Local man finds solace in melodies
He said being born in a family of music-lovers also contributed to his passion to continue producing and writing music.
Battling with the consequences of previous peer pressure which resulted in an alcohol addiction, Floyd Balekile (34) also known as BLK found solace in music.
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According to the Pimville resident, his passion for music started back in 2007 when he was studying at Thaba-Jabula Secondary where he used to freestyle.
He met with other former schoolmate with the same passion as him and that is when his music career took off.
“We formed a team called the Getto Treasure and recorded our first track at Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuza’s studio. In the same year we travel around Soweto performing this track. The song was titled Soweto and it told a story about the beauty of the area, how it is like growing up here as well as the challenges we faced growing up here,” Balekile said.
The team also used to have weekly hip hop sessions on Sundays where residents would join their live performances.
“We also entered for a lot of competitions at the time including, Buster Rhymes, Maloof Money Cup and in 2012 we went to the Fly Over Show in Kliptown as well as other various clubs around.”
He said being born in a family of music-lovers also contributed to his passion to continue producing and writing music.
Even with the love he had, Balekile was one of the young boys who previously fell into a trap of peer pressure which resulted in excessive alcohol drinking and he was later admitted into a rehabilitation centre at Bara Hospital.
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“As we went around performing, I used to drink a lot and that took a toll on my mental health. I still undergo counselling to help me get back on track.
“During my time at rehab, my doctor advised to write all my thoughts down and that is how my passion for writing music grew even more because I was able to transcribe my thoughts into songs.”
Balekile uses various coping mechanisms to help him though this difficult journey, including writing novels. His recent novel titled Times Lost describes his life growing up and the mistakes he made through his childhood.
“My family is really supportive of me and I am forever grateful. For young people out there I advise them to stay positive, open minded to always follow their dreams regardless of the challenges they might be facing.”
Balekile pleads with residents to support his new mix-tap titled Volume One which is available in digital platforms.
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