Born in Polokwane, in the dusty streets of Kgohloane, Mag is an emerging Rapper who is taking the Hip hop music industry by storm. The Tembisa based rapper has been recording music for over 5 years and has so far managed to bag 3 projects; Music + Times (2017), YDDM (2019), Kookies (2020) under his belt.
Raised by a single Mother, Mag emphasises that the only way to making great music is staying true to yourself and your story, regardless of your background and challenges.
After graduating from university in 2014, the young artist worked for a few corporate companies, which eventually led to the inevitable.
From his collaboration project Music + Times with a Pretoria based producer Just Couga, the pair managed to score a fair play from Radio and TV with their smash hit single ‘Living My Life’. The video played on 1kzn TV and Soweto TV while the song played on few online and community radio stations.
In 2018 the Rapper took a break from the music space to focus more on his mental and emotional health, and during this time He was also working on his new authentic sound. We heard a dash of this sound in his 2019 release, YDDM, but it wasn’t as clear. Mag has moved from making music purely in English to almost Rapping in his own Language (Sepedi) all the time. Mixing Kwaito, Amapiano and Hip hop, Mag has taken his sound to a whole new level. The sound is so clear on his new EP entitled ‘Kookies’ (2020) which got him the song of the year award at the Hip hop Cares Awards 2020, hosted in Limpopo, Jane Furse.
Mag has shared the stage with some known & unknown artists and his energy has never been less amazing.
The Hip hop Cares Award winner and Bluemoon Records signee and co-founder says he is here to stay and is someone to definitely look out for in 2021 and beyond.
What is the good and the bad thing about Hip hop according to your experiences?
There's nothing bad about Hip Hop, that's my opinion. However, I think people would think it's bad because of what it is associated with. And that very Association is what makes it such a great artform because it rebels against the system wich is the norm. So the best thing about Hip Hop is that it empowers and it gives confidence.
If you were not a Rapper, What would you be?
Haha I would probably be an IT Technician/Developer or something of that sort, because that's what I studied for... I think that's what I would have been. Otherwise I think I'd be a great politician ?
What do you think made You win the Song of the Year title at the Hip hop Cares Awards that other Rappers must take note of?
Besides the fact that I'm very dope... I think it's my consistency. My consistency in making music when nobody is watching, My consistency in learning and growing My sound and just how I treat Myself as a brand. I think most Rappers are so obsessed with their dictionaries so much that they forget that there's other qualities that makes you a complete Brand.
How is the response from Friends and Family towards your Music Career?
Now? They're are my biggest fans, but it wasn't like that in the beginning. It actually only started making sense last year. Yes I had friends who already understood where I was going with this, but now I've managed to turn most into believers
Mag... What is the Story behind this Stage name?
So I don't know if this is happening across every hood in Mzansi but where I'm from, in Pololwane, if your name is Thabo, then your Street Government Name is Magesh. I don't know why or who came up with it but at some point in my early high school it just started becoming a thing. So when I started taking the music thing a little serious I knew i had to change it to something more appealing to my identity and also bearing in mind that there's already a Legendary Magesh (TKZee)
What is one thing that people think You are which You are actually not?
Arrogant. I've grown to embrace it though, because it keeps a lot of stuff away from me.
If You were to Change one thing about Hip hop around your hood, what would it be and why?
Platforms. There are platforms around the hood but they are for other people. I don't know why people don't take Hip Hop serious. Actually I kinda know, and that's something I'm hoping to change
In Few years to come, where will Mag be?
Hopefully in a Rolls Royce with My Wife and 5 kids.
Who is your Celebrity Crush and why?
Hahaha I don't know man... thing is I'm not that guy ? I do look at celebrities and think they're hot but I don't think I have a crush. Like I watch TV and see hot girls nje.
Mag on #RideOnMyBeat
Stream Mag's Music on a Link Below:
Follow Mag On:
Facebook page - Mag
Twitter - @mag1five
Instagram - @mag1five
Shout Outs
My fans. Shout out to them, that's why I'm here.
True Lies Mbong is a Rapper Artist born on the 24th / 01 / 1997 at Kgabo Hospital in Pretoria and Grew up in Tembisa.
