What was formerly regarded as a mark of athleticism is now regarded as a commercial and fashionable item of want. Sneakers have become a cultural commodity in a variety of ways, from athletics to street style to catwalk fashion.
Raf Don and YoungstaCPT, two local singers, have collaborated on a tune that delves into Cape Town’s sneaker culture. Tekky is the name of the track, which will be released on Friday, June 24.
CULTURE OF SNEAKERS AROUND THE WORLD
Sneaker culture has been around for decades, but in recent years it has reached new heights in South Africa. Sneakerheads have made it a habit to line up outside stores in the hopes of being the first to get their hands on a new pair.
Although hip-hop culture popularized sneaker culture in the 1980s and 1990s, it has expanded into a global movement, but it had to start somewhere.
In 1986, the legendary hip-hop trio Run DMC released the ground-breaking anthem My Adidas, which ushered in a new era in which rappers and street style became synonymous.
MAKING THEIR MARK THROUGH SONG
Raf Don and YoungstaCPT have made their mark as some of the brightest hip-hop stars in Cape Town and are not representing the Mother City’s sneaker culture through their new track Tekky.
“Youngsta and I wanted to find a way to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds, races and classes and this was the perfect way to do that because of the common love and interest in sneakers, which also inspired the title of the song by using the colloquial term Tekky,” said Raf Don.
No matter what part of Cape Town you visit, you will find traces of sneaker culture.
“Our sneakers are a part of our identity because through our sneakers we are able to make a statement,” added Raf Don.
SOUND IN A DIFFERENT WAY
Rap fans will hear something different from Tekky than they have from Raf Don and YoungstaCPT. Drill is a new hip-hop sound that has emerged in Africa, notably in Cape Town.
With the mixing and mastering of Loulo Verb, producer Shaney-Jay brought his experience and drill-influenced sound.