Knysna's own rising rap star

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KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - His love for music and the art of writing started as a youngster watching his mother’s Eminem DVDs religiously, but today a Nekkies local is on the precipice of stardom and the world lies at his feet.

Ashley Bongani Miles, also known as Arab, will soon be launching his rap career and it is all thanks to a simple visit from a well-known record producer in 2016.

This Friday 2 February he will take his first proper steps into the industry when he releases his eight-track EP titled Drunk in Studio at Juventers Pub Lounge in George, signed under Sphethu Records.

At the helm of Sphethu Records is award-winning and gold record selling hip-hop producer Ngane Sikobi, whose most recent body of work could be heard in the production of recording artist Duncan’s latest album titled Balaclava.

Sikobi says he found Arab in 2016 when Brian Tshabablala of Mind Movement in Knysna invited him to educate and motivate the youth of Knysna regarding the music industry – how to get involved, how to operate, all the do’s and don’ts you need to know when starting off.

“I remember him asking a lot of questions and he seemed really interested and motivated to get into the industry.

"I asked him to drop a few bars for us and liked what I heard. Since then I have been enhancing his skills and producing the best beats to match his talent.

"I knew that 2018 would be the perfect time to unleash his prowess,” says Sikobi.

Arab got his moniker/alias soon after, when he was featured on Duncan’s album. “He further proved his talent to many in the industry and received positive feedback all round,” says Sikobi.

“Before I featured on Duncan’s track I was known as Andy Payne. While filming the music video though, Ngane gave me this sort of hijab, and together with my beard Arab was born. I even remember the exact date – it was such a huge moment for me,” adds the budding rapper.

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Arab was born and bred, mostly, in Nekkies. He started at Sunridge Primary, spent a short time in Milnerton, but then returned and finished his schooling at Knysna Secondary School.

“I was about 11 when I started watching my mother’s Eminem DVD’s over and over – for me it was much more about what he was saying and the stories he was telling than race.

"Later on, I started writing and it was about getting my own message across. My love for the music grew from there.

"When that first meeting in 2016 came about it was also my mother who reminded me about it and gave me R20 for a taxi to get there,” he recalls.

Arab and his mother Lorraine Miles both see his later high school years as the start of everything.

“I used to be a mostly A-student, but then music took over… Never dropped the ball on my languages, though,” he says, smiling mischievously at his mother.

But back to the present and Arab’s future – he has an EP launch coming up.

“I’m quite excited about it. It feels like a dream. I see a lot of guys who have been struggling longer than I have to get into the industry.

"The fact that I have managed to get this far shows me my work is paying off. It’s still very unreal sometimes,” he says.

Arab, who says his creative process is very spontaneous, wants to see himself on the biggest stages in the world soon.

“After the launch, I’ll get back to the studio. I’m definitely aiming for a Grammy award one day. I also want to give back.

"I have a great passion for this, and I hope this is just a stepping stone for me to one day help motivate and develop the youth of Knysna,” he says.

Mother Lorraine is just as excited for her son. “It’s good to see something is finally happening for him.

"At one point he started losing hope but I reassured him, and soon he was off to Durban. I would like to see him become successful and for him to follow his passion,” she says.

Check out ArabNation on Facebook, or ArabMiles on Twitter and Instagram for more details.

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