Rap group from rural hometown makes moves in the city
Rap group leaves small hometown with aspirations of making the big time in Germiston.
Laster Pidishe, Martin Nyanungu, Kutullo Mashaba, Thapelo Mokhomola and Trevor Themba, collectively known as Mpumalanga (MP) Starz, packed their bags and headed for the city of gold in February 2017.
MP Starz arrived in the Germiston CBD, from their hometown Mpinyatsatsi in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, with hopes of breaking into the music scene, after signing with Muduez Records.
Muduez Records is a Germiston-based record label owned by Mike Uramaeze.
ALSO READ: Drug-free campaign led by local youngsters
It’s been over a year since they landed in town and the boys are hard at work promoting their single, eJozi (Kumnandi).
Originally, the rap group was a dance crew which comprised of four members, Laster, Kutullo, Thapelo and Trevor.
“Our moves made us popular back at home and we got a lot of gigs from them.
“One day, after a performance, we were asked if we danced to our own music and from there a seed was planted in us to record our own music,” said Thapelo.
Soon their days as dancing musicians were realised and whilst working with a well-known producer in the area, they heard that a local performer was interested in joining their group.
“I was a solo musician and dancer.
“A producer I knew told me about the crew.
“I requested to meet them and proposed to join the group,” said Martin.
Being cast as a member of MP Starz was no easy task for Martin who described his audition as “extremely tough”.
Martin recalled having to fight off naysayers who said he was not good enough for the group nor would he fit in.
“I knew I was a great performer and by trusting my capabilities as a rapper I proved everyone wrong and made the crew,” he said.
ALSO READ: Turning tables with DJ D-Ross
Two years ago the group made a conscious decision to head-hunt record labels and showcase their music catalogue.
“We sat down with our parents, explained to them what we aspired to become and they gave us their blessings,” said Thapelo.
Since their arrival in Germiston, the group has shared the stage at local nightclubs with kwaito stars such as Killer Kau and Kangaroo (from the kwaito group Teddy Bears).
They describe their sound as trap music, with a fusion of languages.
“Sepedi, Swati, Tsonga, isiZulu and English, these are the languages spoken in Bushbuckridge, and we fuse these languages in our lyrics to cater for everyone back home and show the country what Bushbuckridge has to offer,” said Thapelo.
Find the crew on Facebook, MP Starz, follow them and Twitter and Instagram @mp_starzworld.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
