by Phil Chard

Hailing from South Africa’s East Rand town of Benoni, Ms Supa says she started rapping in the 7th grade after listening to Foxy Brown on the radio and realising that women could rap too. That day she went home and wrote her first verse.

Now 20 years later, Ms Supa is a seasoned veteran of not only the South African Hip Hop but the entertainment scene at large. Her career is littered with several achievements; in 2007 she graced the cover of Hype Magazine, she has also starred in the South Africa drama series Yizo Yizo as well as hosting her own show on South Africa’s Highveld FM station. She is also the founding member of the Ladies OF The Mic collective. A group formed to help give women in Hip Hop a platform to share their talent and gain recognition in a male dominated industry.

I got hold of her to discuss the Sa Hip Hop Industry and her latest project HerStory In The Making

I think the challenge in any industry and community is for women to be seen as more than possessions

You have now been rapping for over decade now. What have the highlights of your career been so far?

My biggest highlight would have to be the Hype cover in 2005 when I was fairly new to the industry. Amongst others was being featured on HHP's Dumela Album and getting to introduce my singing to the market.

The issue of women in Hip Hop and their struggles to gain recognition is a recurring theme. Personally what challenges have you encountered to gain recognition?

I think the challenge in any industry and community is for women to be seen as more than possessions. Every girl who has ever blown up had to belong to a particular crew or male artist. This was my biggest struggle as I had no "team" or "squad" and rolled alone. I think this might have been seen as a threat. "Who does she think she is?" kind of question.

You helped spearhead the Ladies Of The Mic movement. Can you explain what it is and what it has achieved since its inception?

This platform was made to give females an audience within Hip Hop. So often I'd know of 2 female rappers at any given time and hear people complain that there were no Female rappers. This frustrated me as I knew how much talent there was. This allowed for people to have access to talented Females in the Hip Hop community. Miss Isis who was a part of the movement is doing quite well as a featured artist on a hit single called ONLY. BlakRok who's an MC occasionally travels to perform her music in various cities in Europe.

You are a rapper that has worked on radio and TV. Which career do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy TV. The lights, camera, action side of things. Where you need to perform with all of you.

It’s been a year since you released HerStory In The Making. What was the plan for that project and how was it received?

The plan was to re-introduce myself to those who were not active in Hip Hop years ago and the youngins who think Nicki Minaj is the 1st female rapper. Through recording, a lot happened. God blessed me with 2 babies literally in 2 years. So my focus was diverted and I ended up giving the project out for free online. It was well received and had great reviews from Hip Hop bloggers. [sic]

What is your view of the current state of Hip Hop in South Africa and how do you want your music to be received ?

I am happy with the state of Hip Hop in SA. Finally one has playing ground and there is money to be made. Before we mainly did it for the love. But as much as it's an art form, a lot of work gets pushed in it. Eventually great work must be rewarded. Personally I want people to fall in love with the music. Bars are good and well, but real songs last a lifetime.