“It’s a beautiful feather in my cap to be Xhosa. I’m proud of my heritage and my culture, and hip-hop allows me to express that without losing myself,” said rapper and producer Yanga Chief.
The Star sat down with the award-winning artist at the Songs to Savour event on Sunday, held at the Wits Origins Centre in Johannesburg. The gathering was an immersive celebration of African heritage, a space where rhythm, language, and storytelling intertwined to honour ancestral traditions. Through live performances and cultural demonstrations, artists such as Zoë Modiga, Mbuso Khoza, Culoe De Song, and Yanga Chief captivated audiences, encouraging them to reconnect with their spiritual and historical roots.
More than just an intimate dinner, the event became a heartfelt call to reconnect with cultural roots. As South Africans prepare for year-end festivities filled with traditional ceremonies and family gatherings, Songs to Savour serves as a reminder of the melodies that unite generations. Through its fusion of food, music, and storytelling, the initiative bridges the gap between past and present, inspiring young adults to rediscover and celebrate the sounds that define African identity.
Speaking on the importance of culture, Yanga Chief believes that authenticity should guide every aspect of artistic expression. For him, creativity must emerge from a place of truth, not obligation or performance.
“One of the basic principles I believe in is freedom,” he said. “When an artist hasn’t done the work of understanding themselves and their traditions, and they forcefully incorporate culture into their art, it becomes a gimmick; it doesn’t feel real.
“Artists do have a responsibility to learn about themselves and where they come from, but that’s the only point where culture can genuinely filter into the music. Anyone can say, ‘Speak more vernacular’ or ‘Be more traditional,’ but if it’s not authentic, it loses meaning. It should come naturally, and if that expression is in English, that’s okay too. What matters most to me is the message, not how traditional it sounds,” Yanga Chief said.
The artist said he has never felt pressured to dilute cultural elements to appeal to a wider or younger audience. Instead, he focuses on deepening his understanding of his heritage. “I’m always trying to strengthen my connection to my culture, not weaken it,” he explained. “That learning doesn’t just come from family; it comes from the people you meet and the conversations you have. That’s how I discover new things, even about myself.”
He reflected on his personal journey, noting that while his father wasn’t around to guide him, he often relied on his mother and stayed open to learning from others. Preserving culture, he said, requires curiosity and a willingness to seek knowledge. “If you’re not curious, you miss out on the wisdom that came before you. That’s why platforms like Songs to Savour are so important; they give people the chance to explore and connect with their roots.”
Yanga Chief’s reflections mirror the mission of Songs to Savour, a Castle Milk Stout initiative that seeks to reconnect young adults with South Africa’s musical heritage.
"We brought together five incredible artists because each one reflects a different facet of what it means to be South African today," says Hetisani Makhubela, Brand Manager for Castle Milk Stout.
"Zoë, Yanga, Culoe, Nduduzo and Mbuso each bring their own voice, perspective, and style, from jazz to hip-hop to electronic music, showing that heritage can be experienced in many ways. Songs to Savour isn’t just about music; it’s about pride, identity, and connection. It’s a platform that inspires young adults to explore their roots, embrace their culture, and carry the songs of the past boldly into the future."
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za