This time, we’re shining a spotlight on yet another fresh talent from across the border. This marks our third visit to the vibrant Kingdom of Eswatini for Women in African Hip-Hop and, honestly, who can blame us? The country is brimming with an extraordinary pool of talented women who continue to inspire and amaze. In this edition, we’re not featuring a veteran but rather a rising star whose talent caught our attention late in 2024. After receiving an email about her latest single – which we proudly ran across our socials – we were blown away by the positive feedback from our audience.
It’s only fitting that HYPE magazine, the continent’s premier hip-hop publication, gives her the platform she deserves before anyone else does. Allow us to introduce you to WassaBee – Eswatini’s first female producer and DJ. As we step into a new year, sit back and get to know this trailblazing artist, her journey and the exciting plans she has for the African hip-hop landscape.
For HYPE magazine and Africa as a whole, who is WassaBee?
WassaBee is an unstoppable force; the true definition of the African dream of going from nothing to something. I’m an incredibly delusional and ambitious dreamer. I am pure proof that one’s dreams can become a reality.
As the first female producer and DJ from Eswatini, how does it feel to break such significant ground in the music industry?
It honestly feels surreal. I didn’t even know I was in the midst of breaking such significant ground in the music industry. I was just as surprised.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music production and deejaying?
My dad is actually a musician. He was in a gospel group back in the day and so it’s no coincidence that the love of music lives in my DNA. I grew up around siblings who are huge music fans of all genres. That instantly triggered the spark for my burning passion and love for music that I have today. I’ve always had a good music and I would usually have the aux to play music at parties. People loved it and so that set me up to automatically become a DJ and try it out. During my DJ journey, I wanted more. I felt a deeper connection, and that’s where the music production chapter began.
How do you see the growth and current state of the hip-hop scene in Eswatini?
The growth and current state of the hip-hop scene in Eswatini is, in my perspective, doing okay but it could be doing better. We need to be heard and seen more. There’s a bit of a gap when it comes to hip-hop compared to other genres, but I’m honestly very motivated and grateful for the current active pioneers in the hip-hop space. They’re shifting and changing the narrative and, in due time, I’m certain hip-hop will have a solid foundation and occupy space in the market.
Which DJs or producers have had the biggest influence on your career?
I could go on all day! But I have to start with Metrobooming. Not only is he my biggest inspiration but his story and his whole career have had such a huge impact in my life. In the hip-hop industry, he’s done so much for us, not forgetting Mustard, DJ Khaled, DJ Maphorisa, Black Coffee, Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo, Ms Cosmo, DJ Milkshake, Tweezy and Mashbeatz. The list is endless, but these are the people who have made a huge impact and serve as an inspiration for my journey.
What’s your approach to creating music and curating sets that resonate with your audience?
I listen to radio and I pay attention to social media but, most of all, I trust my instincts. I prepare tracks that I feel would resonate with the people, the location and vibe of wherever I’m booked.
Can you tell us more about your latest single. What inspired it and how has the response been so far?
It was inspired by the gap I felt needed to be filled up in the local hip-hop scene. The sound is very different and bold, not forgetting Ace Julz’s insane unique delivery. My aim was to bring something unique to the table, not something I’m expected to deliver. The response has been great. This is my first attempt at this music production thing, and it has scooped me a couple of monthly listeners on Spotify. I mean, I just arrived, guys, so this is a big deal to me.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
Unfortunately, it’s sad that, as a woman, you will face unprofessional behaviour from the industry. You’re expected to take it as a joke or nothing serious, which is disappointing. Most people also see WassaBee as a hun who wears a mask and that’s why she’s the hottest in the streets, which is sad, ’cause I’m so much more than that. I bring so much more to the table. My impact and presence are so much more, but it’s nothing a God-fearing young lady can’t handle. I always put my foot down and demand my worth, even if it might reduce the number of bookings I receive. I know that I’ve done something to make this path better for the next powerful female generation.
