Hip Hop Kas’lam presents its second annual awards

Sisanda Henda, in charge of Public Relations and Marketing for Hip Hop Kas’lam, said: “These awards are a celebration of Spaza hip hop,whereby we honour all the elements involved in this genre..we honour artists, beatmakers and we even honour our supporters.”

Spaza is a genre emerging from townships in which artists perform using spoken word and rhythm to interpret and express the challenges the youth face.

DJ Ready D, a South African Hip Hop DJ and turntablist, said: “It has gotten to a point whereby the general public appreciate the culture [Hip Hop Spaza] and young people are taking the initiative in growing it … It’s an exciting phenomenon.”

Sinazo “ Black-Chick” Peter, awarded Best Vernacular Poet, said: “In the past they only had awards for hip hop artists and now they even have them for poets, which is amazing. Each and every word I share on stage is from the heart and my personal experience. For that to be recognised means a lot.”

Sizakele Gegana “ Ndlulamthi” who won Best Lyricist and Best Spaza album, said: “These awards help give recognition to artists who might never get an opportunity to be recognised in the mainstream award ceremonies … Personally for me being awarded best lyricist means that people take time to listen to my words and find meaning in them, and I must say that is profound.”

Yonela Giyana, an audience member, said: “It’s my first time attending the awards and I have never really given hip hop spaza a chance. I must say it’s a wonderful surprise — the songs carry such meaning and the performances are breathtaking.”

Congratulations to all the winners:

Best Hip Hop Kas’lam Supporter - Snax

Best Spaza Beatmaker - BigWeazy’s Classics

Best Vernacular Poet - Black-Chick

Best Spaza Lyricist - Ndlulamthi

Best Spaza Group - Uzwi Kantu

Best Spaza Video - Ndivoteleni by Slippers

Best Spaza Performer - Lolli

Best Spaza Song - Sphura Ec: Ndiyabulela

Best Spaza Album - Ndlulamthi: Isbhilivane

Best Spaza Male - Lyrix