1 May 2024 | 9:34

Hip-hop pioneer Emile Jansen awarded President's Order

Lester Kiewit speaks to Emile YX(Emile Jansen) about being awarded the President’s Order of Ikhamanga in silver.

Hip-hop pioneer Emile Jansen awarded President's Order

Emile Jansen with the President’s Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. Photo: Facebook

For four decades, hip-hop icon Emile Jansen, known as Emile YX, has taken his positive message and call for social change from the streets of the Cape Flats to the world.

Jansen is the founder of the country's oldest hip-hop crew Black Noise, who along with Prophets of Da City, are considered the pioneers of hip hop in Cape Town in the late 80s and early 90s. 

The activist and educator has created several youth development initiatives, including a non-profit organisation called Heal the Hood, which uplifts marginalised communities through music, dance and art. 

Finally, his contribution to music and society has been acknowledged by the State after he was awarded the President’s Order of Ikhamanga in Silver on 30 April. 

The President’s Order of Ikhamanga is one of South Africa’s highest honours, given to those who have significantly influenced the nation’s democracy and enriched the lives of its people.

"It didn't hit me how big this award was when I saw Robert Waterwich, Peter Jones and Alex La Guma were on the list as well. These are great contributors to our country's liberation struggle. In Cape Town, we have a bad habit of acting much smaller and I think it's necessary that young people see the contributions we've made to our liberation is massive."
-Emile Jansen, hip-hop pioneer 

Beyond hip-hop, Jansen is globally recognised for his contribution to Cape coloured identity, Afrikaaps language and education.

Jansen believes that understanding one's history creates a sense of self worth and pride.

"We often hear about decolonisation but we don't realise the actual change necessary is about changing your own state of mind about being African. Africa is the cradle of civilisation, we come from the first DNA through the Bushmen and we have the most languages. There are so many things we should be proud of but we don't have access to that information. But once you have access to that info, how do you live that and share that? So I spend a lot of time in schools sharing this."
-Emile Jansen, hip-hop pioneer 

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