Q&A: @Flash_Ikumkani Discusses His New Album, ‘Long Live Mlusta’, Dedicated To His Late Uncle

After losing his uncle who he says was his number one supporter, Flash Ikumkani took it upon himself to live up to his uncle’s wish of creating an album for him. 

The project, which was released this week, is titled ‘Long Live Mlusta’.

In the Q&A below, the Eastern Cape-born rapper delves into the process of creating the album, challenges he faced with management, as well as what to expect from him this year.

Through your latest offering 'Long Live Mlusta’, we know how much your uncle meant to you. How would you describe the emotional process of creating this project?

Since day one, my uncle was my biggest fan. He was the first person to know that I’m a rapper and to introduce me as a rapper at home to my family, therefore making this album was a very painful but healing process for me. Firstly, because it was one of his wishes that I make him an album as he always said that if this could happen and he departs from this world, he leaves me with this task. He loved my music, so it was very important to me that I make him this album even though it wasn’t easy because I just lost my biggest supporter.

Which song in this project was the most difficult to make and why?

The sixth track, ‘Zifihle’ was the most difficult song to create because I speak on the impact of hurtful tragedies that occur in our generation, the negative actions that lead to bad things and influences that push our generation into dark spaces as we are raised in difficult times by our single mothers.

Why did you only release the project on YouTube?

I dropped ‘LLM’ only on YouTube because of the challenges I faced upon the release date of the album. However, I don’t want my fans to be caught in the crossfire therefore I must deliver at all times. That has been sorted and the album will be available on DSPs.

You released ‘Utshintsho Delux’ and only a month later, dropped this project. What was the thinking behind dropping within such a short period?

With where I stand right now, streams on YouTube and other DSPs are my main source of income therefore releasing music and keeping on is bread for me and my children. I cannot wait on other income sources such as gigs.

What more can we expect from you in 2023?

Right now, all I can say is expect a documentary about my come up, as well as more projects because making music is therapy for me and with knowing that there are people who look up to me for my music, I am their voice and hero. I will deliver at all times.

Listen to 'LLM' below: