“Growing up in the township of Umlazi in Durban, it was a bumpy ride being raised by a granny and a single mother,” he revealed, but stated with great pride that his family did everything they could to give him the best childhood. “They taught me to work hard for things and don’t spend money carelessly.”
The Jack Daniel’s Music Scout competition was a way to find the next music sensation in South Africa, and although he didn’t scoop the title, Mkhize knew that the coverage could only grow his career.
“The competition taught me that patience and dedication pay off, both as a normal person and an artist. Most importantly, it taught me that I need to study the game and learn how other people are doing things.”
OPEN DOORS: Thabzero Mkhize was one of the finalists in the Jack Daniel’s Music Scout competition, which gave him a number of musical opportunities.
His music is a combination of kasi rap and soul, and he hopes that his fans find it motivational as it speaks about the trials and tribulations of everyday life. “I describe it as kasi soulful rap. It’s a mixture of 90s hip-hop with a soulful touch of what is popular now, and the fact that I’m multi-lingual gives it an authentic and local feel,” he explained.
He went on to say that his latest EP is extremely personal.
“It was inspired by my life’s journey as I started recording in 2011. I talk about my past, my love life, my musical journey, and mostly, my personal life. I want the ordinary listener to learn a thing or two about me when they listen to it.”
Take a listen to The First Token here:
One of the songs on the EP called, Mama Wam, is dedicated to his mother, whom he lost in 2012 and who he says is the inspiration behind most of his music. The entire EP was recorded using Mkhize’s own production equipment that he set up in his home.
He revealed that he and his team are planning to launch the EP, The First Token, on 2 April as part of his birthday celebration, but they’re still in talks with the owners of their desired venue. He did mention that at the launch, he’ll be sharing the stage with fellow artists I-Tee Boi, QZA, Loranzo and Ray Zaka, to mention a few.
“I encourage everyone, young and old, to attend the launch. It will be phenomenal!”
