Falz TheBahdGuy On Music, His Journey And Time in South Africa

Falz TheBahdGuy (Folarin Folana) / 30 / Nigerian Rapper, Songwriter, Actor & Filmmaker

How has your journey as an artist been so far?

It’s been so interesting, I’ve been doing music professionally since 2009.

Favourite artist you’ve collaborated with?

That’s a tough one, everyone I’ve worked with has something special about them, I can’t pick a favourite.

When did the love for music begin?

My journey began at about 10/11 years. I started writing raps and formed a group at school where we’d perform for other students, I developed so much love for the art. In university I perfected my craft, I took the time to invest in proper recordings and also put out my music online, that’s when everything caught fire.

What about the Nigerian music industry would you say still needs to be fixed?

A proper structure that looks out for creatives has to be built. Royalty collection for instance, creatives need to be protected in that regard. It’s intellectual property that needs to be protected.

Any favourite African country you’ve traveled to?

South Africa, it’s the most developed. The infrastructure is proper and the outlook of the city is great, it’s good to see.

Any advice for aspiring artists on the come-up?

Just have fun, music is meant to be enjoyed. Be passionate about it, be hardworking and truly enjoy yourself.

You’re a creative, any other things you’d like to branch out to?

There are indeed many layers to me. I’m a lawyer, an actor and have recently become a filmmaker. During the pandemic last year, I launched my film company where I get to tell African stories, stories about us beautifully to the world. I’m also getting to a point in my life where I’m all about impact in people’s lives.

Any new music you’re releasing?

I don’t have a name or date yet, but I have an album coming out in the next two months.

Follow Falz!

Instagram: @falzthebahdguy

Twitter: @falzthebahdguy

Facebook: @falzthebahdguy

-Bridgette Makhela

Khuli Chana On New Album, Achievements And The Motswako Movement

Khulani Morule / 37 / Motswakoriginator

You’ve just dropped your new album, ‘Planet Of The Have Nots’, what’s the message in the music?

It’s about paying homage to a place I come from, my big brother HHP, and sharing stories about failure, success, the past and the future.

Your catalogue is absolutely incredible, what kept driving you to get this far?

Sustaining a career in this industry is not easy, but we’ve done it for over 10 years now. I attribute my success to the guys I came up with, Kaygizm and Towdeemac (MORAFE). Making music that ages well, it’s timeless.

Something people don’t know about Khuli Chana?

Before I became a rapper, I was a gymnast for about 7 years.

In all honesty, what scares you about the industry?

Being forgotten and dusted, that fear has always kept me going, and re-inventing myself.

Your biggest achievement so far would be?

My music catalogue, building my mom a property business, raising a beautiful daughter and marrying my best friend.

All your albums are a true reflection of the Motswako movement, has that always been your core focus and message?

GROWTH has always been the core focus.

The years have seen you carve yourself into a unique South African artist, what would you believe is your ex-factor? 

Trends come and go, style is timeless.

Amongst other titles, you’re a multi award winning rapper, what other projects are you involved with?

I’m a co-founder of MAFTOWN HEIGHTS, an annual Hip Hop event property. It just recently turned 10 years and we are currently working on the Anniversary Celebration.

Does fame or reputation matter to you? And why?

Fame is the worst drug known to man, it comes with what I do, but I never let it get to my head. Building a great reputation in this business will sustain your career.

Photographer Edit: Odirile Seagang

Follow Khuli Chana!

Instagram: @khulichana01

Twitter: @KhuliChana

Facebook: @KhuliChana

 

-Bridgette Makhela

Christopher Jaftha On The Industry, Juggling His Titles And Some Wise Words

Christopher David Joshua Jaftha / 32 / Actor / Presenter / Model

How and when did your journey into the entertainment industry begin?

In 2000 when I left school. I did voluntary work for three years, we raised money for HIV and AIDS orphanages through industrial theater.

You carry so many titles, how do you find the time to juggle all your jobs?

It’s not easy but it’s a good problem to have. I try and prioritize and get as much done as possible, so I am able to free myself for the next opportunity.

How does a typical day in your life go?

Pray, eat, gym, work, eat, work, eat, work.

Do you attend all the events you get invited to?

I don’t attend all events I get invited to. I simply don’t have all that time. I’ll go if I have committed and work doesn’t get in the way.

How do you distress?

I go to the cinema on my own, take drives on my own, chill on my own.

What has the industry taught you?

Spread your wings as far and as wide as possible, you need to be versatile, be a jack of all trades and master of some.

Anything you would change about your journey so far?

I would’ve started investing in property at a much younger age, and probably studied Drama instead of Fine Art.

Would you spill the beans on any exciting projects coming up for you?

I have a cameo in a feature film to be released next year.

Some wise words to live by?

“You are what you repeatedly do, excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” ~Aristotle

Follow Christopher!

Instagram: @chrisjaftha

Twitter: @chrisjaftha

Facebook: Christopher Jaftha

–Bridgette Makhela

Get To Know Khathu, DJ And Funny Guy

Khathu Litshani

27

Mix DJ / Comedian / Radio Producer / Record Label Owner / Music Producer  

Firstly, what’s Khathu all about?

Khathu is about happiness and spreading good vibes, a very easy going kinda guy who works hard and gives life his all.

You’re known all over social media for your ‘Abuti Nice Time’ funny videos, how did you start the movement?

My videos began when I was promoting an event I was hosting. I uploaded a video inviting people to come party with me…The manner and accent in which I made the video was what  got people talking, so from that first video people requested me to upload more videos, I gave in and from then on it has just been video after video and I’m loving it!

Your funny videos opened up some big doors, how did this come about?

My videos helped open up a lot of doors for me within the South African entertainment industry. I got deals from big companies wanting me to represent their brands, wanting to work with me and they also helped with growing my DJ career, as I started getting more bookings and traveling more. I started getting noticed by a lot of people and brands.

Being a DJ, what negative factors does the title come with?

Being a DJ isn’t easy, especially when it comes to relationships because there is a stigma attached to the career; which is that all DJs are players and cannot be trusted…which is not true. Besides that, there are not a lot of challenges, I enjoy my work!

How has your new single ‘Love Her Like She Ain’t Mine featuring Vugar M Beats and Kidd Nemo been received so far?

My single Love Her Like She Ain’t Mine has been received very well and is on a few charts and radio stations.  Although I have not full on executed the PR and Marketing plan for it, the love is amazing. Ladies love it, the gents jam to it so I’m happy…I’ll be shooting a video for it in the next few weeks, it’s the second single from my upcoming EP that will drop on the 14th of August, which is also my birthday.

Any more music that your fans can expect soon?

2016 sees DJ Khathu dropping an EP with about eight tracks. So more hits, more timeless music and out of this world music videos.

You’re always making people laugh, what makes Khathu laugh?

As much as people see me as the funny guy and always wonder what makes me laugh, it really is just people, people are so special. I also always look on the bright side of any situation that gets presented to me.

A burger or pap?

As a proud Venda man, I have to say pap!

What are some of the goals you are working towards achieving?

I have a lot of goals set out for the future, but some of my 2016 goals are to grow my business, invest in some property, release more music and never stop gigging!

Follow Khathu!

Instagram: @djkhathu

Twitter: Dj_khathu

Facebook: Dj khathu / Khathu DjKhathu Litshani (Dj-khathu) / Khathu DjKhathu Litshani II

 

–Bridgette Makhela