Rouge Reflects on How AKA Helped Her Overcome Imposter Syndrome
In a recent, deeply personal interview on 5FM, South African rap artist Rouge provided fans with a poignant look into her relationship with the late, legendary collaborator AKA. Beyond his status as a hip-hop icon, Rouge painted a picture of a man whose dedication to his craft was matched only by his commitment to uplifting those around him.
Recalling the recording sessions for their collaborative track One By One, Rouge described a moment of intense pressure for the superstar. While the industry was abuzz with controversy surrounding a high-profile public dispute between AKA and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, the rapper remained remarkably composed. Despite the digital noise and harsh criticism circulating on social media, he remained entirely focused on the music.
“I can speak from when we were recording the One By One song,” Rouge shared. “That was actually the time where he was trending, and he was beefing with Burna Boy. And it was happening that day, guys. So as it’s happening, I’m on my phone looking at Twitter. But he’s so locked into giving me the best. The whole time I’m telling him, ‘We don’t have to record today. I get what’s going on.’ He’s like, ‘No, we’re going to do this.’”
She noted that his ability to find sanctuary in the studio was a testament to his genuine love for music. “He was always so locked into his craft. Somebody who loved music so much that it didn’t matter what was happening around him. When he was into the music, he was lost,” she added.
Perhaps most significantly, Rouge opened up about her own struggles with imposter syndrome, revealing that AKA was a constant source of encouragement. He frequently challenged her self-doubt, reminding her of her own worth and artistic capabilities. “He would randomly call me and be like, ‘No, you’re that girl.’ He always tried to tell me to remind myself that I am that girl,” she recalled.
This mentorship was delivered with the signature confidence and bravado that defined the Supa Mega persona. Whether he was pushing her to recognize her standing in the industry or encouraging her to assert her dominance among her peers, his influence was profound. Rouge’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the late rapper’s lasting legacy—not just as a hitmaker, but as a mentor who demanded excellence and inspired confidence in those he worked with.