AKA: Confidence, Success, and the Mindset Behind Altar Ego

With a string of awards, undeniable talent, and an unapologetic attitude, AKA was already a force to be reckoned with when he dropped his debut album Altar Ego in 2011. In this exclusive interview, the rapper opens up about his journey, the inspiration behind his album, his views on the hip-hop landscape, and his vision for the future.

“The view from the top is cool, but I don’t dwell on it.”

After a year of success, including multiple award wins for Altar Ego, we asked AKA if life at the top was as good as it seemed. While he acknowledged the victories, he admitted he didn’t dwell too much on them. “The moments of celebration in my life are short-lived. Then it’s on to the next.”

This hunger for more is what made Altar Ego such a defining project—it wasn’t just an album; it was a statement.

On the Album Title: “I wanted people to be pissed off.”

AKA revealed that the name Altar Ego was a direct response to critics who labeled him as “arrogant.” Instead of toning it down, he embraced it. “I decided I needed a title that would be a bold statement.”

The title plays on both “alter” (change) and “altar” (a sacred place), symbolizing his transformation and growing status. He admitted that with success comes the temptation of a “God-like” ego. Instead of resisting it, he used it as fuel.

On Authenticity: “AKA is not a switch I can turn on and off.”

Many artists struggle with balancing their public and private personas, but for AKA, the version of himself on stage and the one at home were the same. “I made myself a promise when I started out: I wanted to be myself no matter how successful I became.”

However, he learned that being too unfiltered could hurt his career in the long run. “Sometimes I wanna be the old me and just say the first thing that comes to mind. Now I pick my words carefully.”

On Music: “My moods drive my music.”

AKA’s music is deeply personal, influenced by his emotions. “I can’t make party music when I’m in a slump. I can’t make sad music when I’m feeling aggressive.” His creative process is spontaneous, shifting between determination, introspection, and even loneliness in a single day. “I think I’m bipolar. Then again, so are most geniuses.”

On Hip-Hop’s Direction: “Everyone has a place.”

The debate over whether hip-hop is progressing or declining is never-ending, but AKA refused to take sides. “Soulja Boy is just as much a representation of society as Nas is.”

He called out veteran artists who dismissed new styles, emphasizing that different artists resonate with different audiences. “I might think Soulja Boy is garbage, but he might reach a kid better than Jay-Z reaches me, or MF Doom reaches someone else.”

On African Music’s Global Rise: “Africa is the new sh*t.”

By 2011, African artists were making moves on the international stage. “There’s never been a time it’s cooler to be African,” AKA said, noting that African musicians were influencing global sounds.

However, he also recognized the pressure for African artists to fit a stereotype. “International audiences want to see us be ‘African,’” he noted, but stressed the importance of authenticity. “If Ice Prince wants to rap in Igbo, that’s cool. If AKA’s first language is English, let him articulate himself in it. At the end of the day, music is a universal language.”

On Advice to Young Artists: “A dream. A plan. Talent.”

Without sounding like an Oprah episode, AKA had words of wisdom for up-and-coming artists. “Don’t let anybody gas you into thinking you’re good when you’re not. This is hard work.”

He also warned against placing too much value on fame, money, and material things. “Those things can come and go, and if they go, what will you be left with? Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.”

On His Vision for the Future: “I want to see the world.”

For AKA, the goal was bigger than just album sales. “I want to tour extensively, to see the world. I want to have a show in London and have people sing back my words to me.”

Beyond music, he had a vision for live performances. “I just want to have a show where I make all my ridiculous ideas come to life. In short—midgets, fire-spitters, the whole nine.”

From his unshakable confidence to his keen awareness of the industry, AKA’s mindset in 2012 was clear—he was here to stay, and he wasn’t afraid to shake things up. Whether it was embracing controversy, pushing African music forward, or setting a new standard for South African hip-hop, Altar Ego was just the beginning.

One thing is certain: AKA wasn’t just another rapper—he was a movement.

Interview by Hype Magazine 2012