"I've always loved music until I got interested in making my own tracks after a friend of mine played me his track"
True Lies Mbong is a "Ivory Park Hip hop Awards" winner under a "Hip hop Album of the Year" category with his Album "The Book of Titus"
What else does What is it that most people think you are that you are actually not?
Most people think I'm a lier, one of the reasons why True Lies Mbong being my stage, name they all think it's weird ?
How is the Response from Your Family and Friends towards Your Music Journey?
The response is really Positive, they all believe in my craft and they all believe I'm destined for this
How has the Journey been from when you dropped "Hlasela" to your latest release?
There's been ups and downs but after Hlasela my street cred got uplifted, people started falling in love with My Music
Your stage name True Lies Mbong", What's the story behind it?
Can't really say there's a story behind it, I just fell in love with the name
What makes a Good Hip hop Rapper according to your opinion and experiences?
Good music, good vibes, good personality, dope lyrics and I believe every Artist has to be humble no matter how Big they may be
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Mzansi Hip hop according to your experiences?
I just see the Mzansi hip hop game normal haven't noticed any bads and goods
Few years to come, where will True Lies Mbong be?
I will be owning a town house ?... kiddin' man in few years to come I will be making moves I will maybe on top of the Mzansi hip hop game
True Lies Mbong On #RideOnMyBeat
And
Follow True Lies Mbong On:
Facebook - True Lies Mbong
Shout Outs
I'd like to send a shout out to my Mom and Dad, my team Darkstreets and My Partner Milano...
Vincy M (real name) Vincent Morupane is a Rapper born on the 7th February 1995 In Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge.
He grew up with his Granny, Sister and Cousins, at the age 19 he relocated to Gauteng (Tembisa) to complete His studies.
During His up raising He always wanted to be different, His family loved playing House Music, so wanting to be different He got himself close to Hip hop fans, He met Maxwell, a rapper he attended school with who saw something in him that he did not notice.
Around 2009 Maxwell started teaching Vincy the one’s and two’s of Rap and at that moment Vincy fell deeply in Love with the World of Hip hop.
Hip hop plays a very important a role in His Life. Following it surely was the right path as it has been recognized by a lot of people that He is skillful and He is being Motivated to keep on Pushing.
After finding his ground in Hip hop, he started following a lot of Artists, His growth is influenced by the likes of Hopsin.
Hopsin’s music inspires Him to write about his life and what he wants to Achieve.
In his music he has one person who has been supporting him from day one in this Hip hop journey, His cousin Peter... Peter always pushed Vincy to not give up even if the reason to give up was clear, if it was not because of Peter, Vincy's rap talent would still be locked in the dark
In the music industry he worked with a lot of up coming artist and producers.
What else does Vincy M do besides Music?
Besides Music I'm just as normal as everyone, maybe the difference would be that I'm much of a traveler as I like to explore places I never been before and to be honest, that is also part of what inspires me to even write more.
How is the Response from Your Family and Friends towards Your Music Journey?
To be honest I'm not much Blessed with a Family that really understands Music as deep as I do, not that I'm complaining, No! I'm just grateful that they are not discriminating the path I took. But there’s a cousin of mine who has been My pillar of strength through this journey and till this day he still got my back (Peter)
You dropped a hit "Self Motivated" What's the whole story behind the song?
Self-Motivated simply explains itself if You listen to it, but just to break it down a bit, I was at a stage where I felt like everything has come to a stop. Couldn’t feel the spirit in me to keep writing and I was really much convinced to just quit but then a part of me kept on believing that there’s light and that’s when I picked a pen.
Download and Stream "Self Motivated" on the links below:
Or
Most Rappers Give themselves Stage names that are way too different from their government names, what Motivated you to stick to Your identity as your stage name?
The reason why I felt the need to keep My real Name as part of my stage name was because most of My scripts are based on what’s real, My experiences of this life are the reason why I'm able to pick a pen and write something because I feel like lot of people can actually relate to them. So to the people who are out there, I don’t just come as an artist but also as My true self.
What makes a Good Hip hop Artist according to your opinion and experiences?
I always tell people that in My eyes, You as good as Your pen game, blow My minds with words, take Me into an adventural tour of Bars. I like to learn so don’t be simple, exercise My thoughts and let me feel Your emotions through Your music. To Me that’s what makes a better Artist.
