BY OBAKENG MAJE

SOUTH Africa’s hip hop industry has been on the rise since the days of mid-90s crew Prophets of Da City, the country’s first major hip-hop group. Today, SA is enjoying golden era of hip hop, celebrating the freshest and realest MCs in the country.

That has laid a foundation for young hip hop artists who emerged in recent years, but the most surprising package was young hip hop artist, MC Tsotso from Vryburg in North West.
At the age of 8, MC Tsotso brought new fresh air into hip hop arena and he said this is the only beginning.

Phenyo Nqobile Lebona (8) who is habitually known as MC Tsotso, is doing grade 2 at Moeti Primary School in Huhudi location and he surprised many people when he performed his popular song titled Ko skolong during the late African National Congress stalwart Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati’statue unveiling in Vryburg three month ago.

He said he was inspired by the legendary artists like Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest and AKA.
“I am inspired by the likes of Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest and AKA. What I like most in hip hop is that one can express him/herself without any limitation. I am also amazed by the fact that the music genre is gaining momentum,” said MC Tsotso.
According to Tsotso’s mom, Dineo Lebona(39) said she spotted Tsotso’s talent at the age of 4.

“I was not surprised by an abundance talent Phenyo has because he was premature. I had him when he was only seven months and one of the doctors told me to nurture him well because mostly, premature babies are special.

“He spent two months in an incubator at the hospital and I prayed God to give him more energy to survive; now here he is. I always tell him to concentrate much on his books because even though he is talented, nowadays education is very important,” Dineo outlines.
MC Tsotso inherited his talent from his uncle, Tebogo who did not make it in hip hop industry, but however manages his little star now.

“I realised that Tsotso could be a hip hop artist because most of the time I left him with his uncle who is also a hip hop artist. I think he always watched him practising his rhymes and copied that,” Dineo concludes.

It seems MC Tsotso is in popular demand as bookings lined-up already for him to display his amazing skill at the upcoming annual events.
Lebogang Letebele aka Dj Sphere could not put his excitement into words after he booked MC Tsotso for his annual bash that will take place on the 24 December 2015 at Pudimoe stadium.

“The boy is amazing and as young as he is, he will be a supporting act for national hip hop artists those who will be performing during the event. Dj Sphere Annual Bash is the event that unearthed the talents and give a platform to those artists with potential to showcase their God-given talents,” Sphere said.

MC Tsotso is also duped to perform at another glittering event in Taung.
Dj Nation Annual Bash organiser, Orapeleng Mokgwabone said he booked the boy because he wants to give him the platform to market himself.

“I can proudly say that MC Tsotso will be sharing stage with international artists at Dj Nation Annual Bash that will take place on 28th December 2015. He is remarkable on stage and I believe that by having him on our line-up, he will grow as a person and as an artist. My aim is to give opportunity to artists in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District so that they can grow arts in the area,” said Mokgwabone.
-TDN
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