Tracks in A Dollar a day #5-Mad Old#10-All i got #13-Pockets full of change
“In and out of town like my life style crazy/Can’t relate to half of my boys coz they got babies/The only time i see the other half is when they in court/ You know the story one of them snitched now all of them caught/
Play Mad Ol’
As a performer A.P.U has a natural flair and charm with remarkable crowd control. He has a firm understanding of people, the art of hosting and standup comedy. His performances are ‘audience participation’ driven which has led to plenty a successful shows. The MC can also drop ill poems as seen on the Fela Kuti sample Pockets full of change.
APU is also a conscious of community and breaks bread here with Muki Garang and Akili Blaq on Gangsterims in Mzansi.
A.P.U has an extensive performance background. At age 16 he was amongst the first group of artists who spearheaded the
premier of Lefoko (North West Hip‐hop Movement). He then joined the then Lyv promotions as one of its principal performers
learning and perfecting the Art of performance as an Art form and discipline.
He is currently producing, songwriting and recording a diverse portfolio of Artists in the North West province of South Africa. His naturally cool ambience and flair makes him flexible enough to handle young and older audiences alike.
A.P.U has strong Street credibility, and is Ideal for both cooperate and social event hosting (M.C).
A Dollar a day is a compilation of commentary as well as poets and musicians with a common vision the “rebirth of Africa”. Where artists and friends from Kenya,Nigeria,Zimbabwe,Botswana and South Africa all convereged in the Northwest of the Post Apertheid Nation to record.
The musical project was produced by Akili Blaq, Mwanamundu The 3rd (MM3rd) of Dextraw Multimedia, a digital music producer who has his pulse on sounds of Africa (Swahili taarab,Afro funk),Soul, The Blues with influences by JDilla, Madlib and MF Doom.
Akili Blaq describes A Dollar a day saying A Dollar a day, maintains an authentic African experience, but most importantly has managed to exhibit some of the best narratives on political issues from Zimbabwe’s land reform policy, negative-ethnicity,population control,love,HiV and Aids, sex and civil strife.”
Given his dedication and passion to the Hiphop culture, Akili admits “The artists in A Dollar a Day are my close friends,knowing them personally they have put aside all that pulls them down in this world to share with you pain,joy,party,knowledge,love and much more than you anticipate.”
On his neck-snapping beats Akili says “My music has no borders, my inspiration lies on keys,notes and quotes from the authors of these poems and raps.”
Akili plays the keyboard and has an ear to a wide array of music, he attests “You can’t be a producer listening to only Hiphop, you can’t be a rapper listening to only yourself.”
In the spirit of Ubuntu Blaq notes, “Download A Dollar a day and share with all folk!”
I travelled to South Africa on the 30th November 2011, barely three weeks from Thailand, as a participant in The World Jam 2011. My friend Akili Blaq(MM3rd) encouraged me not to wait for the almighty donors, to raise me a travel grant but to hit the road gangster style, on my return to South Africa.
I was not ready for this journey but home is the last place i wanted to be, jonesing to get in touch with
myself, not feeling the energies around. Pardon me, if I sound cryptic, simply put, i needed to look at Kenya from a distance.
My return to South Africa was not a cushy flight to Oliver Tambo airport, I travelled 6000 miles by road (yes, i did).
That’s from Nairobi-Daresalaam-Tunduma(TZ) – (Nakonde,Zambia) – Lusaka to Kazungura(Border post between Zambia & Botswana) -Kazungura to Francistown – Francistown to Gaborone and Gaborone to Mahikeng.
Biggy Shuari Vedasto the Money changer
My acquaintance, turned saviour, then friend Biggy Shuari Vedasto (The money changer), operates in Tunduma at the Tanzanian side of the border with Zambia. I’d not only have bandages on my ego but on my frame as well. This brother saved my life from unscrupulous smugglers posing to be money changers -Call me for a narration of the whole story.
