Just when you think you know everything about rap sensation AKA, he proves you wrong. For the next few weeks the award winner will be co-hosting Vuzu’s popular gaming show, The Verge.
The show keeps lovers of video games in the loop of what’s new, what’s hot and what’s not. If you are not a gamer – as they are called – this show might not make much sense to you, but if you do play then you know the importance of a show such as The Verge.
Gamers need constant updates on what’s happening in the gaming industry. Games take years to develop and those who love to play are an impatient bunch who need information on when the next instalment of their favourite game will be released.
After all this is said and done, you then wonder what Mr Victory Lap, AKA, is doing on a show such as this. Looking at his hip hop persona you’d never take him for a gamer, so you could be forgiven for thinking the pretty-boy rapper got the job because he is the current the “It” guy. In fact, AKA is a serious gamer who plays whenever he has a chance.
“I have always been a gamer, since I was eight,” said AKA.
“Back then I owned what was known as a Sega 8-bit system that kept me busy with game titles such as Mortal Combat, Sonic and so on,” he explained.
He went on to talk about his love for gaming and said he even reached a point where he thought a career might be an option. We need to thank our lucky stars that was not meant to be as we would have missed out on the music.
“My dad was in IT. He was a programmer so that influenced my interest in becoming part of the gaming world. Unfortunately for me, after reading a bit about the subject and discovering how complicated programming is and how sometimes you have to be good at maths, I decided to rather stick to playing instead,” he explained.
But it was only a matter of time until the game would come back, calling his name.
“I was a guest on The Verge sometime last year and while there I discovered just how much fun it was. Being the schemer I am, I asked if I could present a couple of episodes and they said they would get back to me. They only gave me a call this year to ask if I was interested and I jumped at the opportunity,” he said.
So anyone can claim they are a gamer because it is still a niche market in South Africa. But to put the rapper’s word to test we started talking current titles. Again he showed his thorough knowledge of the subject.
“I had three game consoles: the X-Box 360, the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation 3. I realised they were costing me a lot in upkeep since I was supposed to get them separate games. I then gave others away and remained with the PS3.
“I am currently playing Fifa and Battlefield 3. I am looking forward to GTA 5 and the PSP Vita,” he said casually.
• The Verge airs every Mondays with AKA’s co-host Pippa and on Wednesdays with AKA at 10.30pm on Vuzu (channel 123). Repeats are on Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30am.