Local rapper explains meaning behind new music and inspiration from Madiba
“Just like me, I am a modern-day Nelson Mandela through art. When I wrote a song about change, I became the change that is needed in my community and country.”
A local entrepreneur has introduced his podcast as a means of voicing change in communities.
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Martin Kekana, commonly known as Numi, is a Kempton Park-born rapper and podcaster.
Born into a talented family, music and entertainment from part of his DNA.
His greatest inspiration was his uncle, the jazz singer, Steve Kekana.
“My creations are finely intertwined with a golden thread of consciousness, awareness, humility, love and life,” said Numi.
Numi said he is also inspired by the struggle stories of Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Chris Hani and Gandhi, amongst others.
He honours their vision as a storyteller by writing for a multiracial audience.
“Mandela was a voice of change. Not only through talk but actions that spoke louder than words. Ubuntu was not just a campaign or phrase, he used it and lived it.
“Just like me, I am a modern-day Nelson Mandela through art. When I wrote a song about change, I became the change that is needed in my community and country.”
Numi added that the Madiba Day Song he wrote was a guideline for children’s needs for them to bring change.
“I am not a voice of change but an example and proof of change.”
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Numi gives back to his community with donations, food parcels, and clothes to orphanages and helps the elderly at old age homes during elections by helping them cast their votes.
He co-hosts a podcast called the 411 where they create awareness around these stories by interviewing celebrities, activists, politicians, actors, and creatives nationwide.
“I am also interested in the music industry. I am influenced by hip-hop pioneers such as Nas, 2pac, Biggie, Eminem, Kanye West, and Jay Z.
“In 2018, I released Graduated from Blesser, a single inspired by a student who did the necessary to be able to afford her studies.
“Other people judged this student. I tried to put myself in her shoes to understand why.
“She needed to go to school but didn’t have the funds, so she hustled in her own way to reach and overcome her struggles and reach her goals,” said Numi.
Numi released another song and is happy to share it with his fans.
The song speaks of his journey with his childhood friends, their passage from walking to riding their BMX bicycles to now driving a car.
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“It’s about appreciating their struggles, celebrating their growth, and inviting peers to do the same. The song is called 2 Series 2 Bimmer,” added Numi.
Numi believes that the platform he has gives him the ability to voice out for change within communities and the country through his music and podcast.
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