Konpa/hip hop artist Draka Hunt is as independent as most female MCs come. She finds inspiration in the raspy-voiced 1990s rapper MC Lyte. But her musical style is a blend of R&B and konpa. The song “Draka Has Arrived”, for instance, has an intro that could well be part of the throwback 1970s konpa songs, say a Tropicana or a Tabou Combo, but with bits and layers of American pop. Miss Hunt nurtures a larger than life persona in her photographs. Her carefully constructed image is overboard glamorous with a hint of exotica. We thought it would be a good idea to dig deeper.
Q & A
Who really is this Draka Hunt girl? A novel within the music form. Pop/konpa artist, but not restricted.
How do you feel about hip-hop becoming increasingly pop? Just as we evolve, so does music. I do not believe hip-hop will ever die—just possibly take different forms. That is part of life’s cycle.
If you could be any female MC for a day, who would you be? MC Lyte
Do you remember the first time it occurred to you that you had talent? I don’t remember the exact age. I was perhaps 5 or 6, I won a dance contest and mother said, “Wi, pitit mwen! Bayo, bayo, ou sanble on ti superstar.” [Laughter]
There’s this notion among so many that everyone who makes it in the music world had to sell out their soul. Wow, that’s heavy. I’m pretty sure there may be some truth to that. Fame can definitely be the devil’s playground. Let’s just say God still has faithful children.
What’s the most personal song you’ve ever written? Most personal would have to be this song titled “Closed Window”.
We’d love to hear about your whole creative process. Haha. If I tell you I would have to kill you.
Women tend to tear one another down. Do you feel a bond with other female MCs? I hope for respect between us, but I don’t cling to certain expectations.
When was the last time you stepped on plane to go to Haiti? 1992..I was in the States on vacation, had to return before permanently relocating here. I felt fear, confusion.
Any artists you feel inspired by, who, when you first heard them, inspired you to become a rapper? Frida Kahlo, she was an artist that painted her emotions on canvas. I would stare at her work and all I would think of is music. Odd, huh?
What are you working on right now? I am constantly making music—that does not stop for me. I am always working on ideas that can allow me to take care of my family comfortably. I don’t take breaks from these things. I used to think of 5-10 years from now, I now leave that in God’s hands. It’s smarter that way.