Okmalumkoolkat is a man of many identities, described by his fans as a mad-goofy, badass, genius, Zulu Michael Jackson.
He’s also been called ‘the voice of a generation’, a ‘smart mompara’ (translated from Zulu to Strayan that’s like a ‘cluey bogan’); and ‘future mfana’ (which translates to ‘future boy’).
During his life as an artist, he has amassed an empire of personas. “I’m Smiso Zwane. That’s me. The original. Then the Sjambok was my first alter-ego. New ones just kind of grow when I need them. They all represent ideas I want to package to the world and each one perfectly represents what I’m trying to say.”
A comment from one of his fans (known only as Brave Heart) sums up how most of them feel: 'Okmalumkoolkat isn't making music for the sake of making music, he is conducting a social experiment.'Taking his time to consider this statement, Okmalumkoolkat’s voice betrays a smile when he responds. “Yeah, that’s it. South Africa is getting a voice and finding its identity. That’s what I’m a part of, that’s what my music is about.”
Reflecting the current culture, tying it back to their roots as a nation and projecting into the future, Okmalumkoolkat wholeheartedly embodies his ‘smart mompara’ and ‘future mfana’ monikers.
Of all the cities he’s played around the world, the place where they get what he’s doing the most is his home town, Durban. “They understand my language, they really get me, the whole character. And performing there is ridiculous – people go crazy, take their shirts off; and the girls, it’s not a ‘bras and panties on the stage’ kind of thing, but it’s on that level.”
While he may be a rapper, and he may have swagger, Okmalumkoolkat shows no signs of having the over-inflated ego that often comes with the territory. When asked about the worst places he’s performed, the ones he’d put at the opposite end of the spectrum to Durban, his concerns are not about how much he got paid or how dingy the club might’ve been.
What matters to him is the stifling of creative freedom. “I’ve been to some crazy places all around the world. But the clubs in Jo-berg are the worst for me. Everybody’s buying champagne, they got money, they really don’t want anyone performing. They want to hear the Top 40 stuff, that’s it.
“I’ve learned to just play my hits and not try to be artistic and creative. So it’s okay, but at the same time, that’s what makes it the worst.”
Okmalumkoolkat wants to connect with the crowd. He sees what he does as a collaborative, cultural expression. Guided by this mentality, he saturates himself with as much art as he can and is excited about what’s being produced in his country.
He’s a massive sci-fi fan as well and is proud of what South African director, Neill Blomkamp ('District 9', 'Chappie'), is achieving. “What he’s doing is really dope. So new in film. A lot of people say that shit is whack, but I really enjoy it. South African art, and the lifestyle it represents, is all about escapism. But that’s really been lacking in film, so it’s good to see.
“I thought 'Chappie' could’ve been better though. His voice could’ve been someone else, not Ninja [Die Antwoord]. He already had his character. It was like a missed opportunity to be a broader representation of Safa culture.”
The future mfana is planning on branching out into film himself this year, with a short film in the works. That's not all. “I’m [also] writing a book, a kind of commentary on South Africa finding its own identity. With everything I do, I’m trying to help the country get to that place. Music, fashion, charity, writing, film, whatever I can do to represent what we got here, who we are, and to bring out that cultural identity and make it a really positive thing.”
Okmalumkoolkat is excited to be sharing his petri dish of South African culture with Australian audiences. And he has some whimsical ideas on what he’d like to do while he’s here. “If I could do anything, I’d ride inside a kangaroo’s pouch. I know it’s not physically possible. But you know, if the laws of physics were more liberal, that’s what I’d do.”
Okmalumkoolkat Tour Dates
Fri 15 Jan - Mona Foma (Hobart)Sat 16 Jan - Mona Foma (Hobart)
Wed 20 Jan - The Zoo (Brisbane)
Thu 21 Jan - Ding Dong (Melbourne)
Sun 24 Jan - Sydney Festival
