Kwatsaduza artist shares tips with other local artists
Having won Best Newcomer at the 49th Annual 101 Awards, which took place on June 1 in Braamfontein, MP Light is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
Kwatsaduza – Having won Best Newcomer at the 49th Annual 101 Awards, which took place on June 1 in Braamfontein, MP Light is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.
His latest single, Fallen Angel, has gained him momentum in the music industry and among his peers.
The 20-year-old from Springs dropped out of college, where he was studying electrical engineering, to pursue his passion and is currently enrolled at the Boston Media House, studying media studies.
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“I released my first single in 2015, tilted Illuminate. I started off with hip-hop, but right now I am focusing on alternative sounds.
“I take sounds from all genres and make it my own,” says MP Light.
He says he wants to share what he has learned from being a young independent artist trying to make it big in the industry.
“Trying to break into the industry is not easy. I wish I had someone to guide me when I started. I have learned a lot and I continue to learn.”
MP Light explains that one of the challenges he went through was learning how to take himself seriously as an artist and that new artist should refrain from wanting to perform at gigs without pay as this exposes an artist to exploitation.
“Performing at gigs for free is a great way to put your name out there, but organisers tend to abuse artists.”
Here are his tips on how to break into the industry:
• Find people you can trust and who can help you. They must believe in your craft as much as you do.
• Treat your brand and music as a business because at the end of the day, you must also generate income from your craft.
• Take yourself seriously and have confidence in what you are doing.
• Do not allow people to bully and take advantage of you.
• Respect your craft because local artists tend to settle for anything that comes their way.
• Be very clear about your intentions and stay organic, think long term.
He says his music is influenced by The Weekend, AKA and Lucky Daye.
He will be releasing an album tilted Slave to Self in August. Currently, his singles can be found on all music streaming platforms and he will be working with Tony X and K More on the project.
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He is on Facebook as MP Light, on Twitter as @Mplight and on Instagram as @MP.Light
MP Light urges parents to allow their children to follow their dreams.
“Parents should believe in their children’s craft because having your parents’ support motivates you to do better.”
