Saxophone is a Hip-Kwaito artist whose real name is Emmanuel Nkalane Nkuna who was born in Bushbuckridge and grew up at Ga-Makanye and Solomondale. I fuse hip hop and Kwaito music, thus I call it Hip-Kwaito.
Who or what got you into hip hop music?
My boy Motsa Lebitso who used to perform with a Turfloop based crew called Slash operation used hang around me a lot, bumping their music and I would grab the lines of their songs and sing along in most cases, until 2012 when I decided to jump on a beat and do my own song. The experiences I had when I took 7 years of no school after dropping out at Grade 11. I motivated myself and decided to share my story through one of my initial songs like Ke kwile.
Who do you look up to in the hip hop music industry?
Still look up to Tuks Senganga. I believe he still has a lot to offer, although he is quiet at the moment, I believe he is gonna bounce back with more power. Even Zola 7, his relevancy whenever he is being featured by New cats in the game motivates me a lot.
What makes Saxophone different from other hip hop artists?
Obviously, I do Hip-Kwaito in Sepedi. So I am a real pantsula in the game.
Tell us the motive behind your latest track?
My song Skeem Sa Manyora a Kasi talks about township lifestyle, a day to day movement of Kasi hustlers, and it is aimed at motivating everyone who does the street hustle to keep going no matter what.
Who are the Amazing people or organisations have you worked with in this hip hop game?
Everyone I worked with was amazing. Those people are Motsa Lebitso, Slash, Lekkersweet, Tsiyo-Man, Gally, PK, Nico and many more. Simply because they love vernact bits.
One word to describe Saxophone?
Lenyora
Who intimidates you in the hip hop music industry around your area and why?
No one. I am a king of my jungle.
How do people reach Saxophone if they want to know more and see more of your Work?
One can hala at 071 882 3849.
On facebook I am Saxophone Emmanuel
on twitter @Saxophone_SA
Any updates ahead? Projects or events that are about to take place?
I am dropping a single called Maite which is dedicated to my daughter. And I will performing at Bolobedu Hello Spring Event Ga-Maphalle alongside, Double-Trouble, Lekkersweet and more.
Surely there’s someone out there who wishes to be like Saxophone, how can you motivate them?
Know your roots and always believe in yourself. Be original and stay focused in order for you to succeed.
Who do you want to send your shout outs to?
Shout out to my mom, and my daughter Maite as well as all my fans out there.
(Bonus) What nick name given to you that you didn’t like at all during your childhood?
Maniggie. Lol.
Illest King is a 17 years old rapper from Tembisa who is down to earth, can be crazy at times and a guy that digs a smart chick (smiling)
Who or what got you into hip hop?
I've been in love with hip hop since I knew music and I knew that one day I'll be a rapper too.The tracks I used to listen had message for the world or ways of life
How is Mzansi Hip hop different from international hip hop?
We all know that South Africa is the New York of Africa so everyone in this continent looks up to us and the music we make is catchy
What makes Illest King different from other hip hop artists?
It's because I'm always in my lane and I'm always doing me. I'm not the type of rapper who'd be like "My only competition is the man on the mirror".I don't see no competition Famo I'm Jhus doing me in a way that I know in a few imma blow
Who are the Amazing people or organisations have you worked with in this hip hop game?
Everyone I've worked with is amazing, I've never been on a song with a wack rapper or talk business with people who've never experienced anything. So far my top 5 people are Moral Da Prince, BryThreeSixty (Zimbabwean 4 × Award winners), Biller, Mickey M, and Dee Dizzy
One word to describe Illest King?
Who intimidates you in the hip hop music industry around your area and why?
As I said before, I’m always in my lane doing me so I doubt if there's competition out there
What’s the motive behind your latest track?
The Juice right? Well I'm so in love with syrup and I been sippin' it for a long time,on the other side there's people who's tryna diss and chicks who wanna cuff.Anyone who know the track will tell that what I'm saying is true
How do people reach Illest King if they want to know more and see more of your Work?
They can follow me on;
Instagram and twitter @illest_kingsa same handle for both accounts.
They can also check out my page on Facebook (Illest King)
And if they need my tracks they can request them on WhatsApp +27613298932
Wise words from Illest King
What I can say is they should not wish to be like me but they should wish to work harder than me so they can be better than me
Who do you want to send your shout outs to?