Do you think female artists and producers are treated fairly in Eswatini’s music scene?
I think the treatment is fair; in fact, women have been given a platform to showcase their talents and that’s amazing to see. However, it would be nice to see more female inclusion when it comes to shows and festival lineups.
How do you view the evolution of African hip-hop, and where do you see Eswatini fitting into the broader movement?
Personally, I was called to do this. God literally pushed me to be here. It’s not an easy path but I have a responsibility to raise the bar higher, to demand more, to break barriers and bring together the different cultures of hip-hop. Eswatini is blessed with some of the best artists this world has to offer and I’m just one of those who God has chosen to expose that and showcase our level of talent and possibilities.
Which African artists or producers would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Nasty C, Usimamane, Sjava, Dj Maphorisa, Zonke, Shekhinah, Burna Boy, Rema, WizKid, Cassper Nyovest, Tems, Tyla, A-Reece, Nadia Nakai, Sha Sha, Blxckie, Tweezy, Herc Cut The Lights, Mashbeatz and KindlyNxsh. The list is endless.
Who are your top five favourite artists in Eswatini right now, and why do they stand out to you?
Ima Crystals, Oriiginelle, Lyrical Busta, Ace Julz and Amarii. Besides being so talented, these artists stand out for me because they resonate with my reality. They’re shifting the space and breaking boundaries.
What are your goals for the next few years as a producer and DJ?
As a DJ, I want to continue to build my brand until it becomes global. I want to see myself at big festivals such as Back to the City, Hey Neighbour, Rolling Loud, Coachella, Afro Nation and so much more (remember, I’m delusional). As a producer, I want to continue to develop my skills and release more bangers and to top charts.
How important is it for you to represent Eswatini culture in your music?
It’s very important for me to represent Eswatini culture in my music. I can’t wait to continue to expose our talented artists and put us on the map.
How do you connect with your audience, both in Eswatini and internationally?
Overall, I love to interact with my audience. Their vibe and tone partially guide my song selection, and it always connects us in such a beautiful way.
If the chance to move to South Africa arose, would you take it, and why?
I actually would. I lived in South Africa for all five of my high school years. I was able to connect with and learn about different people and cultures, which are a part of who I am today. I absolutely love the vibes and how welcoming everyone is. It’s literally just like home. South Africa is an amazing platform for artists, and it offers so many more opportunities for a big dreamer like me, aiming for global status. So yes, yes and yes.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I have so many, it’s hard to pick, but I have to say playing at Bushfire and Luju Festival. I also consider releasing my debut single, ‘For The Kulture’, a highlight. Also, being recognised by HYPE magazine in the space of one year of being in the industry. I’m just a baby, guys, so these are full-circle moments for me – huge!
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to break into music production or deejaying?
I would say: “Baby girl, go for it!” Know your worth and don’t be afraid to try and to take chances. Demand more and be bold. Don’t you ever be afraid of choosing yourself because you deserve a big story in this life thing. Keep your head down, focus on yourself and never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Do this because you love it and it’s your passion, because people deserve authentic art. I would also suggest that you stay disciplined and put in the work.
How do you balance being both a DJ and a producer, and do you prefer one over the other?
Deejaying is pretty easy for me. I was born for it. There’s not much I have to do when it comes to balancing both. I make enough time for both, so I wouldn’t pick between the two because I love learning and creating. I just can’t choose only one.
What do you think is needed for Eswatini’s music industry to gain more international recognition?
We have to put in more work and make enough noise in order to be heard. We also need our government to create more opportunities to expose us.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind in African hip-hop and Eswatini’s music history?
I want to leave a life-changing legacy that will motivate others to go for it and take risks. There are so many possibilities that await us. I want to do so much and reach heights that have never been reached by a female from Africa.
The post Interview: WassaBeethedj – Eswatwini’s Finest appeared first on HYPE Magazine.
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