Artist, Mos Def turned many heads when he appeared in a Ghana wrapped cloth skirt
at the Music Exchange conference at City Hall of Capetown on Friday morning [March 7th] .
Mos Def who now goes by the name “Yasim Bey” has been living in ‘Capetown‘, South Africa since May of last year. The rapper turned holly wood actor says he decision to move from America was one of middle class comfort
” Last year May, I came here and I said I’m not leaving. I’m staying, It’s a beautiful place. It has the ocean, mountain, botanical garden and beautiful people. “
Bey says his first connection with Capetown started back in 2009 upon his first visit.
” I know when the good vibes gets to you. I thought about this place every day when I left. People were like, You’re Crazy. It’s light years always. They’re Crazy. They’re going to eat you. You shouldn’t go there. I said: I’m going. “
When asked about his new style of dress , Bey says
” The wrap is what I’m most comfortable in at home.”
On Why He Decided To Leave America:
” Man, I’m going to tell you something. For a guy like me, with five or six generations from the same town in America, to leave America, things gotta be not so good with America..”
” There are some beautiful places in America. I love Brooklyn. New York City needs to thank Brooklyn every day just for existing. That’s how I feel about it. It was a hard time thing to leave home. But I’m glad I did. “
” I got the VIBES to be here and now I’m here. It’s amazing and it’s crazy. South Africa is crazy. Cape Town is crazy. I’ve seen some of the craziest people in my life walk down Long Street. And I’m from New York, says Bey.”
He continues:
” I’ve been to some places… some of the best places in Europe and the Untied States. Amazing talents and amazing places. But not place is like Africa No place.”
” The arts, the crafts, the energy, the people coming out of this continent, are like no other in the world. Be aware that you are in a special place at a very special and unique time in history. “
As for his entertainment career, Bey says he is working on various projects; one of which includes a tribute album to legendary spoken word performer Gil Scott Hero.