South Africa: We Tap into The Hip Hop Scene with Coby Chaze!

What drew you to music?

The lyrical use of words to portray a story that you had never seen before but told so well it felt as if the emotions were your own, almost as if you were part of that world living their different lifestyle, the fancy clothes, expensive cars , the money and self expression through something you love doing.

Describe your style of music;

My music is the urban version of the popular/well known sound known as conscious music now phrased as “REAL” I speak most often of my personal life experiences and how I view the world, I believe music is an everyday emotion which should be created with relevance to your everyday kind of people. Whether it be a song about a girl or riches and fame – all our experiences are based on our everyday life.

How would you say your personal style (fashion) link with your music?

My fashion sense and music tell a story of a young man aspiring to grow into a well groomed, respected and influential visionary.

Which African artists do you dream of working with one day?

I am a BIG fan of Burna Boy.

What do you love most about being African?

Not only do I love being African but I am also VERY proud, as an African I feel it in my soul, the struggle of my ancestors and the journey it has taken us on as Africans today,  I am proud to be an African because in this day and age the world finally has started appreciating our craft – and as a young creative it is really liberating to know that the art forms I experiment and create can gain recognition across my continent.

If you were to go on holiday around Africa, where would you go?

Mnemba Island,  Zanzibar in Tanzania.

I know you have been involved in other industries before, what are they?

Since 2009 when I got out of prison acquitted of my charges,  I had my beautiful God given daughter Unathi Siyamthanda and lost a number of my friends later on that year, one of my late friend Dumisani (Dumie) Blose who had a dying wish that I change my ways and I become who I was destined to be and not what was expected of me….

I’ve since pursued my love for fashion, acting (shortlisted for Mzansi Magic #TheRoad series on my 1st audition), modelling and music, working my way up as a sales rep at retail stores such as Billabong, Jay jays, Aca Joe to being One of  the 4 of C-squared’s first in store stylists to work alongside well known fashion Mentor and Stylist Percy Marc Ngcongo (4000 society), Silo Khanyile (fashion blogger) Njinga Mpanza (DYR FM presenter)and Ray Stokwe (fashion stylist) in their Gateway store to Signing a contract with Sysha model agency (no longer affiliated) and releasing my 1st E.P #DreamChaser with the single Gugu Zindela out for streaming on soundcloud (http://tinyurl.com/Gugu-Zindela)

If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you would be doing now?

If I never did music I definitely would be pursuing my acting career or studying Law.

How often do you compose new music?

I compose music everyday of my life – cause like I said music to me is for your everyday life.

What has been your greatest career highlight?

My biggest career highlight would be two of my songs getting radio recognition and going to be voted number 1 on Inanda Fm top 10 hip hop hotlist (2016) and number 3 in the DYR Fm top 5 hip hop hotlist (2017)

Music is… reality

Africa is… My home

Love is... life

My favourite season is… Spring

I grew up… between Durban and Richards Bay

My strength is… determination

My weakness is… obsession

I love social media… because it has created a universe of interaction and understanding within our daily lives – enabling us to adapt and grow through other life experiences.