What makes a Good Hip hop Artist according to your opinion and experiences?
There’s a whole lot of talent in Mzansi but at the same time, too much hate is clouding the process of progression, no one wants to see the other guy doing better or being above them and that’s the bad thing
What’s good is that I see so much potential in our Youth, young artists are out there trying to claim their spot at the top of the table and I'm proud to announce that I'm one of those few.
Few years to come, where will Vincy M be?
I believe that if I can keep the same spirit and energy in few years to come, folks will be pointing at Me on their TV screens, being at the top of the game making Money moves in the Music industry
Vincy M on #RideOnMyBeat
And
Follow Vincy M on:
Twitter - @_VINCYM
Facebook page - Vincy M
Instagram - @_vincym
Shout Outs
In simple terms I’d like to send a Shout out to everyone who’s supporting Me through My Music Journey, whoever You are and wherever You are, I say THANK YOU.
JuicyKiller (real name) Nhlonipho Brilliant Nkuna, born on the 12th of June 2003 at Elim Hospital is a Rapper, Trapper, Singer, Producer and Beat maker from Chavani
Who or what got you into Hip hop?
By the time I was in Grade 2 to 3, I was a guy who would make noise in class by Beatboxing and drumming on tables or singing things that didn't make any sense, and by that time I only thought that was just child's play... I carried on like that until i had to change schools and go lived with my Mother at Tembisa... I was in Grade 6 at Marhulanni Pramy School is where I met some classmates who were Rappers as well and freestyles was for lauch to us... I really liked music a lot but my Mother was not happy about that, she would say things like "its still early for You to focus more on Music than Education"
What else does JuicyKiller does besides Rapping and Producing?
Im a song writer, i sell beats and play football sometimes
How is the Response from Your Family and Friends towards Your Music Journey?
Non of My Family supports Me on My Music and I dont usually have Friends... I bet not even One Family member has One of My Songs... but they do support me on school things of which im not impressed with... when they say school is the key to success well to me its feels like somebody gave me the wrong key.
My Fans and My Music Partners are the only ones keeping Me Moving... I'm so thankful for My fans, it means a lot
You dropped a hit "Under a Spell" ft Manotry, What's the whole story behind the song and how was the experience working with Manotry?
Uhmmm... Under A Spell its about a Beautiful Girl who uses Love Portions to get what She wants...
Working with Manotry was a very Good Experience because we would sometimes make Beats together but never had the chance to be in a song since we all do the same music, so Finally... we are on Under a Spell together
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-71547199-203849274/under-a-spell-mp3/s-MfmZOJdSSe6?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1&utm_campaign=social_sharing&utm_medium=text&utm_source=clipboard
Your stage name "JuicyKiller", what's the story behind it?
Actually My First Stage Name was "Raizer" but then everyone was Raizer on the internet or social media... so I created a name where if you search, I'm the only one appearing on the results and I like how Rappers say I got the "Juice" so I'm killing it, You know what I mean?
What makes a Good Music Producer according to your opinion and experiences?
The only thing that i think makes a Good Producer is providing what's really needed at the time... Providing what people want to hear, something to calm them down and what they cant resist to move their bodies on... something that will make their day a "Blessed" one even when they've been through alot
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Mzansi Hip hop according to your experiences?
The Good thing about Mzansi Hip-hop is; some artists create good music and earning money out of it
And the Bad thing is; artists who kill the most and probably not earning anything, artists like me... some give up but as for me, I ain't stopping until I show 'em the best of JuicyKiller
Few years to come, where will JuicyKiller be?
Everywhere around the World... even if there's people living in space, they will get ma Sh*t on repeat
Follow JuicyKiller On:
Facebook - JuicyKiller's World
Instagram - @JuicyKiller_SA
Twitter - @JuicyKillerS
Shout Outs
Shout to the star creator my Parents, shout to My fans, I really Love You Guys ...and Shout to WisaniSite Records
You can Stream The Full Interview on the link below:
I come from Musical family; My Aunt is a Singer and My Uncle was a Producer at Ntleleng Music Production, He used to make Wedding songs and He was a Manager to a lot of Artists
What else does Switch Murda do besides Music?
