Zim rapper scoops hip hop award

Fungai Munyoro Entertainment Correspondent
Zimbabwean Christian rapper Courtney Antipas is relishing his billing as Africa’s best Christian Hip Hop Artist. Antipas, formerly known as III Ceey was voted the best talent by four panelists in a list of 20 Christian Hip Hop emcees. The panel described him as ‘a talented and versatile emcee with a loaded metaphorical flow. He is a technically sleek rapper that has shared the stage with the best international rappers. His consistency and continuous ability to put out amazing projects has made him stand out in the industry.’ An excited Antipas told The Manica Post this week that although the accolade came as a surprise he was flattered at being voted the best.

“It’s humbling for starters. “It’s good to see that what we are doing is being noticed and embraced continentally. It was also shocking as well. “I received word that a list was being complied but the number one spot was something I was not expecting.

“Also I hope this encourages other local Christian hip hop artists to run their race. I don’t do this for accolades nor to chase them. But it’s encouraging and I pray that it spills over to my brothers to keep going,” an elated said.

The list included two South African artistes, six Zambians, three Malawians, one Kenyan, a Ugandan, two Nigerians, one Tanzanians, a Tswana and a Mozambican with Antipas the sole Zimbabwean but claiming the top spot.

The small four member panel of influential Christian hip hop industry players comprised of Zambian Steven Mwale, who is the founder and CEO of Retunes a Music Promotion and Distribution company; South African Fusi Nkoala a Hip Hop head, Radio DJ and Founder of Live Large Productions; and Zimbabwe duo of Harold Moyo, founder of Fresh Impressions a Record label, Events and Tour Management Company and Grant Munatsi a radio DJ and Co-founder of Soli Deo Gloria Music.

The list which was made “with a view to encourage artists to work harder at their craft” had the artists scored under the categories of – tours, solid albums or projects, sound doctrine, components of Hip Hop and consistency.