“Braaivleis at home…” with BLSTK JOE BANKER, ILLOVO, DURBAN
- Name and/or a.k.a: Blstk Joe Banker (born S`bonelo Cele)
- Age: 22 years of age
- Area you represent: representing Durban , Illovo township
- Skill/profession/relationship to Hip Hop: I`m an emcee / rapper.
When and how did you get involved with Hip Hop culture?
I`ve been listening to hip-hop for the past 12 years. My first encounter with falling in love with the culture was when I heard Dr Dre`s Chronic 2001. I immediately fell in love with gangster rap as I could relate to the situations that they spoke of. By 2003 I was writing my own raps and started free-styling as well. I got deeper into the culture when I came across more and more people like me through channels such as Life Check (formerly Bling Free). Through interaction a lot has come out of my skills / talents.
What is your current involvement/association with Hip Hop?
I am currently a releasing artist with a single out on the streets. I am also planning to give back by starting a hip-hop development program in Durban.
Where can we find you practicing/perfecting/developing/displaying your skills?
Any given hip-hop show that is being hosted in the Durban area I am almost guaranteed to be there.
What are you reading at the moment?
“The seat of the soul” – Gary Zukav
Are you working on anything right now? Any projects we should know about or be watching out for?
I have a street lp coming out soon. Maybe in the third quarter of the year that I am currently working on.
Why should people listen to your music/access your work?
My music comes from the heart, the good bad and ugly of it is all real. I represent the views of my peers in my community. The fact that I don`t talk of things I know nothing about and haven`t experienced is the main attraction to my style.
What do you think an artist’s responsibility is (if any) to their society?
To represent the reality that they live in and also to stimulate positive thought and growth in their community.
What power do you have as an artist?
The power to influence someone’s view point on certain issues and also to spread a message to the masses.
You get to record with any two South African musicians. Who would you choose and why?
Lira and Goldfish. Because they are both creative and are very dedicated to their craft.
What was the last music that you heard playing?
Joe Budden – Inception (hip-hop)
If you could be a professional athlete what sport would you play?
Basketball
SPUR or braaivleis-at-home?
Braai-vleis-at- home
What are your current and past projects/releases?
I`m currently working on a full length mixtape named after my current single (mjita ongathi shu). In the past I have also released 3 mixtapes (handle your business – The freestyle tape, Not to impress and beerlstk) What are your affiliations (record labels, music labels, crews, production companies)?
What are your links (websites, twitter, anyway people can find and follow you online)?
People can follow me on twitter @blstk, facebook : Blstk joe Banker, mxit : 0799105767 and also check out my page and download free music on http://www.reverbnation.com/blstkmusic”www.reverbnation.com/blstkmusic
Tags: BLSTK, BLSTK JOE BANKER, Durban Hip Hop artist, Illovo Rapper