Johannesburg-based musician, Unathi Mtolo believes that he has what it takes to succeed and become one of the best hip-hop artists in the country.
This fresh and upcoming hip-hop artist brings with him a new and different sound which is distinct, yet relatable, and accommodates a lot of people.
Mtolo, affectionately known as ‘Nate’, was born in the Eastern Cape, but in the late 90s he moved to KwaZulu-Natal and that’s where he completed his primary and high school education. In 2011, he moved to Gauteng to focus on his studies and complete his degree at the University of Johannesburg.
In 2013, Mtolo’s passion for music grew even stronger and since he had completed his degree, he felt it was time to focus on his music.
LISTEN: Nate’s latest hit single Mandisa:
https://soundcloud.com/kng-nate/nate-mandisa-dirty
The highly self-motivated rising star says music is a way of life for him and he wants to inspire a lot of people through his music. “If you have the right message and the right product for the people, the numbers will come,” Mtolo said.
However, the 23-year-old said there are many challenges that he faces as an upcoming artist still trying to get his music to the people.
“There are a lot of difficulties we face, resources and people are two of them; you have to be with the right people to put you in the right places,” he said.
He also encouraged young artists to work 10 times harder than their peers and to set the bar high.
“It all depends on how much you want it, do you want it more than the next person? All of us, we are making music, but it all depends on how much do you want it,” said Mtolo.
The artist dropped his first two official singles, Living That Life and Mandisa, towards the end of last year, which were both well received by radio stations across the country.
WATCH: Nate’s official music video for his single Living That Life:
The confident musician has plans to change the game drastically and he also thinks that one day he will be considered one of the best musicians of his time – and of all time.
“I feel like I am more talented than most people who are killing the game right now, I see myself way above that.”
When asked about the state of the local hip-hop scene and how far it has come Mtolo said, “This is the perfect time for us to come in because the game came to our level, to our sound, it brought itself.”
