---- "Caged Lion represents a vibe that I think we all feel in today's society. A feeling that you cannot be yourself. You cannot be creative. You are trapped by a dead end job or relationship that doesn’t let you spread your wings. A feeling of being controlled. I am definitely a ‘Caged Lion’ trying to find a way to get back to that which is me..." ----
Max and Raiza has each came into their own but the Zimbabwean and Rwandan natives really took it to another level this year with the release of their new EP, "Caged Lion" which Greedysouth chose as one of the Best Albums of 2012 (So Far).
That's why I had to chop it up with them in this exclusive Interview to find out who really Is Max and Raiza? So check it... (I just wrote that in 2 minutes flat)
@GreedysouthZW: Who is Raiza and who is Max?
Raiza: I am an indie rapper originally from Rwanda. I try to add a layer of self reflection and depth to my music. I’ve been making music for the better part of 6 years. I have been doing shows and releasing music for the last couple of years and I am very enthusiastic about taking it to the next level.
Max: I am a big music fan, and listen to anything with a good sound and substance. I started writing tunes when I was in high school, back in Zim, and continued doing so after moving to NZ in 2001. I actually started out as a rapper, but since I’m such a huge reggae/dancehall fan my style gradually evolved as I felt more and more inclined to contribute to these genres. I formed a crew with my good friends, and fellow Zimbabweans, called Yung Shottaz (now Shottaz) in 2007. As Yung Shottaz we released 3 mixtapes and 2 EPs.
@GreedysouthZW: You guys come from different backgrounds musically I mean Max is more Reggae/ Dancehall and Raiza got that straight jacket flow, what inspired you to come together on wax, who or what inspired Caged Lion
Max: We first linked up in 2009 on a number of Yung Shottaz tunes and we’ve performed together on several occasions since then, and we’ve had natural chemistry from day one. I ran a home studio with fellow crew member Hlats, and Raiza would regularly record his tunes with us which led to him recording an EP at our studio. It so happens that the EP Raiza was working on eventually became Caged Lion.
Raiza: Well, Like Max said, we became friends many years ago and often supported each other at shows and recorded vocals for each others’ project so the chemistry and camaraderie is definitely there. The first song I recorded for what was supposed to be my EP was ‘Said and Done’. It was a very easy process so I got Max to do another hook for me. By the end of the week, we had a few tracks that we thought had potential. That's when we decided that we should create this project.
@GreedysouthZW: What does the term "Caged Lion" mean
Raiza: Caged Lion represents a vibe that I think we all feel in today's society. A feeling that you cannot be yourself. You cannot be creative. You are trapped by a dead end job or relationship that doesn’t let you spread your wings. A feeling of being controlled. I am definitely a ‘Caged Lion’ trying to find a way to get back to that which is me.
@GreedysouthZW: Are we going to see more of Max and Raiza in the future I mean any more projects lined up after this one?
Max: We definitely plan to release more projects together, and develop our individual careers at the same time. For example, right now we’re finishing off a Shottaz album and Raiza is working on a few projects as well but since we really enjoy recording and performing together, more Max & Raiza projects can be expected in the very near future. Watch this space.
Raiza: What he said (laughs). Yeah, the response has been great and the general feedback is that the people want more. But even if it didn’t get the response we wanted, we would still be doing it. This project signified a period in our lives that was formative in both of our careers. So even without recognition, it was a priceless experience.
@GreedysouthZW: Since you guys are based in NZ, are there any Zimbabwe and Rwanda dates added on the Caged Lion Tour?
Max: Probably not for the initial tour as planning an international tour is a very costly exercise. The plan is to continue building a strong and loyal fan base in Africa before we bring our live act back home. Also we’re in the process of developing our live set, and would like to perfect it before we come home.
Raiza: That is the dream, to create a scenario that will facilitate that. The buzz is growing in my homeland, Rwanda. And I know that Max and the Shottaz are putting in work towards that goal. Giving up is not on the agenda. We will be back home soon.
@GreedysouthZW: I understand Caged Lion is just an EP, we going to get the full project anytime soon and any videos besides "Fed Up" dropping?
Raiza: This was a tester. Thus far, we have had some world renowned Dancehall producers approach us about helping with production for the follow up. So the follow up will feature all original production. Every show we have done for the ‘Caged Lion’ project has been followed by us getting in the studio. Thus far, the vibe is rich with ideas. Ayo Max, full length album? (laughs)
Max: I’m definitely keen to work on a full length album with Raiza, mainly because we’re both highly motivated individuals that have a good rapport in the studio which should translate into a high quality product.
@GreedysouthZW: Any words to Zimbabweans, Rwanda and anybody reading this right now
Max: Firstly I’d like to big up all my family and friends back home, I love you all. To all our supporters, I really hope you stay tuned because this is only the beginning and we have a lot more to offer. Respect!
Raiza: Peace to the Motherland as a whole, and respect to the world. I feel a sense of duty to take our music forward. To tell our story. To anyone reading this, dream big, and NEVER compromise your beliefs and opinions. Liberate yourself. We welcome you to join us as we free all the ‘Caged Lions’ in the world.
@Greedysouthzw: How do people contact you guys..
Our first point of contact is the Caged Lion website - www.cagedlion.co.nz/news (our contact details can be found on the sidebar). People that prefer using email can reach us on cagedlionnz@gmail.com. The facebook heads can link us on www.facebook.com/cagedlionnz, and the tweet addicts can follow us @CagedLionNZ.