Raheem Kemet, a prominent figure in the South African Music Industry, has cultivated a diverse and extensive career spanning over 16 years. As a versatile artist, Raheem wears many hats: excelling as a songwriter, poet, rapper, vocalist, beatboxer, and entrepreneur. His journey has been marked by a significant collaboration with Sony Music Africa where he was signed as an artist, between 2017-2022.
A true Durban Stalwart, Raheem Kemet is now set to embark on a new chapter as an independent music entrepreneur. We spoke to Raheem about his journey and the way forward, this is what he had to say:
1. What was the highlight of being signed to Sony?
One of the highlights for me was making solid bonds with a few people that were part of the managerial team in Sony: like Refiloe - who was actually the dude who was instrumental in blowing up Khuli Chana. I still have him on my WhatsApp, we still chat, like I spoke to him last week. Linking up … well the person who got me signed to Sony was Bradley Williams (DJ Bionic). And this other homey by the name of Munya.
Making those solid bonds with people that I can still reach out to when it comes to things about the industry, or advice etc. Also just learning how the industry works. I’d say that was very beneficial to me. Because we have a different concept of what the industry is - when we on the outside, or when we on the come up, or once we in there: It’s a whole different ball game. It’s business at the end of the day. That’s what we gotta understand. As much as it’s all about the art - it’s business at the end of the day. So you can be as crazy hardcore as you want, or whatever. You can be as corny as you want or whatever, but the main thing is to make good music that sells. The main thing is to make good music - Of course that you are comfortable with. But at the end of the day it’s a business, so you have to put on this business and artist hat at the same time. Making sure that you bridge the gap between those two - instead of going to the extreme and then being viewed as you falling-off or you succumbing or you selling out. So yeah - it’s finding the balance. So these type of people, these types of bonds that I’m linked with, helped me grasp that concept better.
2. Do you consider major record labels a must in 2024?
Major record labels are not necessarily a must. They not a must if you wanna exist, you know what I mean? as an artist - you can just release your music. But of course when it comes to major push, when it comes to major distribution - they help in that sense. If you view the whole setup - you’ll see that there are independent labels but, they’ll have a distribution deal with a major (label) - so that gives them more leverage when it comes to their stake in the product. So it’s kind of a business move. So, I won’t necessarily say it’s a must to exist and release your music… no, it’s not a must - you can release your music anywhere, independently. But in order to get that major push and to cross over - I’d say that you’ll eventually reach the boardroom where you gonna have to have those discussions with a major label to cross over.
3. What can your audience look forward to?
I think what people can look forward to is a more mature sound. A more elevated sound. True sound as well as a more seasoned sound. When it comes to stuff that I’m working on. Baring in mind all the points that I’ve mentioned before. I would say that I’m at a place where I can fairly suss the gap. I’m in a good space when it comes to my art and creating - I got a good team behind me - The Zoo. I know that I’m always 100% with my music, and my push and my effort and what I put into it. This is a new relationship that I formed. I trust the people within the team, I’ve known these people for a while. And yeah man, I’m trusting God and my guides. I feel like, mentally, spiritually and artistically, over the years I’ve just come to a place where I’m trying to align myself holistically with everything. It’s a constant journey, it’s a constant evolution. Interesting aligning myself with everything - as a human being as an artist, and a businessman, as a creative. So I would say they should expect a closer alignment and more seasoned sound to what RK represents and stands for.
Raheem Kemet (Photo courtesy of Nthando Butho)
4. What’s your advice for young artists on the come up?
Know they self. Holistically. Aim to know yourself holistically. Once you are in alignment with that you express better. But there’s no rules man. We living in this digital age where there’s zero rules. Just get it!
Listeners can look forward to Raheem Kemet’s next single DSS (Don’t Say Sorry) set for release on the 26th of June 2024, as part of a series of singles yet to be released with The Zoo. Pre-Save the track here http://www.artists.landr.com/055855089274 .
Written by Lex LaFoy