Tumi Molekane: Socially Conscious South African Hip Hop

The Republic of South Africa dismantled its apartheid regime and had its first open democratic election 20 years ago. That means that the first generation of musicians to grow up in a post-apartheid South Africa are now in their 20's or early 30's, and helping to shape what the future of South African music will sound like. One of those musicians is the poet and rapper known as Tumi.

Tumi Molekane occupies a unique place within the world hip-hop scene. The South African rapper and poet is a highly influential wordsmith in his native Johannesburg, crafting thoughtful lyrics with a socially conscious message. With an accessible, appealing sound distinguished by South African rhythms, Molekane shows an undeniable knack for melody, effortlessly gliding between rich lyrical phrasing and deeply melodic choruses.

Molekane first came to fame with the hip hop music ensemble Tumi and the Volume. But after ten years, the band disbanded and soon after, Tumi began a solo career that saw him creating his own label, Motif Records, in 2006 and performing alongside The Roots and Blackalicious. Molekane's latest album, Rob The Church, was made after a year of traveling and performing around Africa while making a documentary, AFRIQUE. Hear the rapper perform in the Soundcheck studio.

Watch the trailer for Tumi's documentary AFRIQUE.