Some Alex youths have pulled together their music and artistic talents to get away from social and economic adversities such as alcohol, drugs and teen fatherhood.
The group called Ghetto Swagg Family [GSF] play hip-hop and rhythm and blues and recently released three debut singles – One Chance, Tweka and Chillas Times which promise to be hits with fans. They hope the songs will help them become a household name in the music industry. The songs have attracted listeners as far as the Eastern Cape with One Chance having hit the airwaves to a warm reception on Alex FM.
The group members whose talents include recording, dancing, DJing, radio presenting and clothing design include Thulani Kupiso [2KZA], Sanda Bottoman [Weedman], Moses Matsetela [DJ Gado], Jeffrey Lipoko [Jeffcity], Simphiwe Manyoni [General] and Thamalisa Dyalo [Twigga].
From their base, a studio in Riverpark Ext 9, they encourage each other not to lose hope in an environment which they say lacks leadership and mentors for youths to explore and benefit financially from their talents. “ Most locally born and bred artists exit as soon as they hit fame and fortune and never set foot in Alex again. Hence, we have got to rely on ourselves to achieve the best that we can,” said Matsetela, the group’s producer. Kupiso said they still hoped for mentors to emerge on the way to help them minimise mistakes as they grow their talent. “But we will wait for nobody.”
They recently staged a fresher’s’ gig with other well-known names to about 2 000 students at the University of Joburg as part of building their fan base. “Penniless as we are, the event helped to position us in the industry. It adds to our profile which is developing through gigs we host at Gogos, a local jam session venue with other artists showcasing their DJ, rap and poetry talents.
The group has also featured three times in an online publication New Skool Mag.co.za. In an industry fraught with exploitation through piracy, they want to benefit fully from their talent by selling their own production.
Their studio is available for others interested in recording their productions and they also want to be role models for other talented youths.
Details: Thulani Kupiso; 074 758 7006.
