When a soldier moves on from our realm to the next, the platoons go silent. A sense of disbelief hovers, but we dare not lose focus on the mission. Prayers and faith are paramount in the arsenal.
A hip-hop soldier blessed with intellect, armed with a razor sharp tongue and a microphone, Mr Fat carved his imprint in the hearts of many. He challenged, analysed and guided his support base onto a physical and spiritual plane.
Realising that he has passed is hard when this soldier is a brother. His wish for the troops is to press forward no matter what.
I present a few words written by his hand to give us insight into his person and integrity: ‘[My] Introduction to this art form was somewhere in the year 1984. Hip-hop had this voice that my people were looking for. My journey took me to the element of the MC. This is the beginning of my story. Here I discovered that everything in life is based on balance. Solo like the sun, I had to find my planet to shed light. That planet was found and the name was Ashley, son of one father. Lyrics always socially directed and filled with vivid vision. Finding destiny or destiny finding me.
‘I spent most of my days in the library reading about history, mythology, religion, science, the supernatural, our story and music.
‘What am I focused on?
‘Working with the youth, injecting positivity in their train of thought.
‘Searching to find the truth
‘Unifying humanity, including myself
‘Living in the tense of now and then
‘Brasse Vannie Kaap
‘To be part of the all in all
‘What do you want out of life?
‘To see people care about each other
‘Are you working with youth?
‘Yes I am. Being an entertainer keeps me in touch with the youth, but for some reason I felt what I do is not enough. It’s okay to let them smile for an hour or so, but it would be better to let them smile for a lifetime. Like the saying goes: if a person asks you for food, don’t give them food for the moment. Teach them how to make it and they will have food for a lifetime. The method is sound, right reasoning through hip-hop. The aim is to inform the youth. Instead of worshipping someone or something, become who you are — filled with belief of self with no ego attached.â€
Music is the guiding force, a gift from a higher source, unlocking doors, transporting my thoughts. We shall meet on not too distant shores. RIP my beloved brother.
Mr Fat: Born: 28 December 1971; died 28 November 2007