Rap Queens on The Rise: Naledzi
In the fourth installment for Rap Queens on the Rise, we caught up with Johannesburg-based rapper, singer, and songwriter Naledzi, who talks to us about her latest single titled Bag It Up, her musical journey, and what it means to be a female rapper in South Africa.
Hailing from Mpumalanga, South Africa Naledzi started her career in 2011 as a Hip-Hop artist by forming an all-girl trio with her cousins, called the “Blak Beaniez”. “My musical journey began in 2011; my cousins and I started an all-girl rap trio called the Blak Beaniez…”
After much recognition and support the Blak Beaniez were given the opportunity to audition for SONY Music, however, due to their age at the time, this was not a success. “…We [Blak Beaniez] produced our own music; I think that's what made us stand out at the time, enough to audition for SONY Music”, Naledzi shares.
After taking some time off from music, Naledzi then started her solo career as a Hip Hop artist in her hometown of Mbombela, Mpumalanga. From releasing singles, touring Mpumalanga with the Kamina Kawena Tour, to releasing her debut EP Dreality, Naledzi was able to cement herself in the music industry by gaining recognition from various parts of South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Nigeria.
No stranger to the music industry, Naledzi notes that her experience gave her a newfound perspective about the underrepresentation of womxn and how audiences often have these preconceived ideas of what a female rapper should embody, “I think my experience from Blak Beaniez shifted the idea for me that it [music] is a male sport, after that, I saw the industry with a different set of eyes. I’m really grateful that I had a first try at this, it definitely helps me at this point… It’s helped me be more aware of how listeners perceive and think what a female rapper should be but also helped understand why I stand out.”
For more on Naledzi, read our full interview below as she discusses her musical journey, her inspirations, and her latest release.
This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context.
Wanique: Tell me about yourself. Who is Naledzi?
Naledzi: I was born and raised in Mpumalanga, fell in love with writing music by the age of 11. I've always been a very curious person; I just like learning and knowing things which led me to beat making, studying fashion and learning the industry. On a random day, if I’m not working, I’m probably in front of a screen or hanging with family.
How did you get your start in music?
My musical journey began in 2011 when my cousins and I started an all-girl rap trio called the Blak Beaniez. We produced our own music; I think that's what made us stand out at the time, enough to audition for Sony Music.
What was the defining moment you realized that you wanted to become a rapper
As a school activity, we had to make a presentation for Arbor day, in Grade 7. I wrote a song which I performed with my group, I did the rap part and the whole experience really convinced me this was it.
Let’s discuss your latest single, Bag It Up, which was released on the 24th May 2021. What were the best and worst parts about creating this track
For “Bag It Up”, I had actually done a verse for another producer's song which ended up not being released, so I sent it to my current producers TheKidsNextDoor, they sent it back with a couple of beat choices and what we have today is “Bag it Up”. The back and forth with mastering had to be the hardest part since it was recorded last year.
What does your single “Bag It Up” represent?
I moved to Gauteng to further pursue my career, at the time I didn't have a team but since then my current manager Riso and TheKidsNextDoor separately approached to work with me. So “Bag It Up” is about my new perspective in this journey and how hard I want to work to make it a huge success.
Women have started to cement their place in a once male-dominated rap genre. Do you think this somewhat makes your journey easier as an up-and-coming artist?
I think my experience from Blak Beaniez shifted the idea for me that it's a male sport, after that, I saw the industry with a different set of eyes. I’m really grateful that I had the first try at this, it definitely helps me at this point.
How has this influenced your career?
It’s helped me be more aware of how listeners perceive and think what a female rapper should be but also helped me understand why I stand out.
When it comes to the South African rap industry and mainstream culture, do you think this industry is accepting when it comes to emerging artists like yourself?
In SA I think, especially in hip hop the listenership is still mostly male, so it's harder to relate to the mass consumer of hip hop if you rap about your experience as a woman.
Who or what inspires you to continue your musical journey?
I’ve always known that this is my path and I’d be doing myself a disservice if I were not to see it through.
What is the one thing that you hope people will take away from your music?
Always a sense of relief, I rap mostly about my personal life experiences and this is mostly what other people also go through. Just the feeling of not being alone in the things they go through.
Do you have any dream collaborations? Locally and Internationally?
In my wildest dreams, Pharell Williams on production and Kandi Burruss on lyrics. Locally, Zooci Coke Dope and Benny Chill.
What’s next for Naledzi?
I’m currently writing for a project, already have a few songs done and dusted. This would be my second body of work, however, I definitely love how I’ve evolved from Dreality (my debut EP), after all-the world is my oyster!
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