I am a Cofounder of this NPO (Nonprofit organization), We give back to the community; Speaking of that, I'm organizing this other event that we will be generating money, raising funds for orphans to buy shoes...
How is the Response from Your Family and Friends towards Your Music Journey?
Okay... lol this one... My Family doesn't really support what I'm doing, especially My Father, but I got used to it. However; there are some family members who are really supportive and want to see me getting there"...
My Friends are really Supportive, because they believe that I'm a good Rapper
You dropped a hit "Hungry in the Streets" What's the whole story behind the song and how is the response from your fans towards this song?
The whole Story behind "Hungry in the Streets"; I was just laying it out Expressing my feelings, it happened so weird actually, My Guy was playing beats and we came across that Beat, that's where I jumped on to it, it didn't even take me a while, it took me minutes to make it, so "Hungry in the Streets", I was just expressing how I feel, it was kinda like I was putting out what was trapped inside Me
Your stage name Switch Murda", what's the story behind it?
My Stage Name; Switch Murda.. Switch... actually the name came from the streets, the way that I switched up my style of rapping, people would say "ey you killed it" every time they would tell me that I killed the music, lyrics, I killed songs... they were like I switch up the vibe then I killed it, so that's how Switch Murda came up
What makes a Good Hip hop Artist according to your opinion and experiences?
I think it's Attitude! Attitude toward what you really want, but Good Attitude, Not Pride, just be Humble and more Practice, it is 90% Practice, it is not about Talent actually, it is about Practice, putting in the Work.
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Mzansi Hip hop according to your experiences?
I can say that a lot of hip hop artists in Mzansi are more focused on one thing, most artists just talk about Money, talk about Girls, talk about things that are useless matter of fact.
You cannot talk about Money and Girls while You don't have, don't tell Me about local Girls and You call that... nah... Mzansi hip hop is... You know when it comes to Fans in South Africa, they compare local Artists and other Artists that are not really on that caliber. So... ah, Mzansi man.. that's why I don't really like Mzansi, My honest Opinion, I don't really like local... I Love My Country but when it comes to the Fans bro... yooo the got too much Hate
Few years to come, where will Switch Murdabe?
Bra, in a few Years I'll be everywhere, I'm coming for Magazines, Movie Screens, Televisions, I'm coming for Billboards, Awards, Grammies, I'm coming for the SAMAs... Bra I will be everywhere, this is not a prophecy, I'm telling You this.
Please keep this safe because this will be a testimony, I'm coming, this is 2021 and this is Switch Murda Speaking, I'm coming for everything, no lie, no cap and no doubt... I'm coming for every single list, I'm on top of every list, just know that I'm coming for everything, I'll be everywhere, every single Continent, Country, Village... I don't care... I'm coming
Shout Outs
Shout out to You Jay for reaching out, this is an honor, it's a privilege, Shout Out to Rap type Mag.
Shout out to My Producer, Katwave, Maslaw, Kid B, Awaking it, Lee Ash, Pr Fam, Trace View Gang, SkyVo shout out to everybody around me, my circle... I don't have fans, I have Family, I'm still local, I don't have fans, i have people who support me actually, I'm nothing without them
Follow Switch Murda On:
Facebook - Switch Murda
Twitter - @LeshiloPotego
Instagram - @switch_murda
Stream this interview on the link below:
EMC Style (real name Nhlawulo Ellon Mathebula) is a musical artist from Mbhokota... "I'm a Rapper sometimes... ummm lol When I say "sometimes" I mean I only Rap when I want, but I enjoy writing most... I'm a writer. I'm also a poet... I do poetry when I want as well.
I'm actually a Xitsonga RnB singer
When did you realize that you have a singing / rapping talent and how did you discover it?
This is something that I also didn't even think that I would do as I grew up, but this is the music that I always listened to through my friends; the likes of Rhyzo (Nhlalala), who used to hang around with people who listened to hip hop, people like; Dendi from Bokisi, Shumani and more. So most of the time when I'm with Nhlalala as my friend... because he listened to Hip hop, I ended up listening to hip hop too, until the day He went to record... by that time he used to record at Dumi Mashimbyi's place, that's where he recorded his first track with Tshedza... I forgot the name of the track though.
