In hip-hop — often described as a highly competitive “sport” characterised by bravado, self-aggrandisement and machismo — it is rare for artists to pay homage to another artist when it comes to their talents. So young Komani rapper Jimmy Backwoods (real name Achumile Fulatela) was left stunned when he received warm praise from SA hip-hop legend and one of his inspirations, Cassper Nyovest. Recounting the experience, Backwoods said a manager at YOLO Lounge in the Eastern Cape town invited him to open for Cassper earlier this year.
After his performance, he was told Cassper wanted to speak to him. “I was wearing a T-shirt with my face on it, and he was asking me about it and dabbing me,’ Backwoods said. “He told me I must never give up and that I am on the right track.
“I was nervous as hell because I am naturally shy, but he only had positive things to say.” Backwoods said 2025 had been a good year for him, adding that he had set out to lay a foundation for himself. “(I was) raising awareness, just getting my name out there for people to know. “Overall, it was a good year for me in terms of my career.
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I believe this year was only the start of bigger things,” he said. The rising star said he had been “surrounded” by the sounds of hip-hop when he grew up. Though he was convinced he would end up in the music industry, he never fancied himself as a rapper.
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