The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown regulations introduced by the government in March last year has had an enormous negative impact on the local art industry and creatives in South Africa.
However, this global crisis presented a great opportunity for a 21-year-old emerging hip-hop artist, Mbusi ‘Nature Boy’ Mhlongo.
Mhlongo, who grew up on the dusty streets of Diepsloot, used the first 21 days of the national lockdown last year to write and release his first single track Zing’bhekela Phansi (which means ‘they look down on me’) using recording equipment his father bought for him.
“I started doing music when I was in primary school with a group of friends. As time went on, I realised that there was something in what I regarded as just a hobby. My father encouraged me to write more songs and bought me recording equipment,” he said.
“When everything was closed during the 21 days of hard lockdown, I decided to do my single that I released soon after lockdown restrictions were eased.” Following a positive response from the music market, Mhlongo decided to start working on his EP last year.
It is set to be released on 3 April this year as an Easter holiday gift to his fans and music lovers. “I am currently doing the final touches of my first EP titled Deep Down to be released in a few days from now.
The EP has nine tracks and it will be available on all digital music platforms.” Mhlongo concluded, “My music speaks to people of all ages, it is not just for entertainment, it also encourages people to be resilient and never give up on their dreams.”
Details: For more information, send an email to naturboy428@gmail.com or call 071 096 3085.
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