Representation is a fundamental theme that fuels the bloodline of hip-hop’s most culture-defining moments. Be it reppin’ your hood, your dreams or your status as either a seasoned OG or leader of the new school – without the knowledge of who you are, where you are from or what you represent, you have no backbone in the competitive sport.
Eastern Cape born rapper and songwriter Flash Ikumkani prides himself on the above ethos with his latest offering, Umbono Wam: a one-stop melodic prowess and isixhosa cultural discourse shop.
Umbono Wam, which loosely translates to my vision, is an intimate encounter with his Nkeva (rural) roots, drawing into character-shaping experiences and the takeaways from being an astute Xhosa man who has not forsaken the core teachings of ilali (the village).
Flash interestingly goes against the status quo of highlighting the shortcomings of where his from, rather presenting his environment, albeit disadvantaged in some aspects but ultimately the backbone of his unshakable character traits and his key to overcoming adversity.
Some standout moments in the EP have to be the “Intlungu”, which features veteran Pdoto reciting a healing verse in a transcendent balance of English and Isixhosa. While “Proud of Me” shares infectious flow comradery with KZN dons Just Bheki and Lordscript.
The follow-up release to his critically acclaimed debut Iqhawe is equally heroic and resoundingly visionary. Dedicated to the validation of dreams, its empowering mode is the gift of self-affirmation that ought to be translated into communal empowerment.
Feature pic supplied by artist