The following day he played his song for me, I started realizing that no man, yes they recorded it but if they would have recorded it in a different way, it would be nice. And I remembered that they say "if you want to do something better, (because I heard that their song was good but there was something missing) if you want something perfect, you must do it yourself"
When he went to the studio again, I went with him but didn't sing because I was nervous, we went back and this other guy called Miyelani came and invited us to go and Record to the same place (Dumi's Place).
Miyelani sang and I asked for a verse and recorded... people loved the verse, even though I feel like it is now wack when I listen to it but people loved it back in the days.
I then decided to ask my family to buy me a laptop where my brother bought me one and started recording myself, I then discovered that yes man, I can do this. I started by rapping before i tapped into singing
Which song did EMC Style Blow up with?
The song that made me popular, after a long time since I started singing a couple of songs that people didn't give much attention to, there's this other song called "Tsakani"
The song talks about a girl who passed Metric and went to tertiary institutions, where she associated herself with a wrong group of peers that made her not to achieve what she was supposed to and got something different from what she went there for.
That is the track that made me even more popular, where people started giving me attention and realized that wow this guy can write, and the other songs came along as time went by... but the song that made people to notice me and give me attention of which I call it "to blow up", it has to be "Tsakani"
What do You Love about Your Fans when You are on Stage?
Let me answer it like this; I'm a person who can't dance at all, so when I'm on stage, my fans make my job very simple because they get on stage and dance, even when they are restricted to get on stage in some events, the way they would be dancing down on the crowd section when I get on stage... or the excitement they have... Haaaaaa!!
Even if you don't know me when you are on the crowd section, you just find yourself looking at them...
Those guys support me so much.
You know, the way it is, you won't even realize that I'm on about singing and rapping only but can't dance, because it will be Fun due to their presence
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Hip hop and RnB around your hood according to your experiences?
When you do music around the hood, (let me not talk about any genre yet) but when you do music; firstly people will say you are taking chances, and you find that you are unemployed just like me... they will say "no... he's just hungry, he just wants to get up using us".
They usually say such... and when it comes to Hip hop, it gets even worse, even if you do Tsonga Rap, it gets worse because people take hip hop as violent music that promotes vulgar and chaotic behavior in the hood... so when you do such music, you are not likely to get support, you will only get support from youth who won't even make you grow but only support by talking.
So that's one of the reasons why I switched from Hip hop to RnB but in a good way as I still Rap less than how I used to. I changed hip hop and made people to listen to it for to learn something than listening to people swearing each other promoting violence and things like that
How is the Response from Your Family and Friends towards Your Music Craft?
I won't say much about Family because you get real support from people out there, I have experience of such.
I get my support from people who are far away from me, people who are not even my relatives.
Because you can have relatives or brothers and sisters but Family members won't support before they see direction, they want things to happen first then start supporting you. I won't lie and say so and so is supporting me at home... no I only know the support from the people who are out there than from family. Not that they don't support, I won't speak on their behalf, they might be supporting in the way that they feel while they are not showing it but as for me, the people out there are showing me a huge support until some of them turned into family while we are not related. They support me a lot in this. Most of them help me a lot where I need it... yeah
What are Few Basic things that you do before you write such good Music?
There's nothing special that I do before I write music, I don't know how to compose a Beat but I do imagine a specific Beat in my mind.
I don't write a song before I hear a beat, I first call the person who will be making me a beat and listen to it for about two days, I let it play I know that one day it will click in my mind on what that beat needs.
I mostly don't write if I'm going to sing on that Beat, unlike when i would be rapping... I just record whatever comes to my mind at that time and if I feel like I'm stuck, I leave it hanging and finish some other day, whatever I will be having something to add one day, I'll do so. I don't write when I sing, I only write when I Rap.
You released an album Buku ya Rirhandzu in 2019, did the response from your fans satisfy your expectations from it? How?
Buku ya Rirhandzu... is one of the projects that made me not to even wish to quit music... why?
It made me believe that a person can create a living through music, it made me get to realize on who my fans are, who supports me just by talking... so yes It reached my satisfaction and beyond... my main target was around my hood most but when I went to gauteng to launch it... I forgot the date but I first launched it at "The Twins"... people came in numbers, while the line didn't have any of the big artists that would possibly grab people's attention... what gave me strength is that people came just to se Me... That support right there terrified me a lot...
