Story by Rashid Mhlanga
When there is mention of hip-hop, the big names such as Mos Def, Coast Contra, Nas, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar who have influenced millions across the world. They are all known for their storytelling ability, lyrical depth, and fusion of hip-hop with other genres. One young artist that these and many other legends have inspired is one Armstrong Cliff Mathe a.k.a Philo Cliff.
“Most of their (hip-pop icons) stories and messages resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to use music as a platform to express myself”, he said. “Thename Philo Cliff is derived from my second name, Cliff. I chose to add Philo cause I see myself as a philosopher, and so I shortened the word”, he said. Philo Cliff started his music career when he was just 13 years old, back in 2018, where he team up with his friends to would high school rap battles. Growing up in Bulawayo gave him a unique perspective on life. The city’s rich cultural heritage and resilient people have inspired his music and artistic style as he drew from experiences and observations to create authentic and relatable content.
What sets him apart from other ‘kasi’ hip-hop artists is the aspect of the language. His sound is mostly inspired by 80s and 90s hip-hop, blended with the new age sound. “I address themes such as poverty, inequality, and social justice. I believe music can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring behavioral change. Through my lyrics, I aim to educate, motivate, and empower my fans”, he said. As an independent artist, he has learned to be resourceful and adaptable. He handles most aspects, from production right through to marketing. Despite all that, he is in touch with other artists and industry professionals to widen his base and nurture relationships.
Currently, Philo Cliff has an EP titled, ‘Philosophical’ produced by Siyamdumisa from 1106Studios, which also contains the track, Back to my BS. One of my most notable moments was performing at the Fringe theatre show that was held at the Bulawayo theatre. “It was an honor to share the stage with other talented artists and to be recognized for my contributions to the music industry, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and staying true to my art”, he said.
Philo Cliff encouraged other fellow artists to remain humble. “My advice to the others is they have stay authentic, true to their roots, and always keep learning. Develop your craft, network with other artists and industry professionals, and be prepared to face challenges and setbacks”, he said. The hip-pop MC aspires to perform at international festivals and concerts, and to collaborate with artists from around the world. As for this month of February, he is set to perform at an art exhibition on the 14th of February.
Philo Cliff prioritizes his time and energy, ensuring to allocation for music, family, and personal well-being. He endeavors to find ways to integrate creative pursuits with other areas of his life. With each bar and rhyme, he is surely purposefully living his life impacting the world with his superb artistry.
