For decades Deon Daniels, better known as DJ Ready D, has been more than a familiar name in South African hip-hop, he has been part of the culture’s evolution, helping create platforms for emerging artists and taking Cape Town’s sound to wider audiences.

The Cape Town hip-hop veteran was honoured with a Ministerial Commendation at the Western Cape Cultural Awards at Artscape on Wednesday 9 September for his contribution to South African hip-hop and its role in shaping cultural identity.

This event celebrates the contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province.

Winners were crowned in various categories: Paul Hanmer, Thoko Ntshinga and John Maytham were among those honoured with Enduring Legacy Awards for their lifetime contributions to South Africa’s music, performing arts, broadcasting, literature and cultural life.

For Ready D the award is not only about recognising his own work.

“Getting this award gives me an opportunity to reflect on the years and the work done. On so many occasions you can’t take stock of that because you are constantly busy working.

“It reminds me of the people that’s been involved with my journey. This is also about acknowledging them.”

Ready D said it also gives hip-hop a stronger place in government spaces and could help open doors for other young artists.

“For the Hip Hop community it is amazing because it gives that part of the culture an opportunity to have a presence within government circles. That is one of the ways to open up the doors for other artists to get the recognition as well.”

“Hip Hop culture has done a lot for South African identity especially in the city of Cape Town. If we listen to Hip Hop from South Africa, you can hear in each region people are making music and rapping in their own languages.”

He also highlighted Cape Town’s strong connection to hip-hop and its influence on the city’s Afrikaans music and language.

“In Cape Town we fully embrace all the elements of the culture as well. There is a huge movement of Afrikaans Hip Hop in Cape Town. Hip Hop in Cape Town has also influenced what’s known as Afrikaaps words as well.”

Career highlights

Reflecting on his career highlights, DJ Ready D highlighted his time in mainstream radio as one of his biggest achievements, saying it allowed him to give young and unknown artists a platform to showcase their talent.

He also spoke about his experiences with Brasse van die Kaap and Prophets of the City, as well as working in different roles and travelling internationally.

Government’s radar

Ready D said greater recognition from government organisations could help create more opportunities for young artists and support the development of hip-hop as a culture.

“Getting onto the radar of government organisations is important, especially if we are focused on the developmental side of hip-hop as a culture. I think it needs to sit with government to see how we are able to unlock opportunities for young artists.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the department and said he was “honoured and humbled” by the award.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said the arts, culture and heritage tell the story of who we are as a province.

“The Cultural Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to enriching the Western Cape, and who have played an important role in shaping the story and history of our province.

“To those whose decades of work have left an enduring legacy, you represent the richness and diversity of our cultural and creative sector.

“We are proud to honour you and, importantly, to ensure that your contributions are seen, celebrated and remembered.”

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