As much as we’d love to be in the know about every rapper in the region, we’re not quite there yet. Admittedly, that’s what makes the hunt for new artists all the more exciting. In Libya, as part of the Benghazi Summer Festival’s (BSF) debut edition, we were naturally thrilled to see some of the region’s cream of the crop such as Marwan Moussa and Afroto take to the stage and perform their rich repertoire of classics before a local crowd that, up until now, was never handed the opportunity to experience live music in their own backyard. And as exciting as that was, the real highlight was witnessing local rappers finally tear it up in front of their own people and rep their city for the first time ever in their careers.
Allow us to elaborate; the harsh reality of living in a country troubled by constant instability and limited cultural opportunities— on top of being involved in a scene that tends to fly under most radars— means that local artists often struggle to perform on home soil– if they’re even able to begin with. Such was the case for Benghazi-born MC Mansor Unknown, who made his performance debut on Aug. 1 after a decade spent developing his own sound and representing his home country’s youth behind a microphone.
Just days before his own solo act, the 27-year-old was invited to share the stage on two separate occasions with fellow Libyan rappers Ka7la and Kami on the first two days of the 15-day-long music festival. Stepping out the shadows to finally reap the rewards of his own work after so much time, his excitement was palpable, and the crowd’s response was a clear sign that his journey is on its way to reach the stage he long dreamt of reaching.
@milleworlddotcom THE MOMENT @Mansor Unknown STEPPED ON STAGE TO JOIN @كامي ميوزك 💎 TO PERFORM ON #BENGHAZI ♬ original sound – milleworlddotcom
Overflowing with joy and excitement, we sat down with Mansor backstage to fire off five questions and get a quick sense of who he is and how he’s riding the ongoing wave of change. Below, a transcript of our rapid exchange.
When did you start rapping?
I started rapping in 2012. I used to listen to Khaleeji rap, and there was a contest in the Gulf called ‘Arab League’ that I followed closely. It inspired me so much that I decided I wanted to make music too. That’s when it all started for me at least.
How does it feel being one of Libya’s first rappers?
It’s a huge responsibility. A whole generation is following me, the streets are watching. I always need to remember that to keep myself motivated.
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Is there anything in particular that you’re trying to achieve?
I want to prove that becoming an artist here is possible. Given everything that’s happening, and the pace at which things are moving, I find myself a bit lost. But here’s what’s for sure: I want to blow up, represent Libya and make ourselves heard beyond our borders because Libya is home, Libya is Libya, Libya is bladi.
Seeing this festival roll-out and all the commotion it is generating, how is it making you feel as both an artist and a fan of music?
This festival is making me feel like I’m starting from scratch. I’ve been rapping for over 10 years, but this is my first time on stage. There’s so much to do. I want to put Libya on the map and compete with other scenes. Why not? I don’t want to tell anyone how to rap, but if I can inspire others, then that’s great. I can barely think right now—so much is happening.
If there’s one message you could send to the rest of the world right now, what would it be ?
We’re coming and we’re coming big time.
Picture from @m_elshreif