Tunduma has all nationalities from Palestinians, Nigerians, Kenyans , Ugandans,South Africans,Russians,Mauritanians- a melting pot of thugs,priests,rappers,children,backpackers,hoodlums,hawkers,cooks and even nuns. I owe you more than one, that’s why i shouted you out on track 18. A dollar a day -the beginning of good friendship. Play A Dollar a day
You need to note the Border between Harare and JohannesburgBeitbridge is the busiest border point in the world. I
avoided it at all costs because it takes as much as 4 hours to be processed. My only option which is actually the
easiest,was the border post between SA & Bots Ramatlabama which is traffic free!
This is the part you were hoping i wouldn’t come to, you have to board the ferry and cross over to Botswana, you pay 1 pula
(ksh.13) to get a ticket to pay for the ferry. There are volunteer guides who play the guide card and will show you the
ropes. Naturally you will be obliged to give them something, asking, “How much are you charging?” they reply “Whatever your
heart says.” Eiish, wena, from a struggling man to another ..that phrase kills me! -Back to the story,there is no buses
plying Kazungura to Gaborone route unless you have an advanced booking,so my friend i had to hike!
Not a pleasant experience for a backpacking newbie -ne? Yes, seven hours to Francistown through the Okavango Delta with
African Bush elephants flexing their might at will on various points of the road. I was uneasy unable to remove my camera
and take photos, bundled up with locals and foreigners from Zambia, Somalia, Tanzania you name it but i did and captured
this right here. The ride costs 100 Pulas (Approx. Ksh.1300).
On reaching Francistown the hike doesn’t end there, i was still forced to hike to Gaborone only this time a BMW pulled up.
Only problem was, am i able to hop in a ride with three dudes in a foreign land? I jumped in and i was in Gaborone in 3
hours after covering 300kms. The roads are superb, well lit and smooth, quite a contrast from where i reside. The rates are
the same 100 pulas for the distance.
I love South Africa because food is ready in the morning! had me some thick juicy fries sprinkled with barbecue season
there (pron.theh), with grilled chicken and Rooibos tea (Nyana), at the Bus ranks in Gabs, after which i called Akili who
wanted me to hope on maftown taxi immediately! Relax Mfwethu, am on my way!
I patched at Angel’s for a bit kicking it with good folk and eating munchies (Prasadam) from the nearby Krishna temple. You see my dear friend Angell is Krishna not only is he deep but your poetic aptitude has to be crisp when building with him.
Freshened up the then hit the road to the Bus ranks to board a Taxi (Matatu) to Mafikeng/Mahikeng (Depending on your taste bud’s adoption of the former country to a South African province). Accompaned by my Bots pals; Tas,Stemi,Kabo and Bryan.
It’s a 2 hour ride from Gabs to Maftown and i alighted at Mmabatho palms Hotel where my brother Akili Blaq was waiting for me. We then took a walk to Unit 6 where my boy hosted a brother for a month plus change. With every day that passed Akili wiped the
smudge off my face – he was not taking any excuse, i pleaded “Bra its been four years since i rapped, how do i start again?”
We wrote lyrics, made beats, invited other artists,friends to build and record music with us, first MC to come visit was Apu Sebekedi who made a track about me talking of how this one time i woke up feeling mad old in a club, genious that kid!
Lerato Mosimane is a trustee of Platinum African Youth Tourism together with Maisha Yetu we organized an exchange program
that brought together friends who birthed A dollar a day. Alongside Boni and Phillip Anokye we helped in community
activities such as her golf clinics held to mark the 16 Days of activism. During this time a number of MCs and poets come
and record for different projects at Dextraw studio.
Whilst in pocket, i broke bread with peers Augustus Assan, Phoebeh Phokompe, Mpho Ya Badimo, Kholisile Lizwe
Khlangwana,Attmattatva Das,Emmanuel Aro, Bra Sam Bass and our brother TLS on the current state of the New South Africa (The
rainbow nation). Issues pertaining to Xenophobia, ethnic diversity, historical and economic injustices in the post
apertheid nation, amongst other topics such as; why Pap in South Africa is all soft and Mushy and has to be cooked with salt! -It’s all about your gologoshe ne?
