Raf Don speaks on the pressures of social media as he releases new single

Raf Don is on a mission to combat the negative influence of social media by leaving a positive legacy through his music. 

As many continue to fall victim to social media pressures with users portraying a “made up” appearance of their lives, the 30-year-old rapper and songwriter collaborated with YoungstaCPT and Manu Worldstar on his latest single For The Gram to celebrate the positive parts of social media platforms.

“People want to tell stories of their lives and their journey; we are the world and the ones who can make it a better place for everyone. One of the significances of the song is that it boosts self-confidence. Music is powerful, and that’s why I use my music to cause a positive impact; and I love adoring beautiful women in my music,” Raf tells TshisaLIVE.

Raf Don, real name Raphael Tambwe, says instead of people focusing on the negative, this generation has to understand how they can use social networks as a tool. 

“Almost all things can yield different results depending on the energy behind it. There’s a great amount of pressure engulfed in the atmosphere of social media due to the simplicity of participation. Many people see the finished products on social media, and only a few people know or perceive the hard work behind it. 

“It takes an immense level of work to achieve success. It would be a better experience if more people acknowledge what it takes to get results and don’t pressure themselves unnecessarily over something that they don’t know or understand what it takes to achieve. As much as a picture speaks a thousand words there’s always an untold story about how the picture came about.”

Being in the limelight may come with the pressure to constantly update your social media to portray a flashy lifestyle, but Raf Don says he understands that everyone has their own story, and he is carving his own path.

“My art is more like a lifestyle and to top that up, I love what I do. It’s not easy to keep up with the pace of the advancement of technology and social media, but my attitude towards my craft is to keep evolving as much as I can with the emergence of new media.”