By Obakeng Maje
Taung-Hip Hop is a music genre that consists of stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted.

South African Hip Hop artists have formed part of the world where they developed as part of hip hop society, culture, a subculture which is defined by four key stylistic elements: Mcing/rapping, Djing/scratching, breadancing and grafting writing.

Letlhogonolo Donald Motseeng could not hold his excitement and showed great pleasure when talking about the music he loves and adores.

Even though Tloks Lepara as Letlhogonolo Moeetseng is affectionately known in music circles started off as a Kwaito artist, he finally realised his touch in hip hop.

“I started my music career back in 2000; I was in Grade 7 by then. I did not take my music career very serious as it was more fun of it. I later moved to high school at Joseph Saku in Magogong village, West of Taung and that’s where I took my music serious” Lepara said.

Lepara was born 26 years ago in Itsoseng, near Mahikeng but moved to Magogong village in Taung.

A 26 year-old artist attended school in Magogong and later on went to finish his high school at Saku.

“Back in 14 February 2001, our school was celebrating a Valentine’s Day and there were lots and lots of activities. I decided to perform a song by Kwaito sensation, Mzambiya called Melesenzeni, and everyone was so blissful and beaming” he said.

The euphoric performance by Tloks Lepara left everyone wanting for more. He was also advised by his class teacher to take his music career very serious and prompted Lepara to writes his own songs.

The group called “Ruff Necks” was born after Lepara, his friend and cousin came together and formed the group.

They entered the music competition called “Taung Local Pops” which they reached the final and where eventually eliminated by winners.
Tloks Lepara packed his bags and headed for “The City of Gold” Johannesburg in search of greener pastures.

“In 2006,I moved to Johannesburg to record a demo CD.I was still doing Kwaito music by then. I was also doing Acting and Dancing. I started with Motswako/Hip Hop career, and was fortunate enough to meet Hidden Force in Thokoza township, East Rand where I was residing” said Taung Motswakolista.

“Same year I went to a Youth Centre in the area and joined a local group that were doing all activities including music. In my first week I saw some guys battling out and I jumped in, rapped in Tswana. Amazingly, I was approached by two guys afterwards and propelled me to be part of their group. We formed a group called 3XL” he outlines.

The newly group never looked back and went straight to the studio for recording; they met the likes of Kwesta, TeePee, Mathematics and K-Master. They did so well and shared stage with the likes of Malaika, Mafikozolo, Kwesta, TeePee, F-Eezy, Obita and Dj Sbu…the list is endless.

“I decided to move to Soweto back in 2008 where I started with my solo project. I never looked back and met with Dem Goddo, Pricksta, MOT and Letlapa, then our first lady called Los. We formed the group called Sechaba sa Mahipi. In 2013, I recorded my single called Do It For Banyana” Lepara said.

This charismatic Motswako artist from Taung is releasing his long-awaited first album, and all indications are that his decade-long journey to find his niche in the local music industry finally starting to bear fruit.

Tloks Lepara says of the 15-track CD: “My album is almost done, only two songs left to make a 15 track album which will be released soon titled Ka Nkanee loosely translated By Force. I called it Ka Nkanee because I belief God gave me power and strength to push harder”

The album titled “Ka Nkanee” is a metaphor that reflects the ups and downs Lepara faced on his road success. He said the album will communicate the message of Hope and Inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.

The first single, “Do It For Banyana” is doing great on various radio stations. It was also nominated for spot number 78 last year on 31 December on Motsweding FM’s Top 100. The single hit also claimed position 5 on Vaaltar Fm’s Top 30.

Tloks Lepara said he would love to see himself as one of the best hip hop artists in the country and running his own entertainment company.

“I would like to develop up and coming artists in the future, especially those who come from Taung. And I believe education is the only key to success, so my advice to the youngsters is, go to school and equip yourself with knowledge too so that you can be able to fall back on something when things does not turn up the way one planned” concludes Taung hip hop artist.-TDN
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You can follow Tloks Lepara who seems to be increasingly garnering respect from his music peers as Motswako lyricist of note.

For any bookings go to:
Facebook:Tloks Lepara Ka Nkanee
E-mail:donald.motseeng@gmail.com
Twitter@Tloks123
Contact No: 0848530061