Cheslyn Philander also known as Chella 83 is a 29 year old male from Bonteheuwel on the Cape Flats. He has started a music project that does not only hope to reach a world record, but also impact the nation.
1. Tell us about the project you are working on.
I am working on a few projects at the moment, one that I am particularly proud of is the #KOPPELLYNE vol1 mixtape, that is an attempt to break the Guiness world record for the largest mix tape in history.
2. Why did you decide on this project?
The idea came about after myself and Denroy Die Barhied Barends recorded a track together of the same title, I then decided that it would be cool to do that with mc’s from all the different area’s within the Cape Flats and beyond, trying to eliminate the beef, and promote unity, hence the name #KOPPELLYNEvol1 and it is working well on so many levels. This is exactly what Cape Town hip hop needs, a platform for unknown, talented artists to work on one project with the known artists in the industry and also getting Cape Town hip hop/ the rymklets movement noticed internationally.
3. Can you mention the people working on the project with you?
I am working with artist’s like, Chalo D briemasjien, Krapie Die Don Dada, Slagysta, Mc Pote, Dr. Kapnoudis, Hottnott(crew) Ghamster, Rjay, Gesmashde luk’s, M12(east london), Ricklo Lyrical Alchemist/Harry die Strandloper, Jayd Nerdonna, Testimony, Brizzy, Dbo, Myztery, Hakkiesdraad Hartman, Ernie, Cleavy, Phsycho, TrayV, Static Twist, Jakie Abm, Mr.Reezy, and much much more artist’s and producers like Miles on Beats, Rebelproduction’s, Bracen Kayle and some more, too many to mention.
4. How does your project uplift the community and encourage a spirit of ubuntu?
By getting everybody together, we are forming unity, and we are creating a MOVEMENT because at the moment we are not a movement, we not moving anywhere, so we first need unity, then we move, by promoting Peace, Love and Unity, we can then uplift our own community’s by firstly being role models to the youth, and exposing them to hip hop that is a positive movement, and I believe in that, because hip hop directly saved my life.
5. Do you think giving back is important?
Giving back is of utmost importance, if a farmer doesn’t sow seed’s, he cannot expect a crop, so if we don’t give back we cannot expect thing’s to change in our communities.
6. What would you say to investors, and bigger brands with regards to them coming on board projects like yours?
I would say “stiek uit of miss uit” this is a great opportunity for all parties on different levels to firstly create something positive, for investors and sponsors to market whatever they are selling as our distribution method will be right here, on the ground where we are, all parties contributing towards #KOPPELLYNEvol1 will have the opportunity to sell the mix tape within their own communities, there is no better marketing than that. Secondly, you have to help, we are fighting for peace, love and unity and not helping to promote something that is ungodly.
7. When can we expect the release of your project?
Expect the release around June, July this year. We still have a lot to do so we cannot give a precise date.
Expect some really great things coming from this project – including some PEACE, LOVE AND UNITY.
