Inside Shimi-Boi’s versatile music career, collaborations and ambitions
Versatile Tsakane hip-hop artist, Shimi-Boi, speaks to Bars n Rhymes about his entry into the hip-hop scene.
The multitalented artist pursued his passion for music in 2011 when he launched his record label Struu Productions with two former partners before parting ways in 2013 to ‘establish’ himself as a brand.
Born Moshoeshoe Shaun Malinga, he is a producer and songwriter.
His most memorable achievement in the industry so far is getting an opportunity to work with Senior Oat and Duncan.
“I have something really awesome that I did with Duncan and as for the projects I’m currently working on I can’t say much, people will have to wait and see,” says Shimi-Boi.
He was attracted to music in high school, starting off as a house music DJ before transitioning to hip hop influenced by the best to ever do it, Slim Shady himself (Eminem).
In 2014, he released his debut mixtape titled Sleepless Nights which he had been patiently working on for two years.
The mixtape featured singles such as Ngeke Ning Confirme and Good Time which earned a spot on Yfm’s music playlist and other radio stations across the country.
“Working on Sleepless Nights, I remember when I recorded the intro Type Eztshelayo I had just come back from the YFM studios on a Thursday night and a friend of mine sent me a recording of myself rapping on air.
“I took the recording and made a song with it the same day and that’s how that song was born.
“When I made my debut mixtape all I wanted to do was rap so I think I was still wet behind the ears musically.
“Now that I’m a bit older and experienced I think my sound has matured with a variety of musical disciplines that cater for a broad masses.”
He says his artistry isn’t defined by a specific sound.
“I draw creativity from a variety of musical disciplines such as African pop, house music, American hip hop and amapiano but most importantly, I am inspired by my life experiences and surroundings.
“The first song I’ve ever written was a song called Bring Your Game co-written with a friend back in high school which was inspired by the thought of just showing people what we could do.”
Speaking about drawing inspiration from various genres.
One specific song where this fusion of genres is most evident is Ngiyobushaya from his Pain 2 Profit album.
The single resembles a mixture of old-school house and hip-hop.
“My creative process has no fancy rituals or anything like that. All I do is listen to the instrumental at play, meditate towards it then write whatever comes to my mind. When it comes to beats it’s usually a case of me being inspired by something I heard or something that’s ringing in my head,” he explains.
“I want my fans to be able to feel everything when it comes to my music. I want them to go on a journey with me and hope it’s the best ride they’ve ever been on.”
Besides Eminem, some of the other artists who have had a profound influence on his musical journey include Pro, Kanye West, K.O, Lil Wayne, and Jay Z.
He has shared the stage with the likes of the late AKA, Kwesta and K.O to name a few.
“I remember seeing Riky Rick live on stage for the first time and I was so inspired by the way he controlled the crowd. He gave the best live performance I’ve ever seen in my life. May his soul rest in peace.”
He dreams of collaborating with hip hop heavyweight K.O, “because I think our styles complement each other and we could make a hit, of course!”
“Growing up in Tsakane a place where music is not just music but a culture influenced my artistic identity so much. From the music, and the fashion, to the lingo. I am who I am and what I am because of ikasi lami.
“My goal is to break records and set new ones. Leave a mark not just in the industry but in the world. I see myself on big stages doing big things all around the world in the next few years.”
Some fun quirks about him, “When I’m comfortable enough I find myself playing with the hair on my legs and sucking my tongue, lol,” he says.
Shimi-Boi has received recognition from industry giants like Sizwe Dhlomo and Siyabonga ‘Scoop’ Ngwekazi to making an appearance on YFM’s Hip Hop Floor at the time hosted by DJ Speedsta and Zai Maya – there are no limits to what this star can achieve next.
Follow him on his social media pages:
TikTok: @Shimi-Boi Malinga
Facebook: @SHIMI-BOI
Instagram: @Shimi-Boi
Twitter: @Shimi-Boiii
