Conscious Trap Music with Hilifa 94

Daring to be likened to great artists such as Tupac Shakur, Eminem and 50 cent, Lisias Hilifavali Uusiku best known by his performing name Hilifa 94 is an energetic and independent artist who recently came into the music industry.

Explaining that the path of music has most likely been a path he would have inevitably ventured into,

He said “My journey into music started at a very young age when I started listening to my older brothers Tupac- all eyes on me and Eminem- the Marshall Mathers LP records. This was when I discovered my love for Hip hop.”

He eventually started writing more songs, and even formed a group called ‘The Renegades’ with a few friends in high school.

Up to this point it was all fun and games, nothing but a hobby He claimed. Hilifa 94, “I was just writing bars with no real intention of becoming a rapper but just as a hobby.”

So what changed?

Hilifa94 “After struggling to come up with a nickname that would suit my style of rap I decided to just keep it real and use my name Hilifa, so Hilifa94.”

He later released his first mixtape titled Let the story begin, which dropped on September 2014.

The tape had positive critics and three songs (‘Jesus wept’, ‘Chainless mind’ and ‘Soul Music’) featured on the Radio Energy 100 countdown. He featured as Number 1 for three weeks with the song ‘Soul Music’.

“I made a name for myself in the Hip Hop circles including those in the underground scene.” He stated.

One of his high moments he mentioned was when he was featured in the South African Hip Hop magazine 'Hype' newcomers delight Dec 2014/Jan 2015 issue.

“Music has always been the one thing I could do the best. I have always been good with words and I have always had rhythm in me.” He added that music allows him travel to places he has never been and put himself in others shoes.

“Music is an International language that can tell different stories of different cultures and Values and works well when you have an imaginative mind” He explained.

Refusing to be limited the artist said, “When you want music to think, I will give you conscious Hip hop. When you want to turn up, I give you trap hip hop. It’s all about what you are into, that's why I don't limit myself.”

Artists sometimes get caught up in the limelight and the pressure of making music becomes one of necessity instead of passion and drive. They lose what made them start in the first place and this can be very detrimental to their careers.

According to the young artist he makes his music relatable for the everyday kasie boy on the street corner hustling.

 

Hilifa94 “My music sends a message where there needs to be a message delivered, because we rappers are said to be messengers.”

 

The Namibian music industry is far compared to its counterparts in other surrounding countries but has shown great improvement in the recent years following the increase in artists in the industry, amount of works released and the continual across borders recognition and attention it is receiving.

 

“The difficulties we face in the Industry is the lack of Investment into the music Industry by both the government and private sector”, He expressed his concerns saying that the Hip Hop/ Rap sector is struggling due to low sales of Rap/ Hip Hop albums and favouritism in the media.

 

 He pointed out that the small population also plays a big role, encouraging that Namibian hip Hop/Rap artists should strive to compete on an international level to make their music available to a much wider audience.

Experience and skill are usually the two most important ingredients from the artist when it comes to producing albums, but producers can also be very instrumental to its success. (Pun intended.)

Currently working on his debut album title Numbers and Levels which will be released later this year, Hilifa has set the bar quite high for himself by working with well-known and experienced producers. DJ El Nino, Kanibal, Ndexland, Yung Trey and DJ flow, who will also be featuring on the album, are the combined brains behind the project.

A song from the album titled Levels was already released and currently has a video out on YouTube.

“I hope to gain a bigger presence in the Industry with my album and a larger following.” He maintained that at this point he doesn’t even think about sales because the industry is too small and he would rather focus on making a name for himself.

His advice to other upcoming artists is to keep hustling and never get distracted, “Always work hard and be willing to make sacrifices. Spend good money to make good music and don't look back.” Hilifa94 concluded.
 

Find him on SoundCloud at https://soundcloud.com/hilifa94
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hilifa94

Watch his video by clicking on this link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrHvn_P1lwM