Ifani Interview

Famously known for his song ‘Ewe’, Ifani is a rapper born in Umthatha. He describes himself as unique; someone who enjoys trying on new and exciting things in life. Ifani proudly raps in Xhosa because that’s who he is. In our one on one interview Ifani tells us more about his career and he shares the challenges he faced when getting into the music industry and mostly explains why he sang about Zizo Beda.

YV : Please tell us about yourself, who is Ifani?
Ifani: Ifani is a rapper that was born in Umthatha and raised in PE. I am unique just like most people are and I try to keep that in my music as well. So I try to do new, exciting and different things and that’s who I am.

 
YV: How did the name Ifani come about?
Ifani:It is my middle name and it means not the same, if you really know me well you going to call me Ifani Hayi’mani.

 
YV: Have you always wanted to be a rapper?
Ifani: No I most wanted to be an artist, do drawings and graffiti, so rap came over time.

 
YV: Why did you choose to rap in Xhosa?
Ifani: All of my songs are in Xhosa and that’s because it is who I am and what I am comfortable with. I talk about the things I go through. I think in Xhosa, pray in Xhosa, I talk and converse in Xhosa so that’s who I am.

 
YV: Who would you like to work with on your album?
Ifani: I would love to work with Zakwe, I have already worked with Bongani Fassie and I would also like to work with an artist from outside maybe someone from Ghana or Mozambique

 
YV: Your song ‘Ewe’ was received very well, what was the inspiration behind writing it?
Ifani: It’s  a song that talks about me trying to break into the music industry and everybody else saying No. So that means, no does not work to me and as a person you need to try harder in life. For Yes in Xhosa is ‘Ewe’

 
YV: What made you to sing a song about Zizo Beda?
Ifani: Minus the fact that ‘Umhle’ (she’s beautiful), she is gorgeous, talented, and successful, and I mean what more do you need. If we can’t thank our own sisters who will so I had to do it.

YV: We read somewhere that you don’t have a manager and record label, why did you choose to do things on your own?
Ifani: Yes, it was like that before but now I am signed to Sony music Africa

YV: Was it difficult getting into the music industry?
Ifani: Yes it was, it is difficult when you don’t have anyone who will speak on your behalf, which is why it took so long for me to break into the industry.

YV: What sets you apart from other SA rappers?
Ifani: Well it’s not just any SA rappers; it’s what sets any human being apart themselves. No one will ever be you, even your finger prints are different. We all are different and we are born different. We are the ones who choose to conform and be like other people, you being yourself sets you apart. You don’t have to go out there and want to be like Jay-Z or AKA.

 
YV: What is the best part about doing music?
Ifani: The best part is doing what you love, unlike people who go to work and don’t enjoy what they are doing so the nice part about this is every time I write or perform a song, I have fun.

 
YV: Who do you enjoy listening to other than yourself?
Ifani: (Laughs) I listen to a lot of music, mainly I listen to the staff that is sent to me by my facebook friends as most of them are rappers. So I could say I listen to a lot of underground and upcoming artist.

YV: What is your favourite holiday spot/food/gadget?
Ifani: Cape Town, PE and Durban will have to be my favourite holiday spots, Favourite food will be Umphokoqo, that is Mealie meal and Amasi and gadget will be phones.

YV: Women or Cars?
Ifani:Definitely Cars. Ferrari FF the fastest four seater car in the world.

 
YV: Who is your inspiration and Why?
Ifani: Life inspires me, the fact that I can wake up with a thought, wake up with a dream, I can change the future, I can talk to people and I can think, so that inspires.

 
YV: Are you already working on your next project?
Ifani: Yes I am and you will not be disappointed.

 
YV: What advice would you give to people wanting to get into music?
Ifani: I would advise them to open their ears. A lot of people don’t listen and they think they know too much. So they end up not taking advice and not keeping update of what’s happening around them.  Rapping is a two way street, so you need to listen to other people as much as you want to be heared. So anyone who wants advise, I will tell them to listen.