I'd like to send a shout out to my mom,my girlfriend,my hommies,my followers and everyone who knows me and my craft.
Quali is a musician so to say, with a lot of a broad approach towards it. Born in Mpumalanga, raised in both Tembisa & Polokwane/Bochum, which led to him to falling in love with music. Most importantly I'm a student at UL studying Bcom Business & aims to get an MBA after a few years.
How did you get into Hip hop music?
My loving mom bought me a DVD collection of music videos that I watched almost every day & I also listened to a lot of radio. All that swayed & persuaded me to start writing my own songs, of which I did, till now.
What makes Quali different from other hip hop artists?
My approach to music is very broad; I have no limit when I sit down to compose a song and my dedication to music it’s peaked because to me music isn't a hobby.
Who have you worked with on your projects?
Syk , DeeRoy, Gwizo, Phitroy, Panel, Megmafia, Motex, K Slash, Kevin Skugly, Wuster Megga, MacDoll, MSG, Syntax etc. also my label Skywalker Ent. & my joint group company, Broadway Liddingz.
What is the motive behind your latest track?
To motivate ladies to work hard & be independent. Most abuse cases are caused to women who are more dependent on the wrong people therefore independency is the only solution.
How is the response from family and friends now that you are into hip hop music?
My family is very supportive, especially my mom who taught me notes since she was gospel choir lead singer back in the days so she much understands my love for music. & yeah, my friends are supportive also so thanks to them.
One word to describe Quali?
Motivated
Besides music, what else do you do?
Student at UL, and like any other motivated youngster, every day of my life I’m trying to build an empire.
Follow Quali on;
Facebook- Quali SA
Twitter: @Quali_SA
Instagram- @quali_sa or simple Google Quali SA.
Quali’s wise words
Work hard for what you love, no one will have your back more than you, so stand firm.
Shout outs
My family, my lil bros Phitroy & Clarence. Music bros ,DeeRoy, Syk, Gwizo, Motex, Panel, Wuster Megga,Jay Mocala, Dkay etc.
Karabo MJ Ramashilo, well known by a stage name Rhymsta Macho. This is a South African rapper and song writer based in Limpopo (Polokwane)
Who or what got you into Hip hop?
I think the simplest answer to that question is that I fell in love with it at a very young age and I always wanted to contribute to its growth ever since.
Who do you look up to in the Hip hop game?
As much as I like the rap life, "being on the spot light, rocking sneakers and chains, getting on stage and sharing my talent with the world", I often look at myself as that guy who could wear a suit and do some magic in the board room. And that being the case, I look up to people like Jay z.
What makes Rhymsta different from other Hip hop stars?
I'm different because I am myself within the industry.
What is the Motive behind your latest track “Numbers”?
My latest track; NUMBERS, which only plays on air as of current is/was inspired by what keeps me going, which is the score board. At the end of the day my numbers (overall achievements) define my hustle.
Who have you worked with on some of your projects?
I have worked with producers like G boy, Moroko beatz, Shuffle beatz and Abstrakt Bomb. Currently working on a tour with PRIME INDUSTRIES and various artist.
One Word to describe Rhymsta?
That would be ALIVE!
Who intimidates you in your hood?
I can't say intimidate but rather, motivate. I think Blazey Fresh is one of the most hard working rappers in my circle and has a good profile and therefore, motivates me. But otherwise, most of these cats really need to pull up their socks.
Follow Rhymsta on;
Facebook: Rhymsta macho.
Twitter and Instagram: @rhymsta_macho.
Soundcloud and audiomack.
What can we expect from Rhymsta any time soon?
Currently working on a tour, this will be published on my social media platforms.
Word of wisdom from Rhymsta
Go out there and don't let that "NO" discourage you, keep your head up and always be yourself, the best you can ever be.
Shout outs?
Shout out to my manager, business partner and girlfriend, Penelope. Shout out to K Slash and The Big Bang movement. Shout out to my niggas; Decker , Prime industries, Reflex , Stanna, cada, Homolang, Pepsi and all the other hard working individuals.
Shugulugu is Njabulo Dennis Mkhonto all the way from Mpumalanga, Mbombela in a small place called Barberton. Shugu is a hip-hop artist who raps in vernacular, a mix of Swati and English
Why Hip hop?
