Muvhango Ndou, AKA Conscious X, is a rapper, songwriter, actor, Hip Hop activist from South Africa. In 2008, he released his first Hip Hop project, his second in 2010 during the FIFA World Cup, and another in 2015. 2018 he released Intombi 2019 Revolution Of House and Deep Vhavenda under Monie Power Records a US based Label which is were he ventured into House Music In Power is also a Single he released in 2022 after losing his brother and later his farther published by AudioSparx https://www.audiosparx.com/sa/client/vendor.cfm/cust_iid.427210 where he now sells his music to Movie Productions.
He is an Achievement Certificate recipient Of Beatwritaz Workshop a Workshop Initiated by The South African Hip Hop Museum 2022. Victory Gospel Award Nominee 2016. His projects mix more than one language in a song and have received airplay. Conscious X is a Composition graduate at Soul Candi Institute of Music, Boston City Campus. Conscious X is always creating while working with international US and UK producers, and his growth is tremendous and invaluable. He is in the process of migrating from South African PRO SAMRO to join American PRO BMI siting Royalty Distribution irregularities He is also an Arts And Hip Hop Activist which is why it also close to his heart that Artists should get paid when their work is used. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/conscious-x/1227903162
Exclusive Interview
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Conscious X: I grew up in in Katlehong a Township in the East of Johannesburg also known as K1 and I became an Artist following my interest in telling stories and Archiving the African story so it it well documented and not detected.In so doing we shall be able to leave a Legacy as Africans and the story shall be told by Generations to come.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Conscious X: One can never stop learning new tricks in the Industry and one must always be out there spending time with like minded people and networking better opportunities and other revenue streams. As one can never afford to relax in this Industry always stay relevant master your craft and always reinvent yourself as an Artist. Do your paperwork and register all your songs properly with all Societies/Organisations for all Rights so you earn for the use of your Music.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Conscious X: A very rare one but yes it does happen sometimes since Music is emotions, sometimes a song may not be how I am feeling on the day and I have to perform such a song. I normally dig the inner me and words to cover up somehow come up and I proceed with the performance.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Conscious X: Yes I do tour given I have a good Budget in place which isn’t the case post Covid 19. No planned upgrades yet. Currently working with Fruity Loops, Cubase , Wavelab DAW with interest on a Drum Machine
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Conscious X: Without a Publisher it hasn’t been that easy but even with one an Artist needs not to relax Social Media has become the number one selling space in this day and age and one needs to utilise and be present on the space and sell their content to a niche market or right audience Blogs and Platforms like this one are also key in growing your market.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Conscious X: Nas ,Black Thought, DJ Malefactor From RSA, Kanyi Mavi in New York
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Conscious X: Yes I am working on something with DJ/Producer Therd Suspect should be done before the end of the Year and other projects which I can’t talk about now.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Conscious X: Law
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Conscious X: Collaborations/Partnerships and Activism with also my new role as an Arts Administrator and member of the South African Association of Arts Administrators who have a lot of Programs/Initiatives in the Pipeline lookout for the South African Association of Arts Administrators South Africa and the World
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Conscious X: Shout to DJ Malefactor from RSA , The SA Hip Hop fraternity , SAAAA members, AudioSparx, Tshaba Tshaba, The World and everyone protecting the rights of Artists/Musicians let’s stay strong it shall pass.
