Usimamane Expresses Discomfort with Hip Hop Performance Culture

Usimamane has candidly addressed his growing disillusionment with the current state of hip hop performance culture. In a recent interview on YFM’s The Agenda, alongside Roiii and DJ Sliqe, the artist revealed that he no longer feels comfortable performing at many hip hop events, pointing to a toxic atmosphere of competitive tension that contrasts sharply with his experiences in other genres.

The musician explained that the energy at Amapiano events feels significantly more organic and welcoming. In contrast, he described frequent, uncomfortable interactions within hip hop circles, where fellow performers often treat his success and artistic identity with suspicion or territorial hostility. “It’s like, hey, whatever that you got on is supposed to be mine and all of that,” he remarked, noting his disappointment in how professional relationships have soured despite their shared origins in the industry.

Despite these challenges, Usimamane emphasized that he has never viewed his peers as direct competition. His primary goal remains the ability to perform authentically without the burden of underlying judgment or territorial attitudes. Consequently, he has become increasingly selective about his live bookings, prioritizing environments where he feels respected as a human being rather than a target of industry rivalry.