Screw Power Lists. Here’s a pick ‘n’ mix selection of some young people who are actually doing things. In this #EyesOn2016 series, they tell us what’s going to blow up in 2016.
Sam Turpin is a rapper from Joburg. He’s been making music for the last few years, experimenting with rap and spoken word.
His latest EP Wasi-Wasi features Congolese artist Alec Lomami and production from South Africans ILLA N.J.O and Jenny Dison.
You do a lot of your work yourself – lyrics, production, video direction. Can you tell us about that and about working with others on your new EP?
I think I find it easier to do a lot of things on my own because as an artist it’s quite difficult to have other people see your vision. If you find those people then you’re very lucky but I’m able to take exactly what’s inside and put it out the way I need it to be.
When I work with other artists it’s because I like the direction in which they’re headed and what their work stands for. On my new EP, I worked with ILLA N.J.O (who I grew up with) on the last track Ascendance and who’s been a large part of my journey as an artist.
On the same track, I worked with Alec Lomami. I really like the depth of his vocals and sonically I love what he’s doing. I also grew up with Jenny Dison who’s on Love At First but I only really got to love her sound in the past few years. We all gelled really well on the project and that’s something I need when I work with other artists.
What are you going to remember 2015 for?
At the start of 2015, I told myself I wanted to perform at least one – my first – festival and I ended up playing four. That was amazing to me. I loved 2015.
What or who do you think is going to blow up in 2016?
Look out for my boy Sipho the Gift. I know he’s going to go really big. Also Well$, Immaculate Taste generally are going to go hard. Kojey Radical is also about to drop his new project; look out for that – trust me you won’t want to miss it!
What’s keeping you busy in 2016?
After two EPs, I’m finally going to work on a full-length project so that’s what I’ll be busy with. Maybe an LP or a mixtape, but that’s what I need to do looking forward! I’m definitely excited for the year ahead.
Follow Sam on Twitter @sam_turpin
Check out Sam’s SoundCloud here
You want to join in? Tell us on Twitter #EyesOn2016