Rising star wants to take it to the world
"My journey as a hip-hop musician was nurtured as early as the age of 15."
Northern Cape-born and raised artist Melikhaya Mlotsotwana, with the stage name Jaykha, is proud of the progress of his career.
The East Rand-based local multi-talented rising star is set to raise the bar as he also launched his clothing brand in 2016 called Amandla.
“My journey as a hip-hop musician was nurtured as early as the age of 15. My Xhosa-Sotho background has grown a strong backbone of musical independence, so too has my ability to push boundaries and mesmerise in a bold quest for both experimentation and intimacy. My lush and characteristic sound celebrates homegrown storytelling,” said Jaykha.
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Ambitiously battling to emerge as a respected lyricist and musician, Jaykha has managed to differentiate himself with a righteous delivery, which infuses blends of modern-day Kasi hip-hop and a good old kick of realism.
“I am here to bring to the table a flow far more personal,” he said.
Jaykha said he was introduced to fellow-minded creatives that went on to form a rap group called Mic Hustlers.
“Within the duration of the companionship, we managed to produce two mixtapes, which fuelled my hunger to become a solo act. In 2013, I released my first solo project titled Suddenly, which made its official debut in the streets in early 2014.
“Between 2014 and 2017, I started to build a network of talent around me, with the likes of The Fraternity, Blaklez, NVeigh and P Dot O, while honing my skills and staying true to my unique sound,” he said.
In the midst of it all, the young creative then started a street culture clothing line, Amandla Clothing, alongside business partner Misani Gawushe.
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“My brand has had successful partnerships with musicians, government entities and sportsmen. It took the next level with the foundation of my record label Mashalon Music, releasing two integrated singles Ziyawa and Khumbul’eKhaya. I soon released my EP called Long Story Short,” he said.
When 2021 started, he released visuals and a soundtrack for his long-awaited single Church. This was followed by Better Than, which was produced by the talented MaceBSX, who produced the Ama Million by hitmaker Big Zulu.
“My latest offering titled Dream is steadily building momentum on the airwaves and has a music video, which dropped soon after the release.
“I am proud of the progress that has come thus far and I can say I am marching the path paved by hard work. People should watch the space,” he said.
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