Kwela Rekording Kamp: A Game-Changer for Bulawayo’s Hip-Hop Scene

The Kwela Initiative has announced the launch of the Kwela Rekording Kamp, a groundbreaking three-day immersive recording camp running from today until March 2. This ambitious project brings together 16 talented artistes to create music inspired by the themes discussed at last month’s transformative “Hip-Hop vs the Community” Indaba held in Bulawayo.

Following the success of the Kwela Initiative Workshop, organisers expressed their excitement about this next phase. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Kwela Rekording Kamp, a three-day immersive recording camp specially designed for selected artistes to create music that echoes the themes discussed during the transformative ‘Hip-Hop vs the Community’ Indaba,” Kwela Initiative said in a press statement.

The initiative aims to deepen dialogue between hip-hop artistes and the community, focusing on conflict transformation and the genre’s role as a catalyst for social change. Among the participating artistes are Swazy, Stones Moyo, Fuel The Don, Curtis Dee Rovar, Nsizwa Black, TBK, Farai, Ghawdzilla, Israel, CMK, Mike the Future, Salem Bhebhe, KidThrill, Philo Cliff, Canvus Ports, and Rayzon.

“These talented musicians will collaborate, drawing inspiration from their experiences and the insights shared at the Indaba to create music that reflects the challenges and triumphs within their communities,” the statement further noted.

The Kwela Rekording Kamp will culminate in a showcase event that celebrates the powerful messages conveyed through hip-hop. This event will not only provide a platform for the participating artistes but will also engage the wider Bulawayo community in discussions on conflict transformation, unity, and artistic expression.

Kwela Initiative organiser Asaph Afrika expressed enthusiasm about the project, calling it a major breakthrough for the city’s hip-hop scene. “We’re excited about this project because it’s the first of its kind for hip-hop in the city, and it’s really an answer to years of discourse and complaints. This is the necessary action we need to spark change.”

One of the selected artistes, KidThrill, shared his excitement about being part of the initiative and the impact it could have on his career. “Honestly, I feel blessed for the opportunity. Any step towards the goal, I appreciate, and I do my best to always show up,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, “I think this is a wonderful opportunity not only for me but for others who get to be a part of this movement because we always have those conversations no one wants to have, and the information passed on is actually helpful. And hell yeah! I do believe they made a good selection with me.”

As the Kwela Rekording Kamp unfolds, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on Bulawayo’s hip-hop landscape, empowering artistes to use their voices for meaningful change.