Meet Mohlakeng rapper and producer, Botlhale
'Never stop trying and don't be afraid to fail.'
Matthews Botlhale Masokoane, a 35-year-old hip hop rap artist and producer from Mohlakeng has a message for those who want to give up during these tough economic times.
“Never stop trying and don’t be afraid to fail,” he told the Herald last week.
Matthews said music is special to him.
It is something I was born to do.”
He said he started rapping at age 11 and took music lessons at the Mmabana Cultural Centre in the North West province where he grew up.
“My cousin who was a famous rapper then suggested I write my own lyrics and start rapping. I was very good at memorising lyrics by my favourite rappers.”
Matthews said even as a young aspiring hip hop artist, people thought highly of him.
When asked about his achievements as an artist, he said he has shared the stage with some big names in the industry including the late Linda Mkhize, better known by his stage name ProKid or PRO, and Jabulani Tsambo, better known by his stage name Hip Hop Pantsula, later shortened to HHP, theBongo Maffin kwaito musical group and Ruby Gold.
He was also a participant in the television show Mc Africa on Channel O and has performed at the Maftown Homecoming Concert twice. He is also an active member of the Maftown hip hop explosion that established the now vibrant mix tape culture, contributing to three of the first four mix tapes to be released from the area.
And just like any other artist, Matthews said he has come across many challenges and mentored aspiring young local artists.
His final words of encouragement and motivation to young rappers in the community are, “Don’t do it just for the spotlight, it’s not worth it. You’ll surely miss out on what’s more important – to make a difference. Never stop trying and do not be afraid of time or failure. Time spent perfecting your craft is priceless.”
