Solo has all the right moves
A failed bid to become an accountant did not mean disaster for new hip-hop kid Zothile Langa – better known as Solo.
FLYING HIGH. Hip-hop up-and-comer, Solo. Picture: Supplied
The Johannesburg-born and raised musician, who has been writing songs for the past 15 years, will soon be releasing the video for his new single, Overtime. The catchy, head-bopping tune, which has been charting on 5FM and YFM and has even crossed borders by being playlisted on Yarona FM in Botswana, has seen Solo breaking into an already heavily-saturated market, where he competes for a piece of the proverbial pie with AKA, Cassper, K.O. and Kid X.
“I don’t think it’s too hard to separate myself from the pack. Telling my story means that my music will always be unique to me,” says the 28-year-old. “The centre of my music is the art of story-telling and creating a visual picture.”
Solo finished high school in 2005 and went on to study accounting at the University of Johannesburg. He did not finish his degree because he chose to pursue his career in music. In 2011, he launched his first EP No shades of grey receiving a 4/5 rating in hip-hop magazine Hype.
He then released his first single, Bad, and signed with Sama winner and recording artist Kabomo Vilakazi’s record label Grey Dreaming. His feet are firmly on the ground, though.
“I don’t even consider this new-found fame or success just yet. Sure, I’ve been able to make some strides, but I don’t confuse it for anything other than laying a good foundation,” he says.
This despite the stylish rapper with the big smile being signed as the first South African ambassador for fashionable London street wear brand Criminal Damage. Of his video, which will be launched on DStv’s Channel O, he says the concept is all about timing – the perfect metaphor for his career.
FLYING HIGH. Hip-hop up-and-comer, Solo. Picture: Supplied
“The video was shot in the Johannesburg CBD. It has elements of grime to match the rawness of the song. The concept is simple: using time as a commodity. A resource we often take for granted.”
With last year’s award for Freshman/Newcomer of the Year at the South African Hip-Hop Awards behind his name, the backing of Kabomo and the upcoming launch of his video, Solo is well on his way to stardom.
