Prophets Of Da City

Cape Town-based, Prophets of da City, are undisputably, South Africa's foremost Hip Hop / Rap act. Although P.O.C. exploded onto the local music scene in 1990 with the release of "Our World", crew members Ready D, Shaheen and Ramone have been actively involved in the hip hop culture as early as 1984. Since then, they have followed it up with a succession of dope albums, including the banned and poorly marketed "Age of Truth". P.O.C. are currently signed to the independent record label, Ghetto Ruff and distributed by Polygram. There have been many changes during the group's more than 9-year history but the core is still comprised of ideologue Deon T Daniels (DJ Ready D), Shaeen Ariefdien, singer Ishmael Morabe and the dancer Mark Heuvel. They insist that rap is a basic African expression, and musically they blend together quite a list of elements: hip-hop, techno and reggae, together with a not unimportant helping of traditional African rhythms. Over everything sways the powerful voice of vocalist Ishmael – like a South African Stevie Wonder. Their stage show with dance, rapping and scratching is fast and furious. The total effect is an irresistible African mix, rhythmic and visual. Prophets of da City has played in Europe several times, and in Trondheim, Norway, they took the wind out of even Salif Keita's sails during the TMV Festival in 1996. The band has released a long line of discs in South Africa that are sometimes difficult to get hold of outside South Africa.