Sabelo “Xavier Thxmas” Thabethe is a Hip-Hop artist from eMalahleni in Mpumalanga. I started making and releasing music in 2017. Started off in a group called Shinjuku Gangular and kicked off My solo career in 2020.
Who or what for you into Hip Hop?
My Musical background started around age 7. Throughout My schooling I played the Marimba and used to sing in the school choir. What got me into Hip/Hop was when I started listening to Lil Wayne. I fell in love with how well he rapped and how all his punchlines used to leave me in awe. Ever since then I started writing raps and trying to get the his level.
You dropped a hit song “Isinkwa” ft Hxzy Hxsi. What’s the story behind the song and how is the response from the audience towards it?
The song Isinkwa initially started as a joke when I was making a reel comparing the transition of underground rappers back in the day and the underground rappers today. When I released the reel, people fell in love with the song more laughing at the joke. I started getting multiple DMs and comments asking me to release the song. Eventually I decided to get in studio and make it a “real” song, I contacted Hxzy_Hxsi to give me a verse as he was one of the first people I made music with who has unlimited creativity. Today as it stands, what started as a joke ended being a joke on me.
Xavier Thxmas… Whats the Story Behind this Stage name?
Growing up, I was big fan of Bow Wow from his movies. He represented all the swag and stardom of cool kid that I wanted to be. One the characters he played that I found really cool was “Xavier” from the movie “Roll Bounce”. Initially that was the name I wanted to stick to but it felt like it needed something else. So I used “Thomas” as a last name after my uncle who always believed in me and what the dreams I would share with him. Xavier represents the swag and Thxmas represents the penmanship
How is the Response from Your Family & Friends towards Your Music Journey?
My family is made up of teachers and war heroes, so initially it was a little bit tricky getting full support and understanding from them especially since I was doing shows and giving up My weekends to studio. However as time went on and I proved how responsible I can be, My parents slowly understood My passion for music and today they’re My biggest fans. As for my friends they have always known I’ve wanted to do music so the reception from them and how well I’m doing has been great. They support me a lot too
Who would you say is the King of SA Hip hop or Best Rapper in SA?
I am the best rapper in SA. But if I had to choose anyone other than me, it’s a tie between K.O and Cassper Nyovest.
What can we expect from Xavier Thxmas and if there could be one Rapper in the world you would say it would be a Great Achievement working with; Who could that Rapper be and Why?
This year I have actually been busy with a lot of features from upcoming artists and producers, a few have been dropped already and a lot more are on the way. I am also busy with a few singles for summer and a collab tape with DJ Switch which is on its way.
If I could work with any major artist it would be K.O. Simply because he had mastered the skills of being relevant to SA, making timeless songs and maintaining having such a strong pen when it comes to his verses. I want to have a long career and I think he has laid the blueprint how to do that.
Who is Your Celebrity Crush and Why?
It has to be Tyla, I mean she’s the world’s new Rihanna if you ask me.
Shout Out
I would love to send a shout out and a lot of love to Yung Wrld Order for always having my back and pushing me further than I can imagine at times. They literally turn my visions into reality.