We did release a couple of EPs with Juicy Ash few years back... they sold a lot to people in my hood, we did make profit yes... but not in the way that things went now... people from Gauteng, people who don't know you support... this will take me to that question about the response from Family... people who don't know you support your music... even if they would be hearing you for the first time...
There were so many people, some from Mozambique... when I got off the stage, I can't remember how many CDs I sold, I can't remember how many guys were busy selling my CDs as well but i was happy when i left the place, i was okay in both my pocket and mind... I was so Happy... I was so happy, the support was so big...
Few Years to come, where will EMC-Style be?
I'm scared to tell where I will be... I don't believe in being consistent in one kind of music, I want to be relevant and move with time, I want to adapt to whatever will be happening at that moment because that's what will keep me relevant... not that I will forget what I would be doing before, I will still be doing it but improving so that it will also be relevant.
So I see myself still loved but loved even more while featuring other artists that my heart desires to feature...
Yeah, let me just put it like that and not say much that I might not achieve but if I can get there, I would have worked so much
Follow EMC Style On:
Facebook - EmCStyle SA
Instagram - @emcstyleza
Twitter - @sa_emc
Shout Outs
I'll send my shout out to my fans, they support me a lot.
I'll also send a Shout out to people who don't know me but yet support my music, I thank them so much.
I won't mention my fans by their names because I will forget some... but they know themselves, there are those whom I know that they support me so much... but allow me to thank Vuthlari "Cash" Baloyi.
This is the guy who took my imagination and turned it into reality, he's the one who pushed me a lot, though I'm not where I wish to be as yet but the guy pushed me... he pushed me in a way that I even forget that he's just trying to push me and felt like he's my brother... he pushed me a lot... we can even exclude the music business and talk about personal stuff, the guy pushed me a lot, I won't forget him.
I also want to thank Given Makondo from Bokisi... the guy has been supporting me from way back.. there's few people who support me from home, some might be supporting me yes, you may find that they are not showing it, they play your music but switch off when you pass by... things like that but... the guy supports me a lot. I thank him so much.
I also want to thank myself for not disappointing my fans... I'll end it here
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4PBonQUXD-1MuLvbDuajoIqBO66tTfxL
Tonia Babu meaning *Praiseworthy first born* is a Singer and Songwriter from Limpopo at Chavani, She's an RnB and Pop Singer who also raps if the mood allows...
Tonia is one talented singer who expresses her emotions through writing music and let it all out as she sings.
She's been releasing songs including the likes of "Ni Khete Wena" featuring Vice and "Countless Times", These songs are available on musical platforms for streaming and downloads
When did you realize that you have a singing talent and how did you discover it?
I realised it when I was still a toddler but took it lightly. I took initiative in 2020 when I met reliable people, like the guys from Wisani Site Records and more, they brought some sense into me and from there i never stopped
Besides Singing, what else does Tonia Babu do?
I can draw, write and dance. One can say talent runs in my veins
Who is this One artist that you look up to and why?
The artist i find amusing is Dax. It's not about him being a great rapper but it's about the way he writes. His songs can either showcast his emotions or can bring about Biblical events
What is the Good and the Bad thing about being a n artist around your hood according to Your experiences?
The good thing is that you get fame which isn't always needed if your only heared around your hood. You need to get the spotlight so the whole world knows your name. At least thats what im aiming for.
How is the response from Your Family and Friends towards Your music craft?
In life you wont always get both recognitions. Some of my friends and family members are thrilled with what I'm chasing. What makes me happier is that my Mom finds it as a hard work of determination in which I'll soon enough prosper.
What are few basic things do you do before you write such good music?
I first listen to the instrumental and allow it to talk to me. It's one thing to know how to write but its another thing to know how to compose a song out of what you wrote if you dont know what was expected on that particular beat.
Which local Artist would you be happy to have a collaboration with and why?
Mthimbani, because growing up i was ingaged engaged to his songs. The one song that made me enjoy his music is "Dangerous Love" which I still have on my playlist. He's very talented and very determined about his artistic work which makes me to have a desire to be where he is, and even far if possible.
Few years to come, where will Tonia Babu be?
