Headhoncho

If you’re a real hip hop head, you’d know that our beloved genre owes its existence to DJ’s. If it wasn’t for the likes of Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, we’d probably still be dancing to corny disco joints in shiny John Travolta-esque suits.

Thanks to these hip hop gods, the world was introduced to a phenomenal music genre that most of us would not be able to survive without. South Africa is blessed to have a couple of DJs that treat hip hop as more than just a cool past-time that affords them quick paychecks and easy lays. One of these guys is DJ ViGi Lante aka Vigi, a spirited cat that is passionate about this art-form called hip hop. Vigi has been doing his thing in Jozi for a minute now, but it seems like he’s just stepped his game up three-fold this past couple of months.

We recently caught up with him to find out about his affiliation with Head Honcho,  the state of local hip hop, the importance of branding for an artist, amongst other things. Here’s how it went down.

Whats good Vigi, it seems like you’ve come out of nowhere, can you give us a little background on yourself?

I was born 1980 something…as Tebogo (ViGi Lante) Seema, Born and raised in the East Rand (Benoni), fell in love with Hip hop from the age of 9. Yeah believe it or not I was a rapper once upon a time, it never worked out but I started DJing late 2006. I run my own production company (Sound, Stage, Lights & A.V), still studying a B.Com Acc but Music is my total existence; everything around me revolves around music & I’m still with my 1^st love and that’s music!

A lot of kids these days want to become DJs for all the wrong reasons eg. for fame, girls etc. What prompted you to pursue this art form?

First and foremost, because I love and live this culture; it’s my life b. God gave me many blessings that is why I do my thang. Rap – Lies or Fakeness = Hip Hop

We’ve noticed that your style is a little different from other DJs out
there; please break it down for us?

Majority of the time I bang fresh new joints that have never been played before and I always try to fill in local tracks for cause believe in supporting our own but I do me, I’m a hustler, I play for the hustlers & divas…I DO IT FOR HIP HOP PERIOD!!!

Who do you admire in the game and why?

Well … A lot of DJs & artists in the industry cause it ain’t easy but I admire the game itself, for it makes you who you are.

What is your association with SHOWLOVE and what’s their role in advancing your brand and career?

I’m a DJ under the Showlove roster; they handle all my bookings etc. I’ve learnt a lot through Showlove and I’m still learning a lot more. And they’ve got me associated with 1 of the dopiest and freshest clothing brands out there, ‘Head honcho.’ Showlove is my fam; what was a hobby has become a business to me. I am a new breed of brand that’s made its mark but I ain’t finished yet!

How important is branding to you and would you say enough hip-hop DJs take their brands seriously?

Its every important to get yourself out there and branding is the way to go, because many Hip Hop DJs come in the scene but never leave a mark. We (DJs) live off this profession so its time that people, promoters and companies take us seriously and know our worth. Branding is the answer; maybe that’s why even local hip-hop artists don’t sell platinum. You gotta set a trend and link up with other dope brands with a vision to make your brand bigger. Branding is power!

What’s your take on the Head Honcho brand?

It’s fresh, simple and clean, creative, a street culture, a means to live progressively! I like the fact that it’s not like many other brands that only sport one design; Head Honcho has a wide range and also makes fresh gear for the ladies too. Its quality stands out and its way ahead! That’s how I roll, Head honcho baby!

So what can your fans expect from you in the near future? And, what sort of legacy do you want to leave in the game?

I just don’t wanna be known as a DJ but also as a musician/pioneer. I’m gonna be that Kool Herc of S.A. Right now, I’m working on something with some artists and producers; not a mixtape but an actual album, something proper for all the masses/fans out there (kasi style, soul & swagger). I’m also pushing my own hustle, a website, future events and many more things which you’ll find out in time.

Please finish the following sentences:
* Hip Hop is my……. 1^st love & always will be!
* Joburg needs …….. nothing more but more Hip Hop events, proper awards & appreciation!
* Vigi’s fans are…….. true to themselves and do their thang
* Jacob Zuma should …… be President!
* My dream is……. to be a pioneer in the industry!
* Head Honcho is ……… living progressively!
* South Africa needs …….. the youth to take action against AIDS/HIV more seriously & more entrepreneurs!
* If I had a R1 million I would ……… invest half of it but id give disadvantaged kids a dream, which is education!
* One thing people don’t know about me is that ……… I’m very spiritual; I thank God for everything even before I do my sets!

Tags: dj vigilante, Head Honcho, showlove, vigi