Dieplsoot hip-hop artist uses music to fight gender-based violence and substance abuse
Having overcome homelessness and personal hardship, multi-talented creative William 'Lalas Kholo' Sekgobela is now helping young people in Diepsloot discover purpose, avoid substance abuse, and use art as a path to a better future.
William ‘Lalas Kholo’ Sekgobela’s music has always been more than entertainment; it is a tool for healing, mentorship, and social change.
The multi-talented creative, who blends hip-hop with Afro-pop, Afro-beat, trap, and Afro-soul influences, uses his voice to uplift young people and address pressing community issues, such as gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse, and youth empowerment.
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Sekgobela’s journey began in Limpopo at the age of eight when he started imitating music legends like Mduduzi ‘Mandoza’ Tshabalala, Arthur Mafokate, and Lebo Mathosa.
His passion later evolved into a youth movement called All in One, which he started while still in Grade 8. “I recruited young people from my high school and former primary school in Limpopo. We did poetry, music, and dance. I facilitated, as a teenager, and was supported by LoveLife.”
The movement became the foundation of his passion for youth development and mentorship. After relocating to Diepsloot in 2016, he immersed himself in community work.
He volunteered at Afrika Tikkun in 2017 before joining South African National Council in Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) in 2021, where he facilitated drug awareness outreach programmes.
Today, he works as a trainer and community engagement leader for Action Breaks Silence, focusing on violence prevention against women and girls.
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Sekgobela said his passion for fighting GBV is deeply personal. “I am passionate about addressing GBV and femicide because it is my way of being the voice that my mother never had. She was abused for a long time and passed away when I was eight. I grew up promising myself that no woman around me should ever feel alone.”
Despite facing homelessness and personal struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic, he refused to give up on his dreams or his community work. He now continues to mentor young people through arts and culture programmes, helping them develop their talents while encouraging positive choices.
“I want young people to understand the power of self-awareness and purpose.
We need to create opportunities for ourselves, support one another, and stay away from substances and a toxic lifestyle.”
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