Tonia Babu will be known by her flattering voice worldwide
Shout Outs
Jabulani Jay, all Wisani-Site Records Crew; Vice, Juicy Killer and T Boy friends and family and last but not least fans. I give thanks to Rap type Mag for your generousity. Keep up the good work
Double-Dash (born Thabang Ramasepela Monare), born and raised in Tembisa. Double-Dash is a hip hop artist and a producer who uses his voice as an instrument, displaying precision and agility mixed with heartfelt emotion.
Locals proclaimed the rapper "A gift to your ears". Rector Kgolane (Author) adding "What hits me,is how expressive his lyrical character is".
Growing up in Tembisa, Duduza... Double-Dash formative years were spent around a busy informal settlement environment. He explored his hip hop calling despite the lack of resources within the area.
In his 8th grade (2011) he released his first song with former rap crew (Elements). The year after he matriculated (2016), he then released his first solo project tittled "Illest level". In 2019 he was featured on Musket Ep by his twin brother L-phill
He earned himself a local recognition by working with a local talent like; (True Lies, DJ Achie, L-Phill, Jah Slave, D3, T-killer) and few others. Is quite much done, for an independent upcoming artist.
He Established his production in 2020 (Owam Records), released the first single titled "Imagine" under the production. Followed by his latest single of 2021 "Religion" featuring L-phill (A venture joint with Nido Records)
Who or what got Double-Dash into this Rap Game?
It all started when I was on my 7th grade, I fell in love with poetry, then later on decided to pull my poetry on beats.
Double-Dash What is the Story behind this stage name?
The name Double-Dash was inspired by an American movie... I related alot with the movie, so I decided to use the name of the movies as my stage name.
If You were not a Rapper, what would you be?
If I was not a rapper I would probably be a hip hop producer, coz I love creating hip hop music.
Which song gave You a big break in this Hip hop game and how was the feeling when that happened?
It will probably be "Illest level", it felt amazing, cause I was recognised by artists, producers and audience from places I don't even know.
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Hip hop in South Africa according to Your experiences?
The good thing is you can express yourself the way you want through your music, and the bad thing is the industry is too picky when it comes to style of hip hop your doing.
What is the Motive behind Most of your writings?
The motive behind all of my music comes from life challenges I face everyday, and the life issues that are not exposed to people.
You Have a twin brother "L-Phill" and you both Freestyle, if we were to have you guys battle, who would get roasted?
It will be 50/50.
Would you consider yourself a King of Rap around your block or there are some who intimidate you?
Where I'm from we are all kings in our own lanes and hip hop styles.
What makes a Good Rapper in your opinion?
What makes a good rapper is consistent, discipline, knowing yourself deeply and most importantly; perfecting you skill.
Few years to come, where will Double-Dash be?
Double-Dash will probably be on the streets giving his people good music.
Follow Double-Dash On:
Facebook - Double-Dash
Shout Outs
Shout out to OwamRecords, NidoRecords and SlaveryRecords.
Download Religion by Double-Dash ft L-Phill on the link below:
Xitshembiso well known as T Boy is a Chavani Tsonga Rapper, T Boy is one of the good Rappers who are working very hard to pursue their Rap careers.
He's been called T Boy since he was14 years he says;
"People used to call me Tshembhi, until the day my friend called me "T boy", I asked him why that name? He said "that's the shortest way I can call you", I then fell in love with it, so... That's how it came about"
What is it that some people think you are that you are actually not?
People who meet me for the first time mostly have that feeling like I'm this stubborn person, worse part, my lips are dark so most guys will be asking for matches assuming that I smoke. that surprises me a lot... they say I have "Smoking Lips"
Which song gave You a big break in this Hip hop game and how was the feeling when that happened?
My first song "Phanda Push Play" features Vice, this song was one of my best songs I can rate before "Report"
I was so excited and surprised how we pulled up such hit with our first song, I ended up saying to myself that maybe it's a calling.
What is the Good and the Bad thing about Hip hop in South Africa according to Your experiences?
Nowadays people take this game as if it's a "trapping ground"... there's too much trapping. I don't believe we can share a powerful message through trap and it's unfortunate that majority of rappers are in a trapping zone while I don't see the bright light, as long you still live in South Africa, Hip hop is for sharing your emotions...
