The quirky, unique iFani
The fast talking rapper, Mzayifani Boltina Mzondeleli, better known as iFani and best known for his quirky attire, paid a visit to Polokwane recently to promote his latest single, February.
POLOKWANE – He has had a solid rise in the music industry, appearing on various TV programmes such as Jam Sandwich, Idols season 10, I love South Africa season 1, Top Billing, and Zaziwa.
The Mthatha born lyricist is a computer science and BSc computer engineering graduate from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
He is currently travelling across the country to promote his second album, I Believe In Me (2nd Quadrant). “I hope this album will motivate people to change what they don’t like about themselves instead of wallowing in despair over their imperfections,” he explains.
iFani says it has always been his dream to become a recording artist.
“I started my career taking part in cyphers, underground rap battles. I would go to cypher battles at night and work as an engineer by day. I made the decision to quit my job and pursue music full-time when I realised rapping gave me more joy than my job ever could,” he explains.
He told BONUS his goal is to tell everyone the story of his life. “My albums are released in quadrants, they all come together to form a whole. The four quadrants represent different stages in my life,” he explains.
“Right now, I’m focused on trying to understand my feelings. I spend most of my time focused on my work and not enough on my experiences and how I feel about them.”
He says breaking into the industry is not easy. “I was turned down so many times, I contemplated giving up. Eventually I started performing at small gigs and handed out my demo to anyone who would take it; industry people, DJ’s and festival goers alike. That led to people listening to and talking about my music.
“The biggest challenge was not giving up after hearing ‘no’ time and time again. The song Ewe, which means Yes in isiXhosa is about my struggle to get recognised in the industry,” he says.
“I am proud of where I came from and who I am today. With this album, I wanted to give people the real iFani, flaws and all.”
In his younger days, he listened to TKZee, HHP, Pro Kid, and Khuli Chana. “One thing they all taught me is to look for strength and courage in myself.”
He says the best part about his life is that he is free to do what he likes, whenever he likes.
“I’m not tied to a desk, I get to travel the country and do what I love. I’m free.”
His first album, I believe In Me (First Quadrant), won the award for best rap album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2004.
“I recently released the first single of my new album and the response has been phenomenal,” he says.
He says he raps in isiXhosa because he is proud of his language and doesn’t feel the need to rap in English for people to relate to his music. He says that is one of the things that sets him apart from other rappers. “Be yourself, rap in your mother tongue, that’s what I believe.
“If you are Venda-speaking, rap in Venda if that is what you’re comfortable with,” he encourages.
“When I quit my engineering job, I felt undervalued. I chose to chase happiness instead of success because I believe that is what life is really about,” he concludes.
