Conversations with Ryan Mthombeni

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Mthombeni.

Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a Network engineer and a part time hiphop producer. Started tapping into the city’s rap scene with the release of songs like “Mambo” by Asaph and Lynden’s wrecking crew day. That was peak hiphop. There were sites and platforms you could get rap news and updates about the hiphop scene. Slowly all the sites and pages started to disappear, i guess some hiphop enthusiasts grew up and had family to care of . A few years later it was like no news at all . I then took it upon myself to create a local hiphop magazine. Platforms like “NoHeeps”, “Kwela initiative” started building the rap scene anew introducing shows and workshops for rappers and hiphop artists. My brand the magazine “Bulawayo Hiphop Magazine” brings all the latest hiphop news focused mainly on the city. Underground and mainstream artists are using the platform to announce their latest releases or to put out rollouts. With little to no funding i’m working on organizing a group of artists to showcase the amount of talent the city has . Adding on-top of what the magazine covers . I’m driven by the love of hiphop, inspired by Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, how they built pg lang and dreamville records . I hope i can create a platform larger than the magazine to give creatives a space to shine . From the underground to mainstream we are the the bridge in the city.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having to dig for information in the streets, on social media platforms. It is tough and sometimes artists get mad at us when we release other information which creates rifts or divides in the hiphop scene . The issue of funding is another challenge, we are hoping to find sponsors and brands to collaborate with in the long run .

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As i have stated i am a network engineer by proffesion, and also a hiphop producer. But what i’m known for is being the CEO and editor of “Bulawayo Hiphop Magazine” . Now just running on instagram, and other platforms, i am working on creating a website for it. I am most proud of how the hiphop community has accepted us. Major artist collaborating with us, the engagements on socials and the rise in following has been incredible. What sets us apart is the lack of bias and the intimate touch that is put behind every post and news release. We try to be different and visible at the same time . Engage our audience.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I look greatly upon the creatives that paved the way in our city’s hiphop scene. Lynden and Asaph being great examples. To find a great mentor you have to really look deep and be willing to soak in advice. Whilst networking is a whole different ball game, you have to have patience with people and be great communicating your ideas. What has worked for me so far is being able to network with artists and get feedback on what they would like to see on the magazine .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulawayohiphopmag?igsh=MXFmN3BqMW5zYXFnYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fd5vyeoxB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Ishmael Mabuza
Keith Tshuma