MARIANNRIDGE born musician, Thalente Msomi, started performing while he was in high school at events held at the school.
The former Mariannridge High School learner has performed at many events such as the Rising Sun Talent Search held in Nazareth, at the Mariannhill Arts Festivals event held at the Monastery and at the Hope for Future event in Pinetown.
He is optimistic, approachable and his versatility is probably the number one reason why he chooses not to label his music and confine it to a genre.
“I don’t want to specially label my style of music because I work with whatever I come across. No matter how slow or up-tempo the beat may be, just as long as I can do storytelling,” he said.
Msomi was born and raised in Mariannridge and said the tough surroundings forced his family to move.
“Growing up in a ghetto environment was never easy because I was exposed to violence and substance abuse, hence, we moved from Mariannridge in 2007 to KwaSanti (St Wendolins) and I’ve been here ever since. Being here gave me a different scenery – an ekasi environment which I think greatly influenced my love for hip hop and rapping,” he said.
When asked about his passion for music, he said it originates in his compassion for people.
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“I was always indoors, but I’ve always been an observant person of everything that is happening around me and I want to voice people’s problems, even my own. I also write things people relate to and give them a different perspective of life crises through my music.”
Msomi said the pen and paper have been an escape for him from situations he found himself in.
“I’m passionate about my craft because it gives me a platform to educate and give hope to the people that get to listen to it,” he added.
The young artist’s future looks bright as he has set no limits for himself.
“I want to be known by many and share my craft in South Africa and all corners of the world,” Msomi added.
He said anyone with a good ear for music will enjoy his tunes. He is certain that whoever listens to his music will learn something new.
“I have confidence in my work, I literally give the best of me and nothing mediocre,” he promised.
Msomi’s songs Iqiniso The Truth (speaks merely about me being human), Lost Love (a guy’s story about an ex-girlfriend he still loves) and Ebhubesini (It’s about my journey thus far…) can be found on Audiomack and SoundCloud.
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