Kempton Park rapper Klouty claims second place at East Side Talent Show
The event showcased talent from across the East Rand, and Klouty sees it as a stepping stone to bigger dreams in the music industry.
Zweli Ntombela, professionally known as Klouty, recently secured second place at the East Side Talent Show, held at Capello Birchleigh North in Kempton Park.
The event brought together performers from across the East Rand, showcasing a wide range of talent.
“The competition was more than I could ever ask for. Artists usually have to go through great lengths to get to events like this, but I am glad it was hosted close to home.
“It was well organised compared to other events I have attended, where I did not even get the chance to perform,” said Klouty.
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He entered the competition through an invitation from the CEO of Ghetto Heroes Home, known as Brazzo.
“He’s truly a visionary who makes things happen,” Klouty added.
An unexpected a cappella performance in the final, tested his nerves.
“My song NTSWEMBU was my choice because of advice from my dad. He told me that I rap well but should start adding vernac into my music.
“Songs with vernac really get the crowd going, and I wasn’t disappointed by the reception,” he said.
“Of course, I wanted to take first place one day, but it just wasn’t in God’s plan this time. I’m honoured to have lost to Pillzzz, who is definitely next up in the rap game. I hope this motivates me to push even harder.”
For Klouty, the a cappella round was about more than music.
“I’ve had a stutter since I was young and used to be frightened of stuttering in front of a crowd.
“But I know God gave me this speech impediment so I could overcome it and realise the power of my voice.
“I got through the a cappella without a single stutter or mistake, and I realised my stutter was never a disability, but a gift from God.”
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Reflecting on the experience, he added: “I kept repeating in my head, I am Klouty, I am made for this, and this is my destiny.
“I told myself I can’t be nervous performing in front of a medium-sized crowd when I have dreams of performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people. These performances are stepping stones to my bigger dreams.”
Klouty hopes to build lasting relationships with artists and producers in the entertainment industry.