I can say I’m a talkative guy, I talk a lot. Hip hop was a victory to me to express everything I felt that time, unlike house music where you do four bars and it takes you back to the chorus of which I don’t like, rappers must think, write bars and express themselves without reaching any menopause
Who is your Mzansi Hip hop artist role model?
Priddy ugly man, the guy can rap, very much unique in every song, he has bars for days. Big shout out to the hommie man
What makes Shugulugu different from other hip hop artists?
I don’t copy what other cats do, I build my own foundation, I sometimes don’t listen to Mzansi rappers because most of them sound the same. I want people to listen to me and say they are listening to Shugu, not Shugu like Casper or Shugu like AKA, I’m very much unique. Rapping skills, everything is just me and me alone, I’m unique
Who are the Amazing people or organisations have you worked with in this hip hop game?
I’m not willing to work with any successful or famous artist who already made it in the rap game, I want build my own empire, I worked with many underground cats like Lekkersweet, King b, Jay Spitter who’s currently signed in Mabala Noise, I’m still looking forward to work with many talented underground cats
One word to describe Shugulugu?
DOPE
Do you think you have what it takes to improve Mzansi hip hop to a better level?
Watch the space, it is just a matter of time. I’m doing my final year in B Com Accounting in The University of Limpopo (Turf loop campus) so I don’t get enough time to push my music but believe you me, Shugulugu is coming, people must expect good music as always
Follow Shugulugu on;
Facebook - Njabulo Shugu Mkhonto
Instagram @shugulugu
Twitter @shugulugu
Contact number – 0724634681
Who’s your intimidation in your hood?
I’m not intimidated and I will never be, not when I’m still alive!
Motivational words from Shugu
Don’t wish to be like Shugulugu, be yourself, let Shugulugu inspire you, come up with your own thing. There is no one who can ever be Shugulugu, I’m the only one
Shout outs
Shout out to my fans man, shout out to every underground cat trying to make it big, keep pushing, the struggle continues don’t ever think of giving up
Thabani Sydney Nyathi, known by his stage name Tru TagX is a Zimbabwean Recording Artist and Songwriter based in South Africa. Currently doing his studies at the University of Limpopo. Rose in a family of five.
What got you into music?
Grew up in a music-friendly environment. Always been a huge fan of music and art.He felt the vibe, the connection with music was good and the love has never stopped ever since.
What makes Tru TagX different from other hip hop artists?
Understanding, appreciation and passion. The drive not be a mere artist but to influence the masses through his music.
What’s the motive behind your latest track?
It was motivated by how he felt the public perceived him as an artist. The feeling of how the artist is marginalised into one bracket. Therefore restricted from trying out new and different sounds. However, it also talked about how he wishes everyone more years, thus leading to more life.
Who have you worked with on your music?
A number of people and organisations have played an important role in his growth as an artist, and these include his Family, CME Studios, Street Voyce,Mogau(HipHopRetreat),Maxwell Spyk to mention a few.
Tru TagX in one word?
Hard-worker.
Follow Tru TagX on;
https://twitter.com/trutagxnation
https://soundcloud.com/thabani-tru-tagx
https://audiomack.com/artist/tru-tagx
https://facebook.com/trutagx
https://instagram.com/trutagx
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJw5LeLw-Sij7xo870-Qmg
Updates?
Debut album not dropping anytime soon. He is though, planning on shooting a couple of music videos and dropping Singles likes his been doing of lately.
Wise words from Tru TagX?
Love what you are doing. Enjoy your hustle. Work hard and think smart, one day it will pay off. Invest and Sacrifice your time and money on the right thing. Always give all the glory to God.
Shout outs?
Family once again, CzAr ODriego, Decker, BadPain, Lekkersweet, Happy Kush, DjChris94, the list is endless, but most importantly to the fans for the support, the negative and positive criticism has helped build Tru TagX.
(Bonus) What nick name given to you that you didn’t like at all during your childhood?
Polony (used to be a huge fan of pork) and Lil S (short for Sydney), the pronunciation of the ‘’S’’ wasn’t pretty nice.
My full name is Gorden Gwizo and I’m 20 years old. Gwizo is a “weird” guy simply because he is mostly an outlier when it comes to certain perspectives of the society. Gwizo is one curious guy, he likes to explore things and experiment without minding the outcome. He is an optimistic person, no matter the struggle his always smiling. One word that would describe me is “motivation” because I’m always putting my all in helping people to see the best out of them. I’m from Limpopo, I stay at Turf and yeah most people don’t believe me when I tell them. I’m half Shona and half Pedi. My mother is from Zimbabwe and my father from South Africa. I’m currently doing my final year in Computer science at University of Limpopo.
