Cassper Nyovest, real name Refiloe Maele Phoolo, took the hip hop world by storm last year with his hit song Gusheshe, and is now being nominated for five awards on Channel O Africa Music Video Awards. The talented rapper shares his feelings on the awards.
How are you feeling about the nominations?
I am super happy about it. I’ve nominated for five categories and I am planning on taking them all. I have been working extra hard and campaigning like a mad man to ensure I get them all. My team and I are going to the streets and teaching people how to vote and the importance of voting. I can’t tell you about my other ways of campaigning because other artists might steal them. (laughs)
How would you feel if you won?
That would be the best thing ever. My motto in life is to inspire as many kids as I can, and winning these awards would mean doing that. It would be proof that no matter what is thrown at you, you can succeed. I have had so much hate and I’ve just been going through a lot this year – the arrest and the beef with other people have been too much.
With the year almost at an end, how are you feeling about 2014?
2014 has been amazing for me. I’ve been very jolly, but also had ups and downs. I am still adjusting to the fame, and as a known person, have been exposed to so much hate, criticism and commentary. But I try to keep humble and be cool with everyone, though I am slowly learning that you can’t be cool with everyone.
Speaking of adjusting to fame, how are you handling the attention from the ladies?
I am going to be honest here… I LOVE IT. I am indulging and I‘m happy about it. I am lucky to be single right now so I don’t have to fight with anyone or explain myself. I really do appreciate the attention from the ladies; I love beautiful women, so the fame does help. I just get scared though – I think about how things will be when I am ready to have a girlfriend and settle down. I keep wondering if she will love me for who I am or what I have.
Can we expect any performances from you at the Channel O Music Awards 2014?
I haven’t heard anything about that, but I am hoping I will be performing. I performed at last year’s event and I wasn’t even nominated… so with five nominations, one can’t help but hope to perform
If you had to create a category of your own for the Channel O Awards, what would you call it?
Most hard working artist.
Rumour has it you are working with Toya Delazy. Is there any truth to this?
We are working together, but I can’t really say much about it because it’s her project. But what I can say is that Toya is an amazing person and artist. I love how she respects her craft
This year’s show celebrating artists all over Africa will take place on Saturday, 29 November at the Naserec Expo Centre in Soweto. Visit http://channelo.dstv.com/home/ for more deets.
