Diepsloot rapper keeps hip hop alive with new mixtape

Diepsloot artist William Sekgobela, popularly known as Lalas Kholo, has released his 10-track hip hop mixtape Back Pack on May 21, a project he said reflects both his life journey and passion for keeping rap music alive.

The mixtape mixes hip hop and Afrobeat while keeping his storytelling style, shaped by poetry and touched with reggae and Afro-soul sounds.

Read more: From football to mic: Foks’ journey to becoming a rap sensation

“I’ve built a name for myself through music that carries strong social messages while still entertaining listeners. I’m trying to avoid the Lekompo traffic for now and keep rap alive.

“I use music mostly to express myself and my view of the world and issues faced daily. Even if it’s a turn-up song, there’s always a message,” he added.

Sekgobela’s journey in music started at the age of eight in Limpopo, where he imitated stars such as Mandoza and Arthur Mafokate.

Inspired by encouragement from his late aunt, he began freestyling songs and dance moves before later combining poetry, rap and storytelling in his music.

He said his experiences with homelessness and struggling to break into the industry nearly pushed him to give up during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: Diepsloot star turns hardship into Afrobeat gold with new hit

“That year, I was homeless and staying at a church where my type of music was not accepted. Multiple times I thought of quitting, but I kept asking myself, ‘Who will inspire these young people in Diepsloot if I stop?’”

Beyond music, he is also a youth mentor and facilitator involved in programmes focusing on violence prevention against women and girls, arts and culture, and compassionate leadership.

One of his proudest career moments was collaborating with AB Crazy on the song Nna le wena, as well as working with American rapper Black Rage Infinity.

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