Veteran rapper POY has showered praise on the late arts doyen, Cont Mhlanga, for his unwavering belief in hip-hop.
This support led to the groundbreaking hip-hop show dubbed It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop, hosted at the iconic Amakhosi Theatre Centre.
Curated and hosted by POY, It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop became a crucial platform for nurturing a burgeoning hip-hop scene in Bulawayo.
It provided a stage for numerous rappers and producers, including AWA, Psychotek, Young Stan, Thabbz, Cal_Vin, Asaph, and the Teardream Boyz, to showcase their talent and gain recognition.
Recalling his initial meeting with Mhlanga, POY described his apprehension.
“The first time I met Cont Mhlanga, I had an idea to do a show called It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop that would give every hip-hop artist a chance to express themselves,” he shared on social media.
“The plan was to host it at the Amakhosi Theatre. My heart was pounding, and my palms were sweating as I walked into Cont’s office.
“I was terrified that he would reject my idea. But to my surprise, he didn’t even flinch. He simply said, Yes, let’s do it.
- It’s bigger than hip-hop: POY hails Cont Mhlanga
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“I only wish I had documented that moment.”
Mhlanga, a prominent Zimbabwean playwright, actor and theatre director, was a vocal critic of the Robert Mugabe regime and frequently faced arrest for his outspoken views.
In 1982, he founded the Amakhosi Theatre Productions company, providing a platform for aspiring artists.
Some of his notable works include The Good President and Nansi Lendoda.
He also appeared in the anti-apartheid film A World Apart in 1988.
Mhlanga passed away on August 1, 2022, at the age of 64.
He is remembered for his significant contributions to Zimbabwean theatre and his unwavering courage in speaking out against injustice.
