Kuils River’s Rex is a rapping success

Rapper Jerome Rex.

While many hip hop songs seems to be all about the beat, for award-winning Kuils River rapper Jerome Rex, the lyrics still matter.

In fact, Lyrics Still Matter is the name of his latest production, which will hit the Artscape stage on Friday May 24 and Saturday May 25.

The production brings together a group of vocal artists from different communities across Cape Town who will share how music and lyrics have shaped their experiences.

The artists include singer and songwriter Nadine Matthews and DJ IV Beats.

Jerome, 38, last month bagged the Beste Hip Hop Album Van Die Jaar 2019 award at the annual Ghoema Music Awards in Pretoria.

For the father of two, who also holds down a nine-to-five job at an insurance company, the musical journey began in the church choir and school talent shows at Sarepta High School.

Being a shy guy and an introvert, Jerome didn’t at first take his talents seriously, but would record himself rapping and singing on his laptop while cooking in the kitchen or in his free time.

Then, in 2012, he started working on his first album, Jerome en Geselskap, which was released a year later.

From there, Jerome’s music career took off and he released his second album, Al-Jerome, inspired by American singer Al Jarreau, which earned him the award at this year’s Ghoema awards.

“Winning the award felt so unreal but I must admit that the album was the best candidate for the award considering all the effort and time spent on it. It justifies my achievement,” he said.

Jerome has had multiple singles charting on Good Hope FM’s Hip Hop Top 30, with two of them peaking at number 1, including Kyk Vir Jou and Doenit Man.

These and other singles also charted on Bush Radio and CCFM, and continue to enjoy airplay on community radio stations around the Western Cape.

Jerome also had the opportunity to perform alongside his childhood hero, DJ Ready D, as part of Brasse Vannie Kaap tribute in 2018 at the Oppikoppi festival.

His advice to upcoming artists is to have a plan, including their short and long-term goals, and to be consistent, by winning over fans.

He said Cape Town has a lot of talent, ranging from the boy in the church choir, to pupils at our schools and even the people singing on the streets, however, he says it goes unrecognised.

“These people could be our success stories but it is not appreciated,” he said.

He also believes social media could have a negative impact on an upcoming artist’s journey.

“Some artists are pressurised by what other artists are doing which can become very discouraging and make one lose track of their purpose.

“As for me, I take occasional breaks from social media, schedule my posts and continue working on my goals of becoming successful,” he said.

Jerome says there is no time to waste. While he juggles family time and work, he is also working on music videos for his Al Jerome album.

He is the brainchild behind the Lyrics Still Matter production, which he says will be an “experience” instead of a show for Capetonians.

“The show celebrates songs that are unique to Cape Town and everyone can expect to be blown away by the many talents on stage. No one will regret coming.”

Lyrics Still Matter will take place at the Artscape Arena on Friday May 24, at 7.30pm, and Saturday May 25, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost R150 and can be booked at Computicket.