Music, Motherhood, and Mental Mastery: A Peek Into the Chapters of Fifi Cooper’s Life
Known in the Mzansi rap circuit as the Motswako doyenne, rapper and singer-songwriter Fifi Cooper has, over the years, made a throne for herself among the greats of one of the country’s most successful subgenres. Chilling at the top alongside the likes of legends such as Tuks Senganga, Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest, and the late Hip-Hop Pantsula, Cooper has cemented her status not only as Motswako’s First Lady but as a respected rapper countrywide since breaking into the scene with her explosive debut 20FIFI in 2015. Now with a new album out titled Chapters, the “Truth or Dare” hitmaker has turned over a new leaf with her pen firmly wedged between her fingers, ready to capture the future after recording the past.
Born Refilwe Moeketsi, the hip-hop and R&B star reflected on the significance of her growth through the years. She opened the conversation with her feelings of being the big sister in the game and how to her the position of influence hasn’t been to self-indulge but to inspire the youngins who looked up to her and had dreams of making it in the game someday.
“Stepping into the role of big sister in this industry means understanding that it’s not just about the crown, it’s about holding the door open on your way up. I’ve learned that true influence isn’t measured by how high you climb, but by how many you bring with you. So now, when I step into the studio or on stage, it’s not just for me but for every young artist watching, learning, and dreaming a little louder because they see it’s possible. The journey continues, and this chapter? It’s dedicated to legacy,” she said.
Fifi Cooper | SUPPLIED
With her new album being an audio journal, true to its name, it frames Fifi as a character growing page by page, painting her not only as a musician, but also a strong-willed woman constantly on the grind and a dedicated mother to her child Resego. However, with the many caps she wears and the taxing weight of responsibilities come the test of the mind’s resolve. Fifi spoke about living a balanced life, and how keeping that stability was more about being wise with how she spent her energy rather than making sacrifices to meet the needs of one aspect at the expense of another.
“Right now, my head space is rooted in purpose and peace. It’s taken time a lot of time to understand that balance isn’t about splitting myself in half between Fifi the artist and Fifi the woman. It’s about making sure both versions of me are aligned. These days, I move with intention. The studio isn’t an escape; it’s an extension of my truth. Motherhood isn’t a distraction but my motivation. Business isn’t just about revenue but also about legacy. I’ve learned to protect my energy fiercely. I don’t say yes to everything anymore. I create when it’s authentic. I rest when it’s necessary. There will always be noise, opinions, trends, industry games but my spirit is anchored in something deeper now. I’m not chasing the spotlight, I’m building lighthouses for my family, for the next girl from Mafikeng with a mic and a dream, and for my own peace. My head is here. Present. Grateful. Writing my next chapter on my own terms,” she said.
Fifi Cooper | SUPPLIED
Now an independent mover as the founder of MoCooper Records, Cooper’s rise in career in the industry wasn’t without hiccups and major setbacks. In 2017, the “Kuze Kuse” star was embroiled in a messy split from her former record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, which, during the same time period, haemorrhaged big-time hitters such as Sjava and Emtee, among other stars, owing to contractual complications. She shared the greatest lesson from the beating, something she took in stride and improved her attributes with.
“Not fully learning the business side of music before I sign my first contract was my biggest mistake. I now own a record label because I took the time to learn and understand the business over the years,” she said.
The Metro FM Award-winning star talked about sticking to her guns and aligning herself with like-minded artists when creating original music rather than chasing the shifting shadows of trends and the fleeting tides of momentary waves.
“I’ve been staying in my lane musically and mentally. I’m not chasing sounds or scenes I’m refining my own. I’m working smarter, not harder. Collaborating with people who respect the craft, not just the clout. Keeping my circle tight and my creative space sacred,” she said.
Fifi Cooper | SUPPLIED
Taking a time out and resetting is oftentimes the medicine that works best in offsetting the pell-mell of a musician’s life chockful with studio sessions, back-to-back shows, and road trips to the next stage. Cooper credited reading and spending time with her family as necessary breaks from professional tension and also whiffs of inspo which add more ink to her pen to write her next story with.
“When I’m not in the studio or on stage, I’m usually deep into a good book. Reading allows me to explore new worlds and perspectives—it’s where I quietly refine my own storytelling. Funny enough, turning the pages of someone else’s chapters often inspires me to write better ones of my own. And of course, none of it would matter without my family. Whether it’s shared silence over morning coffee or loud Sunday lunches, that time anchors me. It’s where I’m not Fifi Cooper the artist – I’m just me. Loved, challenged, and completely at peace,” she said.