Local artist gears up to take his sound from DJ mixes to premium music
Thato Ramasehla (20) is a passionate artist on his way to learning how to produce his own music.
Kwa-Thema – Thato Ramasehla (20) is building a name for himself in the art and music industry. He is well known by his stage name, Mthatos, a name he got on the street.
When starting out his career, Thato did not have big equipment or a studio. He started with only passion.
“I became an artist by starting where I was – sharing my DJ mixes and content through social media, WhatsApp and Facebook. I would post a mix and watch people from my location share it. That gave me confidence,” he said.
Thato says he is a pure amapiano artist who has his own distinct taste. He is a lover of soulful, deep, private-school piano that makes people feel something.
The inspiration behind his interest is that amapiano is our culture, saying it speaks for us when we cannot speak.
“This path is like therapy for me. Honestly, music is what kept me away from the wrong things in kasi. When I am behind the decks, I am at peace. I chose this path because it chose me and it saved me,” he added.
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His musical journey officially began this year in Kwa-Thema, Esjandeni. Before that, Thato was just a bedroom DJ, practising at home, learning on his own and watching other DJs.
He looks up to a lot of heavyweights who shaped the sound he loves, such as ATK Music, Shakaman, LeeroSoul, Jandas and Jaivane.
“The one artist I truly wish to work with is ATK Music. That collaboration would mean everything to me. It would be a full-circle moment.
“At the moment I am still learning how to produce. I am part of a movement called Boots Movement – we are learning, growing and pushing each other.
“I have not dropped my own produced songs yet, but I have DJ mixes that people love out there. The big thing to expect is original music soon,” he said.
He is currently working on learning production and building his catalogue under Boots Movement.
“And the biggest project right now is my debut EP. It does not have a title yet, but it is a very personal project about my journey from Mapetla to where I am going.
“It will be released in my birthday month, April 2027. I want to give people something that heals them,” he said.
His vision is to see audiences truly enjoying his DJ sets – not just dancing, but feeling. His goal is to create a real fanbase, a family that understands the Mthatos sound.
“I want young kids from my kasi to see me and believe it is possible. What motivates my music is healing.
“I realised that most people heal themselves by listening to music. Someone might be depressed, heartbroken or stressed, and my mix makes them feel better,” Thato explained.
“That is what motivates me – to know that my sound can heal someone I have never even met.”
He concluded by mentioning that his work has made him travel, giving him endless lessons and experiences. Thato thanked everyone who is currently supporting his craft and hard work.
