For decades the Kliptown community has been painted as a poverty-stricken and crime-ravaged community. The area is known for its informal settlements, lack of electricity, bucket toilets and water supplied to a few communal taps.
Illegal electricity connections are at its peak right now, many have said that there is nothing good in Kliptown but three young locals are determined to change the way the community is perceived.
Thebe Makoati, Tshepo Metsing and Ishmael Mofokeng are young local musicians who aspire to make it big. The trio created a group called Bittersweet Callants and plan to change the mindset of people living in their community.
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They said that they started their music careers in 2014 and that over the years, they have grown to create a music and photography brand.
“We want to show those around us that it is possible to be anything you want to be. You just have to put your mind to it, your situation should never define who you are and what you what you want to be in life. Hard work and staying focused on your vision is key,” said Makoati.
The aspiring musos describe their music as flair because their lyrics focus on things that have happened in their personal lives.
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“Our music describes who we are and where we come from. We are honest and we never hide anything. Our mess, our lives, our journeys are beautiful in their own way,” said Mofokeng.
Metsing said that they chose music because it allows them to express themselves.
“Music allows us to escape from all the negativity, we are choosing to use our time wisely. Sitting at home, doing nothing won’t benefit us, so we are pushing really hard to get our work out there,” he said.
When asked about their future plans the group said that they have a vision.
“We see ourselves owning our own record label one day, recording and distributing our own music. We are more than just people from Kliptown,” they said in unison.
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