Scumie's Evolution in South African Hip-Hop
Wale Olaiya
Scumie, a dynamic force in South African hip-hop, began her journey as a producer for underground artists in 2019. Inspired by the storytelling essence of kwaito music and her own mental health journey, she transitioned into rapping, aiming to merge life's raw experiences with lyrical artistry.
For Scumie, evolution in music is about embracing change and mastering the art of letting go. Her EP African Rockstar reflects this playful yet introspective approach. While hip-hop's competitive edge can sometimes feel monotonous, she continues to find creative ways to balance traditional rap with innovation.
A bold advocate for independence, Scumie aspires to be a trailblazer for aspiring female artists, encouraging them to build their own empires rather than conforming to existing structures. She values authenticity, leading with her heart to inspire art that resonates with her fanbase.
Deeds: Can you tell us about your introduction to hip-hop? What inspired you to pursue this genre, especially as a South African female artist?
Scumie: My introduction into hip hop was being a producer, I used to produce for underground artists back in 2019. What inspired me to pursue this genre as an artist was my mental health, the ability to tell life experiences through raps was what inspired me.
Deeds: Growing up in South Africa, what artists or movements influenced your sound and style?
Scumie: Spikiri and Zola 7 are my inspirations, when i was 10 my mother gave me her ipod and it was filled with kwaito music, it's the storytelling and motivating lyrics in kwaito that captivated me.
Deeds: How has your music evolved since you first started?
The evolution is the change in composition. I've been mastering the art of letting go. I was having fun with African Rockstar. Due to the serious competitive nature in hip hop, I was getting bored. I kinda don't like to spit 16-32 bars of raps everyday, it's boring but i still like to do it just not all the time.
Deeds: What challenges have you faced as a female rapper in South Africa’s hip-hop scene, and how have you overcome them?
Scumie: I don't face challenges, I learn lessons. And the lesson I learnt in the SA hip hop scene is, observe, do it alone then help will come after.
Deeds: Female representation in South African hip-hop is growing. How do you see your role in shaping the culture and inspiring other women?
Scumie: I want to be SA’s female hiphop rapper turned mogul. I want to create a universe and adventures for my supporters. I want to show aspiring female artists that they can operate their own empires instead of trying to be part of an established one. It's okay to do it alone because help will come with the money.
Deeds: How do you balance authenticity with the pressure to conform to industry standards?
Scumie: I don't like to conform. I am grateful to have a fanbase that hates conformity. so I get to be and do whatever I want and people will still love it. Leading with heart ends up leading in the art.
Deeds: What’s your creative process like? Do you start with beats, lyrics, or a concept?
Scumie: I make the beat first, then I come up with the concept, then the lyrics tie the concept together.
Deeds: You’ve collaborated with several artists. Which collaborations have stood out for you, and why?
Scumie: Uncle Waffles and Usimamane. They are really two beautiful souls. They understand this music thing deeper than a random person on the street would. They are refreshing to work with.
Deeds: What’s your take on the current state of South African hip-hop? Are there specific trends or movements that excite you?
Scumie: The current state of sa hiphop is stable. There is a movement happening. its beautiful to see. The qwellers movement excites me the most, it's beautiful seeing friends finally live the life they’ve been striving for.
Deeds: How do you think South African hip-hop can gain more recognition globally?
Scumie: SA hiphop can gain global recognition by showcasing the south african culture. My manager always says that amapiano is the new hip hop for foreigners, because they are not used to the amapiano sound which can definitely take SA hip hop globally. it still raps just on a different beat.
Deeds: Outside of music, what inspires you?
Scumie: Outside music, life definitely inspires me. Life is really crazy man, anything and everything can happen. Good and Bad. Chilling in nature inspires me, partying inspires me as well as human conversations inspire me too.
Deeds: How do you stay grounded and creative amidst the demands of the industry?
Scumie: Staying grounded is just about trusting myself. I always trust myself. I trust my craft which helps me become humble. I don't need to prove anything. Even with all the money that’s there, being humble really goes a long way.
Deeds: How do you approach storytelling in your music, and what message do you hope your fans take away?
Scumie: Storytelling is talking about life experience and my fans find solace in the relatability from the music. Speaking, rapping and singing about current world events is enough for the listeners. There are many messages I put in my songs, it's just about how the listeners interpret it.
Deeds: Have you experienced gender-based challenges in the industry, and how do you address them in your music?
Scumie: The only gender based challenge I have faced in the SA hip hop industry is having to do more than my male counterparts in order for me to even be considered. Trust I have done more in a span of 4 years which takes males 10 years to finally achieve yet I still have to prove myself further.
Deeds: What advice would you give to young South African women looking to break into hip-hop?
Scumie: If you want to be a female rapper in SA, be unapologetic, be bold and do not let anyone take you for a fool, and be really strict with your time.
Deeds: How important is social media for connecting with your fans and promoting your music?
Scumie: Social media is very important for music promotion. Social media is the new news anchor and news paper. Everyone is catching up on social media. It can help an artist leverage their brand and music.
Deeds: Do you feel your online persona matches who you are as an artist?
Scumie: yes my online, artist and personal persona matches. I am very low-key and it shows on my social media if you look hard enough, as well as my art. I tend to hold back a lot of music, and my male counterparts hate that haha, they wish i was “out there” more.
Deeds: Are there any upcoming projects, albums, or singles fans should look out for?
Scumie: In 2025 I will be rolling out the third sequel of my debut album 066 VOL 3 from January.
Deeds: Where do you see Scumie in the next five years? What legacy do you want to leave in South African hip-hop?
Scumie: I see Scumie as a female hiphop artist to rap mogul. I want to show people that it’s lit to be an african rockstar.
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Posted Jun 3, 2025
Scumie transitioned from producer to rapper, merging life experiences with lyrical artistry.
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Jun 12, 2024 - Jun 13, 2024
