From Sharpeville to the world
Kay Claude started performing at local schools around Sharpeville, and by 2017, he released his first music video.
SHARPEVILLE.- Hailing from the streets of Sharpeville, Lebohang Tsotetsi, also known as Kay Claude, is a homegrown talent making waves as a local artist.
Kay Claude’s passion for music ignited at the age of 12, driven by his belief that music serves as a pathway out of township life, steering clear of the pitfalls of drugs. In Grade 8, he crossed paths with his friend Teboho Monyako, and together they began recording music using their phones back in 2015.
Kay Claude started performing at local schools around Sharpeville, and by 2017, he released his first music video. With growing exposure, he expanded his reach by sharing his music on various digital platforms.
Venturing beyond Sharpeville, Kay Claude performed at significant events such as Matric After Block Buster, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Frank Casino and Nokana Mojapelo. “In 2018, I met one of my big brothers, Blaq Linez, and we started the movement called 2000 Gang, where we mentored young talented kids,” shared Kay Claude.
In 2019, Kay Claude collaborated with Thabo Meko, the photographer of the late Costa Titch, a South African rapper and dancer, resulting in his first proper music video. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he initiated a project called “Welcome to Claude’s World.”
Kay Claude’s dedication and drive have not gone unnoticed by those around him. Thabiso Motsitsi, his brother, described him as hardworking, persistent, and self-motivated. Kay Claude’s relentless pursuit of his musical aspirations led to increasing recognition and a growing fanbase throughout the Vaal region.
His television debut came on SABC 1, where he appeared on Kids’ News for an interview. He also graced the airwaves of radio stations such as Timeline Radio Awards, Lekea FM, and VUT FM. In December 2023, Kay Claude’s music gained traction, appearing on Trace Urban as number 5 on the SA Hip-Hop top 10, as well as Trace Africa. He also released mixtapes on major digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
In January, Kay Claude was featured on SoundCity and the front page of Hood Media Magazine, aimed at promoting local artists. Looking ahead, he aims to inspire kids to believe in themselves and recognize that opportunities are abundant and achievable.
To connect with Kay Claude, you can find him on social media under the handle @KayClaude_the wave on Instagram and Kay Claude on Facebook for bookings and updates.