Mafikeng’s policy makers and stake holders did not miss out, Sylvia Liabile the Chairperson for the Northwest Business
women’s chairperson and South Africa Business Comittee on Hiv and Aids, caught wind of the on going recording of A dollar a
day and gave us her input.
Time waits for no man,had to hit the road,left Maftown and my dear brother Akili Blaq,Lerato and their beatiful joy Booboobear and Regos. To be honest i had no zeal for hiking was diminished, so when i got to Gabs I booked a bus from Gaborone to
Lusaka for 500 Pulas (Approx. Ksh.6500). The Gabs -Lsk bus only plies the route on Thursdays so i had to patch at Angel’s
for a couple more days.
At Kazungura (border post with Botswana and Zambia) the sun is right above your head -thanks to the Kalahari desert. African
Bush elephants roam at will hanging around the police at the road block,they seem cool. Au contraire (On/to the contratry)
the immigration officers very unfriendly to their black kin –This immigration officer asked me to return to the back of the
queue, when i got to the counter for my exit stamp on the passport –yes and the bus is yet to leave, boarding the ferry to cross to Zambia.
It gets worse while in Zambia at the immigration office, a crowd of travellers queue waiting for declaration
forms which are not handed out by the attendant. During this time the bus is being offloaded to determine what requires to
be taxed by the Zambia revenue authority . Its very easy to loose your luggage in Zambia, folk around customs are very hungry men!
Lusaka,Zambia reminds me of Kenya in the 90s. When i arrived i was not able to get a bus to Daresalaam so i had to spend
one night in Lusaka. I thought of checking in at Kalulu backpackers hostel but i needed to be around, just incase the
booking offices had one of their bookies show up in the middle of the night. I tucked in my stuff at the luggage bay,
remaining with my backpack watching events of the night unfolded.
Ke Survival for the illest mfwethu
My adaptation skills required me to get a local, who would give me tips of survival at the Lusaka intercity Bus terminus.
So i made friends with the loudest guy, an average height dark man by the name Deshen powers – he insisted on both names
called out. Deshen powers owns a shop right in the middle of Lusaka Intercity bus terminus and he is always rapping. So i
went and bought myself a cup of coffee and buttered bread at his coffee shop -he was picking his nose then but (shrug). I asked him if he was a rapper and he immediately begun kickin a verse. I pulled out my digi cam and recorded him in action, kicking 16s non-stop.
Chilling with Doshen Powers was quite an experience, especially when he decided to set the record straight . A drunk man whom i
came to learn was a Malawian witchdoctor kept hustling me for change. In exhibiting a gesture of good will for our new found
relationship based on our love for the Hiphop culture, Doshen pimp slapped the drunk witchdoctor putting his dunken stupor
to sleep immediately.
During summer the sun comes up as early as 4am, sipping on watered down milked coffee,Doshen Powers explained to me how lots of African fall victims to Aids. He was saddenned by how ‘weak Africans’ intoxicated their bodies with ARVs. He told me “I am
not scared of AIDS, when i was young, i went to the bush , after my initiation the sangoma put something on my thing, it was
painful but now i am safe.”
He continued to explain, “I have a friend of mine who is sick right now from sleeping with a girl who has H.I.V., i slept
with that girl but nothing happened to me, i do not fear AIDS.”
On my way to Tanzania after passing Mbeya and Iringa National park , rich with animals. Usually when visiting game reserves you have to drive lots of kms inside to see the prized lions, not this one, i saw lions sprawled on the grass just kickin it by the roadside, how about that? So what are the tips again when you get a puncture?
Nakonde, the Zambian side of the border with Tanzania is hectic! The Zambia revenue authority literally empties a 150
seater bus and all items in it to determine what requires taxation.
Ubungo bus station in Dar-e-salaam, is a bee hive of activities young men trying to make a living selling bread and water in
that exact order. On recess make beats on fruity loops from PIV PCs and rap their hearts out on some hardcore hiphop beats.
