Local event organiser dreams to take hip hop to the next level

Born in the small town of Vaalbank in Mpumalanga and raised in Soshanguve, Nhlanhla Innocent Themba, famously known as Swarve, is an event organiser and hip-hop pioneer who dares to dream big.

Thembe, who now resides in Alexandra, said, “I am an event organiser among other things, a hip-hop pioneer and I have been hosting this event called Up in The North. I have been doing this event for four years and it’s gradually growing.

“This event came alive when I realised that there are no longer hip-hop-based events and I have been surrounded by hip-hop creatives because I am also a hip-hop head and an artist manager, so I saw a gap and took a chance.”

Through the Up In The North movement, Themba has sought to create a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and innovation. He established mentorship, offering guidance to aspiring hip-hop musicians and helping them navigate the industry. By leveraging his own experiences and connections, he has become a beacon of hope for artists dreaming of a breakthrough.

“We have given a spotlight to more than 200 creatives and counting, and we hope to continue growing and the dream is to one day become the biggest hip-hop event organiser in Alex, Gauteng and the country.

“This movement is bigger than me and I just want to see all these creatives become successful and remember that Up In The North gave them a platform to shine. There are a lot of disadvantages and advantages, you just need to understand that you can make it regardless of your background.” Themba said.

Themba has an upcoming event and would appreciate his now community support, ‘Our next event is on August 5, Friends of Hip Hop Edition and we would like it if people would pull through.’

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