FAB on Authenticity, Loss and Finding His Place in South African Hip-Hop

Cape Town’s hip-hop scene continues to grow through artists who bring their own experiences, sounds and perspectives to the music industry. Among them is Fabriano Langford, professionally known as FAB, an independent hip-hop artist whose music draws from personal experiences, struggles, ambitions and a commitment to authenticity.

On the 26 August 2026 FAB joined Thomas Cedrick on BackChat on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, where he spoke about his musical journey, his influences, working independently and what listeners can expect from his upcoming music. For FAB, storytelling remains an important part of hip-hop. While much of his music draws from his own experiences, he says he also enjoys exploring different sounds and moods. His music includes conscious and reflective material, as well as more playful songs. One example is “Lekanika,” one of three Afrikaans tracks he is currently working on.

“I draw from my life experiences,” FAB explained during the interview, adding that he also explores fun and lighter sides of music.His approach to music is closely connected to his outlook as a person. FAB describes himself as someone who tries to remain positive and lift people up, and he aims to carry that same energy into his music.

FAB’s musical journey has been shaped by personal experiences. He grew up in Port Elizabeth now known as Gqeberha,  and lost his father when he was around four years old. He later lost his mother when he was about 20. During this period of his life, he was already beginning to write music and rap songs. He says these experiences have had a major influence on both his motivation and his creativity. His music therefore does not shy away from difficult experiences. Some of his older work, for example, deals with relationships and moments when things did not work out. For FAB, these experiences have become part of his artistic evolution. His current catalogue reflects where he is now while still connecting to the experiences that helped shape him.

South African hip-hop continues to evolve, with artists developing sounds that can be both locally rooted and internationally influenced. When asked by Thomas where he sees himself within the current hip-hop landscape, FAB described his sound as existing somewhere between the local energy of YoungstaCPT and the more internationally influenced style associated with Nasty C.

He also expressed admiration for both artists, particularly  YoungstaCPT’s development within Cape Town and Nasty C’s international sound. FAB’s list of artists he would like to collaborate with reflects those influences. He named YoungstaCPT, Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest among his desired collaborators. He also mentioned the late AKA, saying that if the rapper were still alive, he would have been his first choice.

Behind the music, FAB is also working on the business side of his career. As an independent artist, he is responsible for much more than recording songs. He spoke openly about the difficulties of building a career without the large marketing budgets available to some established artists. “I think that's the most difficult route to take,” FAB said, explaining that independent artists have to learn how to create opportunities and sustain themselves once they get through the door. However, he believes the challenges have also helped him develop valuable skills. Learning how to navigate the industry has given him knowledge that he can eventually use to assist other emerging artists who may be trying to find their own way into the music industry.

FAB is currently working on several projects, including more Afrikaans music and material aimed at an international audience. He mentioned upcoming songs including “Stellan Boss” and said listeners could expect to hear more of his Afrikaans material following “Lekanika.” He is also working on international material, which he says is currently being fine-tuned in the studio. Visuals are also part of his plans. FAB is working towards creating a music video for “Lekanika” and is looking into budgeting and 
endorsement opportunities to help bring the project to life.

For listeners who want to follow his journey, FAB says social media is currently the best way to reach him. He is active on Instagram and TikTok, where he says his TikTok presence has been performing particularly well. He encouraged potential collaborators, event organisers and listeners to contact him through his social media platforms. As FAB continues building his career independently, his story highlights both the challenges and possibilities facing emerging artists. His music combines personal experiences with different sounds, languages and perspectives, while his journey reflects the determination required to build a career from the ground up. For FAB, the goal is not only to make music but also to continue growing, creating opportunities and eventually helping other artists who are following a similar path.

Written by Unathi Ngomana