Unfortunately Doshen made sure my battery ran so i do not have a picture from Ubungo. I freestyled to a couple of their
beats and they spoke broken english with me because like most people often assume i am nigerian (wonder why? is my nose, my
build or i got that Yoruba ibo mojo on the real?)
Since no buses travel at night in Tanzania i had to wait till morning to hit the road from Dar to Nairobi. So now here i am,
pondering over my next movement. Thankful that i made it back alive with a Musical project recorded by friends who left all
the challenges this world has dealt them to put in positive contributions, that will not only affect them but you the
listener. Thank you dear friends for sharing with me.
Thank you to those who contributed the making of A Dollar a day. You know who you are! It’s never in vain!
I got things to do here before i leave again,promote the distribution of A Dollar a day, Hiphop parliament workshops,
volunteering here and there, put in more community work. Deep down my heart longs for Bolivia, living in the Amazon
connect with nature, chew coca leaves and break bread with the Shamans in lucidity, learn to live simple seeking purity,
partake in the Ayuhuasca ritual, tap into the spirit world and battle with my inner voice and repair this wounded soul. This
is my wish, Bolivia!
Angell Mphaphi Nthoi also known as Atmattatva Das is a staunch Krishna believer, a beat maker and a wordsmith crafting poems in the deepest of realms. Angell is a professional graphic, he runs his own company Mouthofvigilance based in Gaborone. Though currently based in Gabs Attmatatva is not a visitor to the South African Hiphop scene where he contributed his services at cotton mouth productions.
In his essence Atmattatva embodies the passion for skate boarding,alternative music and plays his own guitar chords for his music production. Atmattatva pens his thoughts in a blog called Mtafutua Njia (Swahili for seeking the path) where he shares written and recorded poetry,thoughts and experiences from Botswana.
Other projects that Atmattatva has produced include Handsaloof. In a dollar a day Angell collaborates with Bra Sam Bass from Zimbabwe in the poem ‘Aszes &Brestzzz’ a poetic observation on what contemporary artist(s) and media have to offer.
” Nah Back door we use Entah// Still dey carry rhyme from time I dey for Placenta//….Moreover, whether april May or decembah!!//I dey quick to grab de Mic like , Kanye , SWIFTLY!!!” – Omodada
Omodada aka Aro was born in Ibadan , Nigeria where he spent his early formative years in Badagry , Nigeria , before he moved, and resided all over Africa with his parents and 4 siblings. He has lived in Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and currently is based (for the time being) in the United States. Although he has always moved around, one thing has remained a constant in his life, a thirst for creativity and self-expression.
Play Onerz here
He linked up with Akili Blaq in Mafikeng,South Africa while completing his law degree at the University of North West. The two formed a long lasting understanding and shared a desire to be creative through Hip-hop and self expression. As part of the Lefoko team, they were able to bring these dreams into fruition.
Omodada’s style is a hybrid of personalities and persona’s formed and informed by the many countries, he has lived in and has been influenced by. Omodada attempts social commentary not only on his personal environment and experiences, but on Africa, and the world at large. He does this using humor, rhyme and rythym.
His next project is Music for Border Hoppers,which is to be produced by Akili Blaq and feature various artists including Bra Muki. The concept is music for persons who find themselves constantly moving, or who’ve had to learn to call a foreign country home or who interact with foreigners in their country or who just like good music!
Ngozi Chukura is a graduate of the UCT Michaelis School of Fine Art, where she majored in print media. A participant in group exhibitions, amongst them, Headlines, a group fundraising exhibition at the Centre for African Studies Gallery, Cape Town and more recently, Surprize, Surprize at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, in Gaborone.
With a passion for words Ngozi continues to edit manuscripts, books, and magazines, though its evident she is more inclined towards the more ephemeral, process- based medium of drawing, Ngozi explains “I find drawing a more immediate way of working eanbling me to unearth imaginations,transcribing one’s dreams into another medium- whether it is word or image.” As a participant in A Dollar a day Ngozi laced her poem Blueman which leaves you yearning for her verses non-stop in the poem Blueman describing an intense dream.
