Fifi Cooper - Biography, Record Labels and Songs
|Fifi Cooper, born Refilwe Boingotlo Mooketsi, is a talented South African rapper who has made a significant impact in the music industry. Despite her birth name, the entertainment scene led her to adopt the stage name Fifi Cooper. Her musical style has garnered a substantial fan base, with her passion for the art and a unique approach to delivering music resonating with audiences.
Fifi Cooper's journey in the industry has been a rollercoaster, marked by both successes and challenges. Despite releasing hit songs that gained popularity and showcased her talent, she faced the tough decision of switching from one record label to another. This move, driven by her desire for change, unexpectedly led to a situation that posed a threat to her career.
The intricacies of her career journey highlight the complexities artists often face in navigating the industry. Fifi Cooper's commitment to her artistic vision and her willingness to embrace change reflect the resilience needed to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of musical excellence. As she continues to navigate the challenges, Fifi Cooper remains a force to be reckoned with in the South African music scene, captivating fans with her unique style and unwavering passion.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 23, 1991, in Mahikeng, South Africa, Fifi Cooper is the youngest of three children. Her early education in Montshiwa, Mahikeng, not only shaped her academic foundation but also allowed her to discover and nurture her talents in singing and dancing.
Fifi Cooper continued her educational journey at Batswana High School in Mahikeng, completing her secondary school education. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at Boston Media House, where she studied Media. This academic endeavor provided her with a broader understanding of the media landscape, complementing her artistic talents and setting the stage for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Career
Fifi Cooper's musical journey commenced at the age of 8, during her primary school years, where she actively participated in various social extracurricular activities, honing her singing abilities. Her professional entry into the music scene occurred in 2008 when she made a guest appearance on Mo'Molemi's Motzamai: Rebel With a Pause album.
Initially starting as an R&B singer, Fifi Cooper showcased her musical versatility by transitioning to rap. Her breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of her rap single "Chechela Morago," which gained massive airplay and established her in the South African music industry. Fifi Cooper made vocal contributions to various projects, including AKA's "Baddest Remix," Mo'Molemi's album titled Asia, Khuli Chana's Lost in Time, and Lection's Gentlemen's Club.
In 2015, Fifi Cooper achieved further acclaim with the release of her award-winning debut studio album, "20FIFI." During this time, she signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment, a South Africa-based record label. The album secured three awards at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards and received nominations in prominent categories at the South African Music Awards.
Following her departure from Ambitiouz Entertainment in February 2017, Fifi Cooper founded her own record label, Mo Cooper Records. Under her label, she released her first album, "Take Me Back," featuring hit songs like "Freedom" and "Zwagala." The album showcased her musical range with collaborations with artists such as Thabsie, Moozlie, Towdeemac, and Leon Lee.
In November 2020, Fifi Cooper released the single "Net So," offering a glimpse into her upcoming 2021 album titled "Chapters." This was followed by the release of "Motlogeleng" on March 11, 2021, serving as the lead single from the anticipated album.
Fifi Cooper, often recognized as the "Motswako first lady," has earned praise for her ability to seamlessly navigate both rap and singing genres. Her style, described as "unpredictable, punchy, and hearty" in an interview with YoMzansi, reflects her dynamic approach to music, contributing to her reputation as a versatile and influential figure in South African music.
Fifi Cooper record labels
In 2015, Fifi Cooper signed a recording contract with Ambitiouz Entertainment, a well-known record label in South Africa. In her first year with the label, she released the hit single "Kisses," produced by AB Crazy.
Three years into her tenure with Ambitiouz Entertainment, Fifi Cooper expressed her intention to leave the label, citing financial concerns as a significant factor. In an interview with DRUM, she revealed that she wasn't earning money during her time with the label and had no relationship with the CEO. The departure became tumultuous and had potential repercussions for her career. Subsequently, legal proceedings ensued, culminating in a court ruling in favor of the record label.
The court's decision prohibited Fifi from performing songs recorded or released while at Ambitiouz Entertainment and prevented her from claiming ownership of those songs. Additionally, she was ordered to pay royalties, damages, and legal fees to the record label. Despite the challenging situation, Fifi Cooper acknowledged the support of the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) in challenging the court's decision, leading to a reconsideration of the verdict.
Fifi Cooper, along with other artists like BenchmarQ and A-Reece, parted ways with the label. The experience prompted Fifi to contemplate starting her record label. In an interview with Touch Central, she announced the establishment of MoCooper Records, expressing her aspiration to be her own boss after a decade in the industry. This move marked a new chapter in her career, reflecting her determination to take control of her artistic journey and pursue her dreams as an independent artist and label owner.
Fifi Cooper awards
Despite facing challenges in her career, Fifi Cooper has built a remarkable track record with hits that resonate strongly with her fans. One notable achievement is her album titled "Take Me Back," released in 2018. This album has played a pivotal role in expanding her fan base and has garnered her several awards, solidifying her position in the music industry.
Here are the awards that Fifi Cooper has received:
Best Newcomer at the 15th edition of the Metro FM Music Awards held in 2015.
Best Female Album for her album "20FIFI" at the 15th edition of the Metro FM Music Awards in 2015.
Best Produced Album for "20FIFI" at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards in 2015.
Personal Life
While Fifi Cooper prefers to keep details about her dating life private, she takes immense pride in being a mother. She has a five-year-old son named Rasego, and her role as a mother holds special significance in her life.
In 2017, Fifi Cooper treated herself to a meaningful gift – her dream car. She acquired a mini-cooper, and this vehicle holds a special place in her heart.
Studio Albums
20FIFI (2015)
Take Me Back (2018)