HeatWave
HeatWave , born Emmanuel Motsami Matovu,was born at a mercenary hospital high in the mountains of Lesotho, Africa in 1985. After a relatively easy birth the nun who helped to deliver him gave him his African name-Motsami -translated means the traveller, a name that foreshadowed his future. Emmanuel was the Matovu family’s first child born into freedom after escaping Idi Amin’s reign in Uganda. He embraced this birthright and chose to take advantage of the many opportunities that lay ahead of him.
After immigrating to Vancouver BC, Canada in the late 80s the Matovu’s quickly settled into Vancouver’s inner city. Emmanuel lived in Vancouver’s East Side with his Mother (a nurse) his Father (a chef) and two sisters surrounded by mountains, ocean and rainforest; this is where HeatWave’s evolution took root. His mother has said “He was always his own man, even when he was very little. If he wanted something he would get it. Nothing stood in his way.”
During his time at college Emmanuel travelled through out the United States playing college ball, it was there between and after games that he and the other players would engage in freestyle battles. Emmanuel dominated the courts and the floor and quickly earned the name HeatWave for his quick, hard hitting and real life content-“he hit like a heat wave knocking out his competitors”. In Hip hop HeatWave found a true challenge and a vehicle to propel his self forward. It was at this same time that HeatWave became part of the B.L.O.C.K.S.T.A.R.S.(Black Leaders Overcoming Criticism with the Knowledge to Succeed Through All Restrictions) family; a progressive LA based Hip hop community.
In 2006 Red1, of the legendary Rascalz and creator of the Killawatt label, recognized a diamond in the rough when he saw HeatWave open for a Julez Santana concert. Shortly after HeatWave became a valuable member of the Killawatt family. Coined Canadas next big import by DUBCNN HeatWave has created an impact on both the Commercial and Underground Hip Hop Scene. His lyrics that concentrate on themes ranging from making something out of nothing, dreams, family, staying true to ones self and facing conflict head on are at once compelling and inspiring.
Five Mixed tapes later- including the Masses Vol. 1 and Vol. 11, The Original JackBoyz and Hotter than July- HeatWave has shared the stage with performers Damien Marley, Nas, Akkon, Rihanna, Riz, Ice Cube and Talib Qualib to name a few. “
Current projects include working with childhood friends Defenders of the Faith on a new African Kings album, developing music for performance with his live band the Vandettas a solo album and National tour.
A socially conscious force in the Hip Hop industry HeatWave united his love for Basket Ball with music with the HeatWave Classic in 2009. The HeatWave Classic is a free of charge basket ball tournament for inner city youth, followed by a barbeque and live performance concerts featuring both local youth as well as regional Hip Hop celebrities. The HeatWave Classic allows youth a chance to be heard, to mix it up with local celebrities and be active participants in community building. The HeatWave Classic celebrates its third annual this July.
Always up for a challenge HeatWave also participated as a guest panellist alongside documentary filmmaker Byron Hurt, Hip Hop legend Chuck D and the honourable Maestro Fresh Wes for the Hip Hop Beyond Beats and Rhymes film symposium hosted by Battered Womens Support Services. This symposium engaged the Lower Mainland’s youth to discuss Hip Hops impact on violence against women.
Today HeatWave makes his home in Vancouver BC and says he feels his music has no borders. “I was born in Africa and I spent my youth in between Canada and the US. My experiences are not tied to one Nation so why would my music be? Hip hop has allowed me to go places and see things I might never have been able to see on my own like when I went to Haiti. When I walked through those streets and saw little kids hustling I knew that I had so much opportunity at my finger tips and that I had better use it to do something big.”
To listen to his solo works check out his Youtube Channel: HeatWave
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