Feel free to visit Ngozi’s blog and read some of her short stories which have appeared in BKOa poetry journal based in Johannesburg.
Listen to Blueman here
Quote from Blueman “Her name is apathy her actions contradicts her meaning, supposedly she is numb but the only one with feeling, i bring the seers here so she can touch them with her healing.”
Fondly reffered to her close friends and fans as Makeda. Mpho Ya Badimo’s political views suggest ‘All animals are equal’ and her religious views revolve around the bearing ‘love and practicality’. Mpho enjoys working as a head designer in Fashion and art movement in SA. She works in SABC’s Motsweding fm as a Producer and presenter for her popular reggae show.
A member of a Poetic Army called Verbalized , a group of 5 poets from UK and 5 from South Africa brought together by the British council,SA. Through Verbalized Mpho has performed in London, Leeds and Manchester after having been invited by Leeds’ young authors to give workshops and preside over the annual Poetry Slam as a judge ,the event takes place yearly in the month of June.
Some of Mpho’s favourite books are; Eleven minutes,The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) ,I’ll marry if I want petals of blood (Ngugi wa thiong’o) Animal Farm (George Orwell) and that’s not the end Mpho kills it her poem ‘Questionable answers’ in a dollar a day this poem is bound to rock Hiphop and poetry lovers for days on end. Listen to Questionable answers here.
Lerato Mosimane is one industrious Ausi (Sista) between organizing golf clinics during 16 days of activism and organizing for women empowerement workshops in soweto,hillbrew and other areas prone with violence against women, she easily manages to lay her vocals on her poem Mosadi which is Setswana for -the one who is left behind. Lerato tackles the stereotype of the African woman subjugated in decision making of the family,controversial? -yes. Other parts of the poem encourages “Taking stock of our cultural knowledge.”
For most part the poem pays tribute to heroines Graca Macel, Prof. Wangari Maathai,Brenda Fassie,Mirima Makeba,Mama Ellen Johnson amongst others.
The poem is spoken in Setswana and English. For all Jay Dilla fans i should warn you that you may snap your neck on the spoken word and beat on this track.
Lerato runs Guy communications and is set to oversee A Dollar a day marking 100 centenary years of the African National Congress struggle on February 14th during St. Valentine’s day.
Regos Mosimane is born a star, at age 10 her superstar qualities are quite evident, she lights up a room playing various imaginary characters,projecting different vocal intonations while at it. This young girl sparked the life of A Dollar day by introducing the musical project saying “I love music, I love music(s) but there is something different after other music(s).” Ain’t that something?
Regos attends the International School of South Africa and plays the piano as her first instrument.
A dollar a day is an 18 track album produced by Kenya’s South African based Akili Blaq. The project was overseen by Muki Garang. The music in the album is prominent with a mixture of cultures from East,west and South Africa, with innovations in contemporary Hip-hop, a fusion of Setswana and Swahili.
The content in the musical compilation is not isolated to the youth but also accommodates the wider African society. It covers topics such as; Civil strife, The Malema effect,Love, HIV and Aids, Xenophobia, land reform policy and ethnicity.
This project involves renown artists from the regions,Mpho ya Badimo(Motswedini fm,Mafikeng), Lerato Mosimane (formerly of BOP Tv), Apu, TLS, Relevant source(SA), Angell Nthoi (Botswana),Bra Sam Bass (Zimbabwe) Ngozi Chukura (Botswana),Omodada (Nigeria) and Kenya’s Akili Blaq who doubles as a rap artist.
Lastly the album contains interviews with policy makers and stakeholders from the post apartheid region mainly Sylvia Liabile (Chair person of South African Business committee on Hiv and AIDs).
The album was produced during the month of December 2011 at Dextraw studios formerly Lefoko Studios in Mafikeng,Northwest province.