Why hip hop?
I wouldn’t say I chose hip hop rather hip hop chose me, the reason I say this is because I always told myself I won’t do music but I ended up on the mic or spitting on a beat so it is natural gift that I must use and not waste. I hate to say I’m a hip hop artist because that limits my creativity, hip hop as a culture is based on certain traditions which an artist of that genre should follow, but as an artist I like to explore more genres and experiment, so I call myself an artist. I like mixing my art with different taste, so as an artistic I can paint the picture for people using different tools rather than limited tools.
How is the response from family and friends on the fact that you are in the hip hop game?
My mother actually prefer me as an academic, simply because I’m mostly reading, so in her mind she thinks I’m some Einstein(laughs), but she does support me with my music since one has to use their talents. My father passed away so I believe he is proud of me in Heaven. My friends’ love my music they always ask me ‘why you not in the industry?’ and I always tell them the right time will come.
What’s the motive behind your latest track?
My latest track which will come out some time soon is called ‘Old school love’ ft Quali and Filah, the track is part of my project I’m working on- currently working on my second mixtape called ‘Self Conscious.” The track motive is simply about how love used to mean a lot back then when our parents were still teenagers, nowadays people joke around with the word love and the word became a joke to many teenagers. So on the track I’m just pointing out that I want that old school love that most of our parents had, I want that loyalty that existed and the beautiful feeling of love. It will be an amazing track; it will be sort of a classic track.
Who are the Amazing people or organisations have you worked with in this hip hop game?
I have worked with various talented people hey. I worked with Quali, Quintin Marss, C-Rex, Filah, Young A, MSG, Deeroy, Drewski, Jay-Benz, Dash Hash… the list can go on because I have worked with a lot artists and still more artist I’m going to work with.
One word to describe Gwizo?
Optimistic
Who is your favourite hip hop artist in Mzansi and why?
Nasty C. Simply because his pure talent and his price city tape amazed me. He might not have more awards than other big guns in the industry but he is pure talent.
Follow Gwizo on;
Facebook page: Gwizo
Instagram and Twitter: Gorden Gwizo
Email: [email protected]
Any updates on Gwizo’s music?
I’m working on my project named ‘Self Conscious,’ it will consists of at most 20 tracks and it has 16 artists I featured like Quali, Syk, Young A, Deeroy, MSG, Filah, C-Rex… it will be diverse project and very beautiful because I’m already loving the outcome of the project.
Gwizo’s wise words
One thing I always tell people is to be themselves, no matter if you are weird or different from people, just be you and everything will just flow. Never give up on something you love no matter if it kills you just keep on trying because at the end the outcome will then support you. Nothing comes easy so just be ready to sacrifice and to be hurt. The most important thing is just to be yourself that is all you need.
Who do you want to send your shout outs to?
Shout out to Quali, he my bro in music, he has done a lot for me so far. Better check out his tape called Experience: Resoled, it is beautiful and you won’t even believe there is such talent in Polokwane if you listen to it. Lastly shout out to my homies Kelvin (Slim Kevy), Tafadzwa (Tuff), Frans (LF), Adrian (Drizzy) and Shawn (Einstein).
(Bonus) The day you got embarrassed during your childhood, what happened?
(Laughs) The day my crush approached me when I was in primary, I was left clueless on what to say, I just mumbled and it was a loss because I flopped badly (laughs).
3Dimensions is a hip hop crew composed of four members, Bennedict "Hip-Shadow" Mamaseli, Tshwarelo "Magrega" Mashaba, Gedion "Skhalo" Bopape, and Johannes "Perfbeats" Lemekoane. We all come from a small rural village in Limpopo called Mentz. We don't only do but we live hip hop music. We are also performers, we always bring fire to the stage, no-matter the size of the crowd we just give it our all.
Why Hip hop?
I can't really tell why we chose Hip Hop, I can say hip hop chose us, and rap is one of the best ways to express one's feelings.
What’s the motive behind your name 3 Dimension?
