The competitive nature which I have observed in our Cape Flats communities has always been a bit of a problem for me.
It’s always about being the best, and nobody wants to be second best, let alone third or fourth or, heaven forbid, last.
But I have found that this concept of there can only be one is a recipe for disaster, because just like in rugby, cricket or soccer, it takes an entire team to make a klops a success.
Yes, every team has a favourite, or outstanding player, but in the end, it’s the team effort which brings success.
If there is one thing that we can learn from American artists it is that they are always open to collaboration.
That is why the recent collab between rappers YoungstaCPT and AKA was such a joy to behold. They gave us a great song and put Hanover Park, where the music video was shot, on the map.
LAUGH: Jamiela, Mariam & Chandre. Picture: Supplied.
If we look at the type of shows our mense love to attend, it’s mostly variety shows because they get an opportunity to see all their favourites on one stage.
They are also teaching us as artists that when good stuff is mixed together they will support it.
I have been toying with this idea for a while of just opening myself up to working with other people because I, too, have that tendency of working alone and going solo.
So, with my recent shows I have worked with alles en almal, and I am not going to stop because it’s so much fun!
It is so lekker to work with positive people who all have the same goal to create good quality content that makes mense smile.
On Tuesday I had the privilege of working with three funny and talented performers on a song.
ONLINE SENSATION: Shakir ChuQy Hansen as Chandré. Picture: Supplied.
The first was Shakir Chuqy, who most people know as Chandre from the online show “The Kaapdashians”.
I was impressed when I heard that he went to study further and now has a degree in graphic design.
So not only does he have the guts to do the most insane videos like jolling kaalbors with DJ Ribbes at various intersections in Mitchells Plain, but now he also has the knowledge and skills to produce TV quality videos within minutes.
BEATS MASTER: Jamie Barthus. Picture: Supplied.
The second guy was Jamie Barthus, who shot to fame when he turned a viral video into a lekker jol number, called ''Hugo, Bel die Polisie.'
If a lekka beat was a person, it would be Jamie.
It is amazing to see how he can turn any song into a lekker yaardt number that you know is going to ruk at the party.
STILL KICKING: Alen, 'The Singing Cargaurd' Abrahams. Picture: Supplied.
The third guy is Alen, 'The singing car guard,' who Cape Town seems to have forgotten all about, but for me Alen Abrahams is truly gifted.
The lyrics flow so naturally from his tongue while he also has the ability to write music, using colloquial words that are uniquely Kaaps and that are all familiar to us.
NEW SONG: Cape Talents link up for Senorita, the Kaapstad remix. Video: Waseef Piekaan.
Pair this group with the musical ear of Tariq Blignaut, and we created Senorita, the Kaapstad remix.
SUPPORT: Show at Joseph Stone. Picture: Supplied.
I learnt from this that we as a people can do so much better if only we worked together instead of against each other.
It’s great fun, there’s a sense of camaraderie second to none and you know everyone is equally excited about the success of the project because they are invested in it.
So my advice to up and coming artists is: try to work with as many people as you can in this industry.
Be the best that you can be, but never close yourself off to working with people.
With that said, book your seats for the Laugh Online Fest on Friday at the Joseph Stone Auditorium, starring Jamie Barthus, DJ Ribbes, Shakir Chuqy, WhatUp with Ikie, Mariam Kerrie, Aunty Meisie and Alen the Singing Car Guard. For tickets Whatsapp 072 714 9887.