POLOKWANE – Kgaogelo Victor Manaka, popularly known as Smiley Gates, is putting Polokwane on the map.
The 23-year-old hip-hop artist from Westenburg is a sound engineering student who, for the past six years, has put his love for music to good use. He shared that his career has taken a back seat in order for him to focus on his sound engineering studies.
“I used my studies as an excuse for not having given my talent my all but it was, in part, just having doubts. The pandemic has, however, served as motivation because I have now decided to continue with my music,” he said.
Smiley Gates is putting aside all doubts and going after his deserved space in the music industry, adding that he is inspired by the fact that despite his doubts, he was able to share the stage with the likes of AKA, Riky Rick, Cassper Nyovest and Kwesta. “If I could, with half-hearted efforts, share a stage with my idols, can you imagine the impact I could make now that I am ready to take on the industry,” he said.
One of the major challenges he faces as an independent, up-and-coming artist is finances, as every aspect of furthering his career requires money. He explained that he is brimming with ideas which he is trying to bring to life but he doesn’t have the financial muscle. “I am one person who knows quality and I always strive for that national standard, in terms of production, recording, art covers and photo shoots,” he said.
He is working on a 12-track project and will be dropping singles from October. In November, he will be shooting a music video in Seshego. “People can look out for new music; it’s going to be something big for the masses,” he added.
