Gasebalwe Seretse
13 August 2008
music review
Hip-hop is a movement, believes Kabelo Mogomotsi, and if he had his way, its fires would soon spread across the country as he is 'more than ready' to use his limited resources to ensure success.
Better known as 'King Ming', Mogomotsi says the movement involves other things such as skateboarding, graffiti and breaking-dance, which he asserts, need to be explored for pure fun and creativity.The talented artist believes that contrary to what some detractors might believe, lovers of the genre are not 'baddies' and should not be treated as outcasts of society.
The youthful King Ming has been in the entertainment industry since the late 90s while still a student, making numerous appearances on national radio and was part of Unreleased Records, which had a recording deal with the music giant, BMG. Perhaps, the artist would be better remembered as part of the popular outfit Cashless Society, which is made up of artists from all over southern Africa.
His involvement with the group made it possible for him to extensively tour South Africa and in the interim, he was able to tour with a number of popular Southern African artists such as Groundworx, 5th Floor, Proverb, Snazz D, Zeus, Samba, Qbio and Stagga.
So passionate about his cause that he has started his own production label, Heaven Sent Studios some time late last year, he roped in Tyronne 'Kraft' Akafekwa to work as the chief producer. According to the artist, Kraft is an experienced artist whose songs have played on BBC 1 radio station.
So far, he has been to work with established local hip hop artists such as Kabo 'Orakle' Lokwalo, Monametsi 'Apollo Diablo 'Nkhukhu, Letsweletse 'Nitro' Galemme and Tumelo 'Qbio' Segopa, and he says that he has given some of the mentioned artists their first breaks in the industry.
King Ming is currently working on his LP called Misty Skies containing 12 tracks, which will be released in mid-October this year. In the album, he features fellow rappers like Segame 'Zeus' Bantsi, Thulie 'Samba' Phetlhe and Karabo 'Bally' Leburu. Three singles from the album, namely Looking In Your Eyes, Up Ya Game and Some People have been enjoying good airplay in local radio stations.The young artist has worked with reputable local music producers such as Obakeng 'OB' Kokwe, Dave 'Draztic' Balsher, Thabo 'Grandpa' Letsatle on the album, which he hopes, will be a collector's item among lovers of hip hop.
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