I Live Tweeted Cassper Nyovest’s Interview On Sway In The Morning
by Phil Chard
South African rapper Cassper Nyovest is currently in the USA for the BET Awards which will be taking place later this weekend. Before heading to LA, Cassper stopped by Sway Calloway's show in New York for an interview where the veteran Hip Hop journalist discussed Cassper's career , South African Hip Hop and the rise of African music as whole in the West.
The significance of this event was not lost on Cassper as he rapped "Back home they are listening and hoping I don't flop/I feel like the whole fucking continent is on my shoulders!" during his freestyle yet somehow I can't help but feel that he was somewhat unprepared to deal with the gravity of the moment. The sad truth s that when any African artist is allowed to be featured on a major Western platform they not only represent themselves but they also represent their nation, culture and the continent by extension. It may not be fair or right, but that is how the world works. So I couldn't help but feel disappointed when Cassper Nyovest proclaimed that he is known as the Kanye west of South Africa......[insert appropriate meme gif here] Can those that truly believe this notion and have proclaimed t publicly please leave a comment on this post or tweet me.
He also made some incredibly irresponsible remarks about racial epithets and how they are viewed in South Africa before he was finally given a chance to display his lyrical prowess on a radio freestyle. As far Cassper lyrics go the freestyle was going well, despite the small issue of Cassper mumbling a few words and getting caught off beat as he rhymed (so truly par for the course). I did feel he was delivering far too many lines in English and should have ventured more into his native Setswana where he truly shines as rapper. Not really gonna dwell on him fumbling the verse and rack that up to the nerves.
The annoying thing is despite his missteps I hate to always have to call Cassper out when I feel he has done a lot that needs to be celebrated and acknowledged. I am a fan of his work but as always seems to be the case when you're a Hip Hop fan - ours faves always seem to fall over themselves to remind us of their blemishes.
Cassper Nyovest On Sway - Curated tweets by PhilChard