A Dollar a day is a gesture of unity amongst African youth and was an initiative by Maisha Yetu and PAYTAfrica.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a United Nations campaign. It takes place annually from the 25th November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to the 10th December (International Human Rights Day). Since 1999 the South African Government has run a parallel campaign that includes issues relating to violence against children. This campaign focuses primarily on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact of violence on women and children as well as society as a whole.
Amongst other activities such as attending the COP 17 Durban summit,South African based Trust PAYT invited Maisha Yetu to participate and mark the last day of the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence at Lepard park in Mahikeng, South Africa.
Muki Garang PAYT’s first exchange student participated in the golf clinic organized by Lerato Mosimane, PAYT trustee and event organized for the 018 Golf event.
The event was concluded in the early week of November on a high note in Chiang Mai,Thailand, with Kenya being represented by a bastion of energy, creativity, and visionary young leadership. Kenya’s Maisha Yetu founder Muki Garang was among the 30 diverse young artists between the ages 23-43 with performances,sharing,debates and healing process.
In carrying forth its objective using music and theatre as tools for community empowerment, Maisha Yetu continues to engage in a number of socially conscious projects such as the world Jam 2011, collaborating with institutions such as Ashoka foundation,Kwanmuang Institute for Contemplative Learning and YES! Youth for Environmental Sanity.
Jammers engaged
Maisha Yetu has been on the forefront to empower artists, who are the reflection of the community. Muki Garang noted “I have to admit the Jam session in Punpun,Chiang Mai opened my third eye wider thus leading to a paradigm shift.” He continues to say “ it was an incredibly opportune forum to learn from one another and build connections beyond national boundaries. I was challenged by fellow artists to push my art and social engagement to the next level.”
Institutes like the Kwanmuang Institute for Contemplative Learning and YES! Youth for Environmental Sanity, promote non-violent communication, environmental justice, holistic education and social responsibility in Thailand. Could this be where Maisha Yetu is headed ?
Muki says “Though at times our message in the music and theatre calls for a prudent form of action against social injustice, i do feel inclined to adopt non-violent communication because it would benefit the youth in long term ways.”
In music parlance a “jam” is a creative, live gathering of talented musicians who spontaneously create a new sound on stage. “The new music is always greater than the sum of its parts,” says Ocean Robbins, one of the organisers of the Bangkok event.
Although he did not attend the Bangkok jam, at the heart of the weeklong event was another Kenyan, Salim Mohamed of Ashoka organization, who since 2005 has been a facilitator for gathering of young leaders organized by the Global Collaborative initiative.
Among the artists in Bangkok were founders and leaders of organizations around the world working for just, thriving, and sustainable ways of life in their societies. The change-makers reflected on their work and exchanged ideas and insights with their peers.
To date, there have been 38 jams held on five continents, bringing together young leaders from more than 65 nations. The events are sponsored by the California-based Global Youth Leadership Collaborative, which began its work in 2006.
In the face of global recession, the artist-leaders and activists deliberated on alternative affirmative solutions, says Ocean Robbins.
The organisers chose Bangkok as the venue for this year’s event because it is the only country in South East Asia that has never been colonized by European powers. “It is also home to Nuttarote Wangwiyoo, a long-time YES! partner, jam facilitator and Global Collaborative member who offered to host the world jam in his home country,” said Salim Mohamed.
The venue of the meeting rhymed with the theme of the event. The participants were hosted at the renowned Punpun Centre for Self-Reliance in Chiang Mai to the northwest, where lush jungles and cultural richness surrounded them.
The centre uses organic farming and natural seeds for its cultivation. Its buildings are made from readily available, local, natural materials using adobe (sundried mud bricks), straw, clay, bamboo, stone and second-hand salvaged materials. Solar energy is used for heating water that runs in the bathrooms, and electricity is mainly used for lighting purposes in the evenings. The participants received live lessons on environment-friendly self-reliance from Jon Jandai, the Punpun Centre co-founder.
“I was fully inspired by Jon’s speech and the least I would do in his honor is to capture his words in poetry,” said Muki Garang, whose poetry performances at the event were videotaped and will be hitting the web soon.
