After some positive feedback on social media for his cover songs, Carlswald-based Sotho vocalist Khululekane ‘Mashka’ Motaung felt ready to release his own work, trusting that he would be a ‘breath of fresh air’.
Born and bred in Tsheseng, a small village in Qwaqwa, Free State, the young, talented and versatile Sotho vocalist recently released his debut single Dikeledi under Moruo Record Label. The 20-year-old rapper and songwriter began singing at a young age and at the age of 14, he started taking his talent seriously thanks to the maturity of his voice.
Mashka has composed a few songs that mostly fall under a vernacular genre called tshepe, which refers to Sotho rap. Tshepe is so unique and therefore mostly unknown, and it might be just what the music industry needs as a breath of fresh air. With Johannesburg being the epicentre of the entertainment industry, there is no better city for Mashka to showcase his talent.
“It is a blessing really. It is not common for a young boy like me to be taken from the hood to the city lights of Johannesburg because of his talent. Hard work and dedication do pay off but sometimes our geographical stance limits us… like talent dying due to lack of exposure,” said Khululekane with tears in his eyes. In Dikeledi (meaning tears), he apologises to the girl that gave him a taste of love which he took for granted.
“This song is very close to my heart. I am a young boy who took advantage of the one girl who showed me, true love. I am only realising now that I have lost a gem in her, as I am learning about what true love is.”
As a songwriter, Mashka did not struggle to compose the song, given that it is was from personal experience. It took him just three days to wrap it up. The single is available on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, and many more.
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