WITH determination and a desire to constantly improve his skills as a rapper, Teboho Sokopo from Jeffreys Bay plans to release his first mixtape in the near future.
It is his hope to use his experience to help other artists in the region achieve their dreams.
Sepoko’s love for rapping started at the age of seven af-ter listening to music by rapper, Tupac Shakur, with his elder brother, Zolani Sokopo.
His brother, however, was involved with gang activity in the area and spent more time in prison than he did with his family.
Sokopo was never interested in the bad elements in his area, instead, he focused on improving himself and bettering the lives of people around him.
He says during his childhood he mainly concentrated on his schoolwork and rapping.
“I learnt from my brother’s deeds. His life-story has influenced my music, but I never wanted to get involved with adverse activities. I believe that if something does not develop or improve me, I do not see the use of being a part of it,” says Sokopo.
The dedicated rapper attributes his ability to stay focused and away from all the bad in his area to his late mother, Thobeka Sokopo, who died in 2009.
At the age of 10 years, Sokopo (known by stage name Keemo Bankz) and his friend, Musa Peter, began rapping freestyle and recording themselves on cassette tapes for fun.
He says he did not realise the impact music would have on his life and his career.
Sokopo started his full-time rapping career in 2011 and with hard work and dedication recorded his first song, Money Bag, in his bedroom. He released it on various digital platforms in 2017.
Earlier this year, he released his debut Extended Play (EP) titled, Trap Bible, and his four-track EP, Roses From The Trap.
Sokopo is currently working on his debut mixtape, Trapped in my thoughts, which will be released later this year.
“I rap about life in general and the pain I have experienced. I also rap about having fun, because we need to have fun no matter how hard life hits us. I believe that you cannot have fun if you do not create it for yourself.”
Two singles which will feature on the mixtape, Pressure II and Smoke Beef were released earlier this year on various digital selling platforms.
Sokopo says that Pressure II highlights the pressure he felt doing everything by himself, but still receiving disapproval from other artists.
“I am a verified artist on every relevant selling platform and lyrics websites. I was able to do well in the music industry by putting pressure on myself despite receiving criticism from many,” he states.
“I am very eager to learn more about the music industry and my curiosity has helped me to achieve a lot.”
In a bid to help other artists, Sokopo founded his own record label, JBAY Summer Records LLC, in 2011. This was done to assist local artists to upload their music online.
Sokopo believes there are many talented artists in his area, but, unfortunately, they do not know much about the industry and are, therefore, not able to pursue their dreams.
“I’m looking forward to using the label for more artists and teach them what I know about music and the business industry.”