How is the response from Your Family and Friends towards Your music craft?
Since I started music, my family supported, I feel so grateful having this family, they never criticized or disturbed me while I'm preparing my music, they respect it, because they don't know what tomorrow may bring...
Would you consider Yourself a King of Tsonga Rap ka Chavani or there are others whom you look at like that?
I am a king! I never underestimate myself, I still believe in the fact that everything started from the bottom to the top. To me sky is not the limit, if possible I can even reach to the moon.
What makes a Good Rapper in your opinion?
Being discipline and committed, knowing what you want, perfecting the kind of music you're aiming to give to people. These are the steps that can take a nikka far
Few years to come, where will T Boy be?
Few years to come, I want to be heard in different places, having more than 50k fans, earning a living in music and giving people the music they want.
Follow T Boy and Vice On:
Facebook- T Boy Xem WisaniSite & Vin De Vice
Shout Outs
Shout to Vice, Juicy Killer, Tonia Babu, Wayne, Blade, H Boy, Mangzo, AJM and all chavani Rappers. Kasi music studios, keep it up guys.
In the name of hip hop
Johannesburg based, Zulu Finesse is a Hip Hop Music Artist from KwaZulu Natal, Ladysmith. He showcases his uniqueness throughout his use of the Zulu language in his music. He is also an an extremely outspoken and opinionated individual and tries his utmost best to influence and educate through his music.
In 2020 he released a single tilted Egoli where he shared his experience getting to Johannesburg and the continued journey he’s on. Zulu Finesse can also be heard co-hosting a talk show on VMC Planet Radio every Tuesday morning.
He is also working on new music that is set to be released at the top of 2021
Who or what got you into Hip hop?
The movie 8 MILE by EMINEM, when I watched it for the first time I was really fascinated by the way they played with words and I wanted to do what they did.
Besides being a Rapper, what else does Zulu Finesse do?
Zulu Finesse is a former Construction Site Manager, I have recently resigned to pursue my dreams of getting into and dominating the entertainment industry, I am currently a Radio Co_Host and I am also persuing other business endevours within the entertainment space.
What is the good and the bad thing about Hip hop in South Africa according to your experiences?
BAD: Hip hop in South Africa is pretty much the same as the hip hop in America, we want to dress, talk and rap like Americans. And I strongly believe we cannot dominate the global scene as copycats. We need to come up with our own unique styles and allow our own cultures to influence our culture in hip hop, hip hop has been in South Africa long enough we should own it and customize it as we wish.
GOOD: What is good about hip hop is, we do have people or artists here in South Africa who have pioneered a unique style, it can either be of rapping or clothing e.g Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Riky Rick, Okmalumkoolcat and ofcourse myself ?.
Few years to come, where will Zulu Finesse be?
In a few years to come Zulu Finesse will have penetrated the entire local scene, influencing and starring the hip hop culture towards an African Centre.
What is the motive behind most of the Music that you write?
Conversations, I make music to entertain while I educate at the same time. I seek to spark conversations amongst people, I want us to question the ways in which we think, our daily life routines and our general observation of the world.
Zulu Finesse, what is the story behind this stage name?
Zulu Finesse simply means, someone who is good with use of the Zulu Language. I finesse isiZulu, whenever I have a certain concept in my mind, I find it easy to express it creatively in isiZulu.
How is the response from your Family and Friends towards your music craft?
The overrall response is positive, even though some family members are a bit skeptical but at the end of the day, the life you live is yours and you can either choose to pursue your dreams, aspirations and live the way you want to live or you can live the way other people want you to live, which in my opinion is a sad life.
However, I am grateful for the overrall support I am getting.
What is one mistake that Upcoming artists do that delays their breakthrough?
I would say, it is self doubt. Looking at this gigantic industry and thinking you are not good enough. Napoleon Hill once said "whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
What makes a good Rapper?
I believe it is great story telling, learning how to speak your truth.
Follow Zulu Finesse On:
Facebook - Zulu Finesse
Instagram - @zulufinesse
Twitter - @Zulufinesse
Shout Outs
I would like to send shoutouts to my girlfriend, my family, my friends, Shezi Entertainment & MMC records.
