EJ von Lyrik, currently based in the Netherlands, originally hails from Mitchells Plain. She has been writing and performing her own material since 1997 when she turned professional.
Having a distinct interest in music production, EJ started producing her own instrumentals in 2001. Her music is an eclectic mix of funk, rock, dancehall, hip-hop and roots reggae. She is a strong advocate for human upliftment and inspiration through the medium of music and, therefore, her music carries positive messages in her lyrics.
EJ was also a former member of the legendary, all-female hip-hop group Godessa. Rated by Chuck D of the legendary American hip-hop group Public Enemy, as one of his personal top five female MCs of all time, her musicality and versatility reach far beyond what is ‘conventionally’ defined as hip-hop. As a singer, she has a beautiful vocal range and her ability to switch between styles of delivery is simply unmatched.
I caught up with the powerhouse vocalist EJ last week.
Loads of change! Exciting new prospects in online business, new music being created on a daily, plus continuing the ‘personal growth’ streak.
Being a tool to create awareness about your art and further your agenda, whatever that might be. It's not the ‘be all and end all’ of what makes you great at what you do.
When I'm ready, and I am far from being ready.
Mindless music.
Upliftment. It can empower, inspire change and educate when used positively.
The creative side! Being in the studio writing or recording lyrics and producing beats. Sound in itself fascinates me. So being able to create something from intangible frequencies is exhilarating.
My keyboard player once answered a cellphone call while in the middle of a show, only to tell the person on the other side that he will “call him back because he is playing at the moment”. And he didn't stop playing, throughout the entire call.
A good ol' cab sav or merlot from South African soil.
I would love to share a stage with Damian Marley aka ‘Junior Gong’, youngest son of the late, great Bob Marley.
To become a household name as a beat-maker and producer.
I think it's my ability to flip effortlessly from one vocal style to another in one song.
My baby brother couldn't say my name properly when he was little, so he just called me 'Aya'. And now every child in our family calls me Aya. But I think it's cute.
I would probably be either a teacher, a psychologist or a biologist since I love nature, human psychology and education.
Introverted, funny, spiritual, determined, creative.
“Kickin' Nonstop” by Prophets of da City! When I heard it I think that became the defining moment in me, also wanting to be an emcee.
Coolio. Yeah, I know, it's also the name of a hip-hop artist. Don't ask.
A pair of fading skinny blue jeans. You can wear it with anything.
“Dala what you must.” It just means that you gotta “Do, what you gotta do.”
I was a member of a highly successful all-female hip-hop group called Godessa from 2000 till 2008. We were considered to be one of the most impactful bands of our time. Raw and outspoken about critical issues, lending a feminine edge, to the ‘male-dominated’ hip-hop scene, and breaking international barriers.
My bust-up knee. Eish!
Not having achieved all I wanted to before I leave here.
Maintaining your peace, in absolute chaos.
Go wild!
On a beach in Cape Town, in February.
l do charity work with the amazing song with Roeshdien Jaz, “Want What You Can't Have”, where the digital sales proceeds will go towards the ‘Ihata Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Heideveld, Cape Town (Music with a Purpose).
Twitter: @EJvonLYRICK1 | Instagram | Facebook