A lot of people get surprised 'cause we are 4 and yet we call ourselves 3Dimensions. Our name is not based on the number of members in the crew but based on our music. Our music comes in 3D, you would ask yourself 'how?' cause it's only visuals that can come in 3D not sound. When you listen to our music, you visualise or I can say it makes you imagine whatever we are rapping about in the track, hence the name 3Dimensions
Who have you worked with in some of your projects?
We have worked with Kay, one of the best vocalist in the country, he won a golden ticket on Idols SA season 13.
One word to describe 3 Dimensions?
Fire
Follow 3 Dimensions on:
Facebook page "3Dimensions SA"
Follow our producer on Instagram @perfbeats300
Who intimidates you guys?
No matter in our area or on TV or any other place you can think of, we are not intimidated by anyone 'cause we are not in a competition with anyone, we are competing with ourselves, the aim is to put our heads to together and feed people good music.
Word of Motivation
All we can say to them is to never give up, we just dropped an EP titled "Trial And Error", the motive behind the name is, you gotta try and fail, go back try again and fail, never be scared of failure 'cause it's just a stepping stone towards your success, somewhere somehow you are gonna make it. There are 3 keys to making it in the industry, that is Work, Work and More Work.
Shout outs
Big shout out to Our Parents, Trizzyboy, Matsobane Modiba, Limpopo Rhythm, Samuel Seabela, Thabang Nonyane, Lekkersweet, Nelson Mamaregane, Herbert Quincy-King, Mpho Matsi. The list is just endless. An even bigger shout out to everyone who supports our music but not mentioned above. Biggest shout out to our haters, they keep us going. We love y'all, peace
Lekkersweet is a Khelo-Rap and Tsonga-Rap artist from Bolobedu. His real name is Sammy Nthoke.
Why Hip hop?
Hip Hop allows me to fully express myself. I grew up listening to different genres and was able to grasp the lyrics of any song quickly. When I was in primary I would only write Kwaito lyrics, however my verses were long and forced me to do hip hop.
Who is your Mzansi Hip hop artist role model and why?
Instead of a role-model I just have hip hop artists who inspired and motivated me to do hip hop. The likes of HHP, Skhwatta Kamp and Zulu-Boy and the reason is that they embrace their own vernacular languages and they are good in it.
What makes Lekkersweet different from other Hip Hop artists?
What is unique about Lekkersweet is that he can fluently rap in Khelobedu and Xitsonga in one song and makes it sounds easy. Being the founder of Khelo-Rap and the fact that I can flow on any type of beat, from Jazz to house.
Who are the Amazing people or organisations have you worked with in this hip hop game?
I worked with Msacho, Spacemunna, Bolo-street Souljaz, Menate, Da Champ, Motsa Lebitso, Saxophone, Note-mash, Dezry-Kay, Coded Media Entertainment, Skhipa Productions and more.
One word to describe Lekkersweet?
Pioneer
Do you think you have what it takes to improve Mzansi hip hop to a better level?
Yes. I wanna create a sub-genre that ends up being an independent genre.
You are also a radio presenter, is there a difference between Lekkersweet a Rapper and Lekkersweet a radio presenter?
The only difference is that his show is a 90% English show, while the rapper uses 90% vernacular in his songs.
Catch me on;
Radio Turf 103.8 MHz FM
The Hip Hop Frenzy
Fridays
20:00 – 22:00
[email protected]
Facebook Page: Lekkersweet
Twitter: @lekkersweet
Instagram: @lekkersweet
Surely there’s someone out there who wishes to be like Lekkersweet?, how can you motivate them?
-All I can say is let jealousy motivates you to do better things in life. And always strive to be as unique as possible.
Shout outs
Shout out to all the people who like my music, not forgetting my potential fans too.
First day at high School, how was the experience?
I was that guy who always went to the front and say some funny stuff as well imitates Kwaito and Hip Hop artist’s songs when the teacher is out. So the experience was amazing and helped realise that I was born to entertain.
@KFCSA
Watch @DJHopestar & @Dala_FAM from Limpopo. Unlock, Listen & share their track to push them to the top of the… https://t.co/5pHZ8umjnG
Watch @DJHopestar & @Dala_FAM from Limpopo. Unlock, Listen & share their track to push them to the top of the https://t.co/4kE5Jk16so chart! pic.twitter.com/Verzjzfy1E
— KFC South Africa (@KFCSA) July 27, 2017
