"We were a unique group of artists from Africa and it was a very beautiful experience"
Nelson Mandela Bay hip hop artist Rushay Booysen is keen to spread the message that music can have a positive influence on the youth and the community. This comes after his four-week “Hip Hop and Civic Engagement” tour of the US.
Booysen was nominated by the US embassy to take part in the initiative as part of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme.
“The hip hop civic engagement looked at using hip hop, as an art form, to engage with the youth. If you look at the influence that hip hop has on the youth globally and also over the 20 years that I have been involved in hip hop, we see how the genre can spread influences over young people,” he said.
“If you look at revolutions that have happened across the world, they have been spearheaded by the youth so I think that the governments or people are starting to see the importance of the youth in the world.”
Booysen was part of a group of 20 musicians from across Africa who participated in the US tour.
During the tour, the group shared practices with their American counterparts and engaged with them on various topics within the music business.
He said the tour also included an extensive look into the business side of music and how artists can grow their brands.
“There were various facets we looked at. We looked at the business side of music and we also met a producer who has worked with [Hip Hop artist] 50 Cent, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.
"Using social media as a tool for artists was one of the popular subjects during the tour as well.
"We also went to colleges that offer Hip Hop as a course,” he said.
“We were a unique group of artists from Africa and it was a very beautiful experience. It connected us in a way that I feel was missing because we all share the same common issues and problems as artists.”
Booysen said although there are negatives surrounding hip hop, it could be used to for the good.
“There are a number of negatives attached to hip hop but there are also a lot of positives too and for the most part, people have largely been exposed to it as an entertainment tool only. But with the right tools, you can be anywhere you want to be through music and we need to spread that message,” he said.
SA hip-hop performer learns the business in USA
"We were a unique group of artists from Africa and it was a very beautiful experience"
Nelson Mandela Bay hip hop artist Rushay Booysen is keen to spread the message that music can have a positive influence on the youth and the community. This comes after his four-week “Hip Hop and Civic Engagement” tour of the US.
Booysen was nominated by the US embassy to take part in the initiative as part of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme.
“The hip hop civic engagement looked at using hip hop, as an art form, to engage with the youth. If you look at the influence that hip hop has on the youth globally and also over the 20 years that I have been involved in hip hop, we see how the genre can spread influences over young people,” he said.
“If you look at revolutions that have happened across the world, they have been spearheaded by the youth so I think that the governments or people are starting to see the importance of the youth in the world.”
Booysen was part of a group of 20 musicians from across Africa who participated in the US tour.
During the tour, the group shared practices with their American counterparts and engaged with them on various topics within the music business.
He said the tour also included an extensive look into the business side of music and how artists can grow their brands.
“There were various facets we looked at. We looked at the business side of music and we also met a producer who has worked with [Hip Hop artist] 50 Cent, Michael Jackson and Britney Spears.
"Using social media as a tool for artists was one of the popular subjects during the tour as well.
"We also went to colleges that offer Hip Hop as a course,” he said.
“We were a unique group of artists from Africa and it was a very beautiful experience. It connected us in a way that I feel was missing because we all share the same common issues and problems as artists.”
Booysen said although there are negatives surrounding hip hop, it could be used to for the good.
“There are a number of negatives attached to hip hop but there are also a lot of positives too and for the most part, people have largely been exposed to it as an entertainment tool only. But with the right tools, you can be anywhere you want to be through music and we need to spread that message,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos