YoungstaCPT Shares Insights on How ‘Wes-Kaap’ Influenced His Learning Method in Rap. As “Wes-Kaap” marks its 10-year milestone, YoungstaCPT has opened up about the complexities surrounding one of South Africa’s cherished hip-hop tracks, noting that the song’s backstory is more intricate than fans might think.
YoungstaCPT Shares Insights on How ‘Wes-Kaap’ Influenced His Learning Method in Rap<pReflecting on this significant occasion, the Cape Town artist noted that “Wes-Kaap” was penned in Johannesburg rather than in the city it celebrates. At that time, he was experiencing homesickness and used the song to express his longing for Cape Town.
“I wrote the song in Jo’burg,” he stated. “The song is me describing everything I missed because I was homesick.”
The song’s production also bore an unexpected narrative. YoungstaCPT mentioned that producer Ganja Beatz had initially sent the instrumental to DJ Speedsta, who did not end up recording over it. The beat remained unused for two years until it finally reached YoungstaCPT, where it laid the groundwork for one of his defining tracks.
Despite becoming a classic, “Wes-Kaap” did not achieve instant acclaim. The artist acknowledged that it was neither the most prominent song upon release nor an immediate hit among fans. Instead, its appeal developed gradually through live shows, where audiences began to sing along, especially during the song’s catchy chant.
Additionally, he revealed that he sampled a melodic line from Snoop Dogg’s well-known track “The Next Episode”, weaving it into the song’s captivating hook.
According to YoungstaCPT, a pivotal moment for the song occurred in 2016 when he performed at a school and saw that nearly all the students knew the lyrics by heart. This experience transformed his perception of his audience.
“It opened my eyes tremendously to the fact that my listeners are young,” he remarked.
He remembered someone likening “Wes-Kaap” to a nursery rhyme due to its straightforward and memorable structure, a comparison he initially found amusing until he recognized its validity. This insight motivated him to craft songs that were easy to understand while still conveying important messages.
This newfound understanding later influenced tracks such as “Y?VR” and “Jan van Riebeeck,” in which he deliberately intertwined educational themes with local culture, believing that if young fans could memorize lyrics, they could also learn about their roots.
By integrating educational messages into accessible hip-hop, YoungstaCPT noted that “Wes-Kaap” evolved into more than just a regional anthem. It signified the start of a creative vision that combined factual storytelling, using music as a means to honor Cape Town while imparting its history in a relatable way for a new generation.
This year, the artist commemorated the song’s ten-year legacy with special anniversary performances, showcasing the lasting influence of a track that almost went unnoticed before capturing its audience on stage.
