IN CONVERSATION WITH ISHMAEL MORABE
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With a career spanning over three decades, Ishmael Morabe stands as one
of South Africa’s most influential and versatile music figures. From the early
days of Cape Town’s hip hop movement to dominating the kwaito and R&B
charts, and later reintroducing hip hop to a new generation, Ishmael's
contributions have shaped the soundscape of modern South African music.
A Musical Journey That Defines Generations
Ishmael first rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a member of the
pioneering hip hop group, Prophets of the City (POC). At a time when South
African youth were finding new ways to express themselves post-apartheid,
POC offered raw, unfiltered commentary through their lyrics. Ishmael joined
the group as they embarked on groundbreaking tours across Europe,
eventually performing at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela in
1994.
Transitioning into kwaito, Ishmael co-founded the iconic duo Skeem
alongside Tebogo Shumba, producing era-defining hits like Waar Was Jy? and
Can’t Get. Their sound captured the energy and confidence of post-apartheid
South Africa, culminating in a SAMA Award for Best Kwaito Group in 1996.
Throughout the 2000s, Ishmael also made a name for himself as a solo R&B
artist. Tracks like Roba Letheka and Avulekile Amasango showcased his ability
to craft soulful, emotionally resonant music that resonated with fans across
the country. His 2005 album Long Way Home earned him a SAMA Award for
Best R&B Album, confirming his status as a multi-genre powerhouse.
Reinventing Hip Hop with Jozi
1
Never one to stay confined to a single genre, Ishmael re-emerged in the late
2000s with the formation of Jozi, a dynamic hip hop group that brought a
new energy to the South African youth. Jozi’s blend of urban pop and local
hip hop culture led to major hits, SAMA nominations, and even a MOBO
Awards nomination in London.
The group also captured attention with their reality TV show, Jozi: Moving
the City, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look into their creative journey
and lifestyle.
Career Highlights: A Legacy in Motion
Ishmael’s career is dotted with significant milestones:
1994: Performed at President Mandela’s inauguration with POC
1996: Won SAMA for Best Kwaito Group with Skeem
2004: Performed at President Thabo Mbeki’s inauguration
2006: Won Best R&B Album for Long Way Home
2009: Performed at President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration
2010: Nominated at Ghana Music Awards for Best African Artist
2012: Starred in Jozi: Moving the City reality series
His performances alongside international legends such as the Fugees, James
Brown, and Ice Cube, as well as directing award-winning music videos, reflect
a career that has consistently operated on the global stage.
Prophets of the City
Age of Truth (1993)
Universal Soldier (1995)
Ghetto Code (1997)
Skeem
Waar Was Jy? (1996)
Salute (1997)
Can’t Get (1998)
Solo
Mi House (1998)
Roba Letheka (2000)
Long Way Home (2005)
On The Edge (2009)
Jozi
Muthaland Crunk (2006)
Wild Side (2010)
Moving The City (2013)
The Future: Still Unfolding
Even after 30 years, Ishmael remains at the forefront of innovation. His latest
musical experiments include a collaboration with Mlindo the Vocalist on
Jumaima, which is gaining local traction, and a dance-floor-ready hit with DJ
Lisa Li, currently spinning across African and European clubs.
He recently teased a new Amapiano project with producer Tee Jay, and fans
were thrilled to see him reunite with Da LES, sparking speculation about a
Jozi comeback.
of South Africa’s most influential and versatile music figures. From the early
days of Cape Town’s hip hop movement to dominating the kwaito and R&B
charts, and later reintroducing hip hop to a new generation, Ishmael's
contributions have shaped the soundscape of modern South African music.
A Musical Journey That Defines Generations
Ishmael first rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a member of the
pioneering hip hop group, Prophets of the City (POC). At a time when South
African youth were finding new ways to express themselves post-apartheid,
POC offered raw, unfiltered commentary through their lyrics. Ishmael joined
the group as they embarked on groundbreaking tours across Europe,
eventually performing at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela in
1994.
Transitioning into kwaito, Ishmael co-founded the iconic duo Skeem
alongside Tebogo Shumba, producing era-defining hits like Waar Was Jy? and
Can’t Get. Their sound captured the energy and confidence of post-apartheid
South Africa, culminating in a SAMA Award for Best Kwaito Group in 1996.
Throughout the 2000s, Ishmael also made a name for himself as a solo R&B
artist. Tracks like Roba Letheka and Avulekile Amasango showcased his ability
to craft soulful, emotionally resonant music that resonated with fans across
the country. His 2005 album Long Way Home earned him a SAMA Award for
Best R&B Album, confirming his status as a multi-genre powerhouse.
Reinventing Hip Hop with Jozi
1
Never one to stay confined to a single genre, Ishmael re-emerged in the late
2000s with the formation of Jozi, a dynamic hip hop group that brought a
new energy to the South African youth. Jozi’s blend of urban pop and local
hip hop culture led to major hits, SAMA nominations, and even a MOBO
Awards nomination in London.
The group also captured attention with their reality TV show, Jozi: Moving
the City, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look into their creative journey
and lifestyle.
Career Highlights: A Legacy in Motion
Ishmael’s career is dotted with significant milestones:
1994: Performed at President Mandela’s inauguration with POC
1996: Won SAMA for Best Kwaito Group with Skeem
2004: Performed at President Thabo Mbeki’s inauguration
2006: Won Best R&B Album for Long Way Home
2009: Performed at President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration
2010: Nominated at Ghana Music Awards for Best African Artist
2012: Starred in Jozi: Moving the City reality series
His performances alongside international legends such as the Fugees, James
Brown, and Ice Cube, as well as directing award-winning music videos, reflect
a career that has consistently operated on the global stage.
Prophets of the City
Age of Truth (1993)
Universal Soldier (1995)
Ghetto Code (1997)
Skeem
Waar Was Jy? (1996)
Salute (1997)
Can’t Get (1998)
Solo
Mi House (1998)
Roba Letheka (2000)
Long Way Home (2005)
On The Edge (2009)
Jozi
Muthaland Crunk (2006)
Wild Side (2010)
Moving The City (2013)
The Future: Still Unfolding
Even after 30 years, Ishmael remains at the forefront of innovation. His latest
musical experiments include a collaboration with Mlindo the Vocalist on
Jumaima, which is gaining local traction, and a dance-floor-ready hit with DJ
Lisa Li, currently spinning across African and European clubs.
He recently teased a new Amapiano project with producer Tee Jay, and fans
were thrilled to see him reunite with Da LES, sparking speculation about a
Jozi comeback.
