Hip hop artist takes over the airwaves

Up and coming young hip hop artist Stringz Ballernaire has taken over the airwaves in a big way with his latest single Matha Wena, which has been the number one hit on twitter with over 60 000 shares.
He is currently doing a blitz tour across the country having already visited Gauteng, North West, and Pretoria. He visited Limpopo recently during which he had several radio interviews, finding time for a quick interview with Polokwane Observer in between. Still on his list are KwaZulu Natal and the Free State and the tour will end in September.
Stringz was born Robert Aobakwe Mabe in Mafikeng, North West but raised in the streets of Soweto. He cultivated his love for music while in high school, being inspired by artists such as Dead Prez, Mos Def,
Jay-Z and Eminem. “I would play around with my friends writing lyrics to Jay Z’s Blueprint album and attempted my own ‘remixes’,” he recalls adding that it was around then that he realised he had a natural skill for rapping.
He went on to study Sound Engineering at Damelin Allenby. “In my first year while learning the intricacies of music and observing the local music scene, I decided to produce a song and throw myself in front of the mic, and add a different and fresh sound to the industry.”
The song was given to the late DJ Monde who worked for a Johannesburg-based radio station. A few days later the song, Shukumisa was playlisted on the radio station and the rest is history.
This spurred his career on and his success spiralled. He has since worked with the likes of Nemza, L-Tido, Abcrazy, Ginger Breadman and Gino Brown and shared the stage with prominent names like Zakes Bantwini, Sifiso Ncwane, Lvovo, Toy Delazy, Fistaz Mixwell, Professor and DJ China.
Stringz has also featured on various high profile television shows, a magazine and national print media.
Following his current tour, he plans to drop another single with Zoocci Coke Dope and is building up towards an album.
He says he is lucky to be one of few South African rappers who can go anywhere in the country and rap in the local tongue, “I can rap in multiple South African languages”.
His message to up and coming musicians is to be passionate, not desperate. “Believe that if you have the talent big things will happen.” He further thanked all his fans for their support.
Stringz is also available for bookings. For further information contact 083 256 3342. Watch his latest single Matha Wena at www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM4Za12W8Jo

Story and photo: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za