pH RawX, born Gift Nkuna is a heavyweight Beat Maker, Music Producer and Recording Artist. For a decade, he has been on the cutting edge of music making, creating some of the biggest hits for the biggest names in South African music, including Sho Madjozi, Thandiswa Maswai, Khuli Chana, AKA, Mandoza, Riky Rik, HHP, to name a few.
This year, pH RawX is back in the studio, but this time, as a recording artist, the first time in four years. He has signed a global deal with Warner Music South Africa and will be dropping new music in July. The first track IBEBALLINHO, features Sho Madjozi, with an album, as yet untitled, scheduled for later this year.
What Mistakes would you say Upcoming Artists do that make their breakthrough progress Slow in the Music Industry?
When you constantly compare yourself to other artists that might be doing well, leading you to questioning yourself, forgetting that there is no formula to this business but smart and good work. BE ORIGINAL, the consumer is smarter than we think, they can tell the difference.
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Music industry in South Africa according to your experiences?
Being able to create music for a living alone is an amazing honor. The lack of consistent income is the biggest problem in the industry, very few people who actually make the music can live off the music. Personally, being in the forefront of hip hop in SA from the beginning and still find myself very relevant by still moving the culture forward has been the greatest thing in my career so far. Very few artist wish you well... remember that
pH Raw X... What is the story behind this stage name?
My name is Gift, meaning MpHo, SipHo, SimpHiwe, which i spell GIPHT. Pronounced Gift with a PH so i called myself pH. Raw X is taken from my production company, Raw X Productions & Studios. So i call myself pH Raw X
Your Hit "KUXOTAWENA" What is the Motive behind this Song?
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Would you say KUXOTAWENA currently has a huge impact on your Music Journey compared to your other hits?
Kinda, but for me it picks up from my first debut single "Wa Ntiva" feat. Thandiswa Mazwai taken from my debut album "From Giyani With Love" about 4 years ago. Both these songs are one of a kind and cannot be compared to any other records in the whole freakin world. Both these songs show you my versatility as an artist, producer & collaborator.
What does it mean to you Being one of the people who are making it Big in the Hip hop Game from Giyani and representing the Xitsonga tribe?
Means a whole lot... but there are so many more talented artists from limpopo that need their shine. We need more tsonga rappers and urban artist, I will be doing my bit to expose them.
How is the response from Family and Friends towards your music Journey and the fact that you Pursued Music over Interior Design?
It wasn't easy for my parents as you can imagine, they still struggle at times with it but fully support me nonetheless. My siblings have been amazing and supportive from day 1.
The Covid19 Lockdown-SA disturbed a lot of activities in the Music and Entertainment industry, What can we expect from pH Raw Xafter this period?
Ive put a band together to enable me to present my music on stage at a high level, we were meant to begin rehearsing the same week the lockdown began. So i can't wait to pick that up. I will also be pushing new RnB Artist under Raw X, Khan Khalii, with her new EP "Pitsville (Lost In The Trap).
What Motivational words can you share to those who look up to you?
Put God first, spend time with your family, be true to the music and work your ass off.
Follow pH Raw X On:
Facebook - PH Raw X
Twitter - @pH_rawX
Instagram - @pH_rawx
Who do you want to send your Shout Outs to?
My daughter Nkateko Nkuna and my parents. Na mi Rhandza
