Rap Queens on The Rise: Behold Benzo
In the first of what will be an ongoing series where we shed light on some of the strongest voices emerging in rap on the African continent, we had a virtual sit down with Benzo, who says her sound is a fusion of her “Xhosa culture and new-age trap”.
The 20-year-old artist is steadily making a name for herself in her hometown of Johannesburg, made possible by both talent as well as grit. She describes herself as a fighter and a feminist and explains that this is what fuels her imminent success.
With the launch of her 6-track EP “KUMKANIKAZI” (produced by 031 Choppa), Benzo makes it clear that she means business. More than that, she notes that the sexism that has held women back for so long in the music industry is starting to crumble- “as much as this industry is dominated by men, it [feels better] knowing that more women are breaking into this industry.” she shares.
For more on how she got started in rap, as well as the challenges she’s facing as she experiences her come-up, see our full interview below.
This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context
Wanique: Who is BENZO?
Benzo: Benzo is a 20-year-old rapper from Johannesburg. She’s a fighter. I have been through a lot to get to where I am now.
What has your journey with rap and making music in general been like?
In 2018, during my Matric year I tried recording, but because I wasn’t confident enough I decided to drop everything. The people I was working with at the time were all men who were trying to take advantage of me, so I just dropped the whole thing. Then last year, a lot happened, but I told myself that I needed to be more serious about my life and music.
You recently launched your six-track EP called KUMKANIKAZI, with two songs now playlisted on Apple Music. What were the best and worst parts of putting this project together?
The easiest thing was definitely creating the EP itself. I had more experience [than before], and I worked with a friend of mine on this EP, so communicating what I wanted was so easy. The most challenging thing was the song selection for my EP, as well as the overall planning for studio time. I also stressed a lot about not meeting the deadline.
How do you feel about breaking into rap as a woman? Do you think the industry has progressed enough to facilitate the right kind of environment in order for you to thrive?
Coming up women are always compared to men. Men rap about women’s bodies, as well as what they do to women, but as soon as we rap about our bodies and sexuality, we’re always questioned. [However] I feel like my journey is a little easier because there is so much support amongst women [in music]. We’re not trying to compete with one another; we all want to see each other win, and that really helps.
How has this influenced the way you approach your career?
I have realized that as much as this industry is dominated by men, it’s still so much better knowing that more women are breaking into this industry. It’s easier working with women, unlike men, they don’t try to take advantage or assume that you want to have sex with them.
Who or what inspires you to continue this journey?
My mother and myself! I always wanted to be in the spotlight. I never thought that I’d be a rapper, but I’m actually so proud of myself!
What influences your sound?
My sound is influenced by my Xhosa Culture infused with new-age trap.
What’s the one thing you hope to achieve with your music?
I hope to give people who listen to my music some confidence. I want people to feel empowered and strong, especially my homegirls (chuckles).
Which artist or artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Locally I’d like to collaborate with SAUWCY and Moneybadoo and Nasty C. Globally, I’d like to collaborate with Megan thee Stallion and Mulatto.
What’s next for BENZO? Will you be releasing any new music?
I am going to be releasing the visuals for Kumkanikazi. I am also releasing my Debut album in August 2021.
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