radio stations. According to Cibil Nyte, the album Nyte Time would enhance his status as the best hip-hop Emcee in Africa.  He said that his title as best African emcee has not yet been challenged.

Asked why he took long before releasing his debut solo album, Cibil Nyte said that he needed time to master the art before he could think of making the next move.  He said his intention when entering the Channel O Emcee Africa competition two years ago, was not to become famous or release an album.  'It was only after a while that I realised that it was something I wanted to pursue,' he said.  Cibil Nyte said he instantly decided that he wanted to make music that could compete internationally.  He said that he grew up listening to a lot of American hip-hop, which he decided to emulate.

Cibil Nyte said he got busy with a number of projects that helped him as an artist.  'I have been doing quite a number of performances and I have collaborated with a number of artists in their mixtapes and albums,' he said. Cibil Nyte has also worked on singles that he distributes online.  His latest release was, however, a mixtape titled It's Nyte Time, which is a prelude to his upcoming album.

Like most local artists, however, Cibil Nyte has expressed the desire to market himself in more lucrative markets outside Botswana.  He has worked with several artists and producers from South Africa including Panic, and Irv.  He said that working with artists from outside has given him a better understanding of the music industry. 

'I have been able to identify the weaknesses and strengths of Botswana's music industry, something that has given me an edge over most artists here,' he said.Cibil Nyte said it was necessary for him to benchmark with international artists if he is to live up to his status as the best African emcee.

He said that he is proud of what he has achieved so far.  His latest projects may include releasing an album with Botswana's export rapper to South Africa, Zeus, and collaborative mixtapes with several locals.  He said he would also like to do some performances in South Africa where he has staged a few shows and received rave reviews. 'I am also in constant contact with people in Zimbabwe where I pursued part of my high school education,' he said.

The University of Botswana (UB) second year Social Sciences student said that determination has helped him to keep the balance between his schoolwork and music. 'I also run a music and entertainment studio,' he said.