No-limits Lex at Poetry Africa

Ever heard that saying, what men can do, women can do better? Well I don’t know about better, but both genders should definitely be on the same playing field, irrespective of what the title is. A woman who does just that in the form of rapping is pop rap recording artist, performer and poet, Lex LaFoy, formally known as Lexikon.

Born in Durban but based in Johannesburg, La Foy has certainly advanced in the industry as a female poet/rapper and can be seen this week at the 17th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival.

During our one-on-one, the friendly and extremely expressive young lady revealed how her passion for poetry and music began. “The thing is I started writing poetry (as soon as I learnt) how to write. “Prior to learning and becoming literate, I sang songs. I considered it a gift as singing just came naturally. I've always been highly ambitious. I've been performing for nine years now, doing it on the side while studying.

“But I recently finished my degree at UKZN and have been doing it for a full year now, so many opportunities are arising. I appreciate all that has happened and everything that my career has led to.

“I feel that’s there a lot more for me, so yeah, this is definitely the beginning of a new level of my career.”

Being involved in this industry for almost a decade, what are your thoughts on women in rap in South Africa?

“I grew up listening to local talent. I was exposed to early hip hop in South Africa. For me, seeing the success of a female hip hop group like Godessa expanded my horizons.

“I've been raised in a very liberal home so I never limited myself because of my gender and I never stopped myself from entering into a platform because of my gender. And I definitely believe that women add balance to hip hop. “Males portray a lot of ego, whereas when I go to a show that has women in the line-up, I leave feeling more balanced.”

Over the years there has been an increase in the younger generation using poetry as a means of self-expression and a change in the manner in which do it. Why do you think this is so? “With technology, people are learning the art and it is the new age so there is a rising creativity. So now people have the freedom of expression and it’s the healthiest thing for people to express themselves. I think it’s great that people are embracing the art form and art has always had a place in society.”

LaFoy also tells me that her new album, Paper work, is set for release early next year. “Artistically I've taken a new direction. It’s more electro-pop rap, and I feel as though I’m just growing as a person. “ I've now come into myself more and I’m able to put together my different skills and bring it all together. “So there’s a lot of artistry on this album and it’s a combination point, bringing a lot of different elements together.”

* Lex LaFoy can be seen at The 17th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival at UKZN, Howard College, which runs until Saturday.

• Bard to the Bone