Rapper Zakwe, real name Ntokozo Zakwe, is on tour in the US and will be travelling across the US and performing in Washington DC, New York and Raleigh. Speaking to ZiMoja from the apartment facing The Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Zakwe said this is his first US tour. "Ngiyaqala ngqa! (It's my first time ever)," he said cheerfully.

OVERSEAS

Zakwe has travelled to Swaziland, Malawi, Nigeria, Botswan, and now the US. He said the US Embassy in Durban saw what strides he was making in the motherland and decided Americans living abroad needed a taste of 'home'. "They loved what I have been doing in KZN for the Hip Hop community as an underground events planner and musician," he said. "They hit me up to see if I'd be interested in learning more about the culture, the origin of Hip Hop in the USA, and how their artists make it with rap music."

BLESSED

He has been making music professionally since 2008, so this is proof, he is in the right direction. "It's a stamp of approval, that the Hip Hop movement I have started is going far," he said. "Such things bring joy to me and the rap community as a whole, many have wished me well, and I feel very important and loved." Zakwe said he feels "blessed" that all his tour expenses were taken care of by the US Embassy after noticing his involvement with young upcoming talent. "I have been assisting a lot of upcoming artists at home in KZN," he said. "Some are now signed. So, this feels like I am reaping what I have sowed." The Ama Level rapper said his US fans have been anticipating his arrival. "The streets are also very exciting for me. I'm grateful - this was needed."

Despite his last tour date being on 26 April, he is already working on his next project. "I am now pushing for funding for my projects that I am doing for emcees in KZN, the 'Hood vs Hood' competition. "