Thembisa artist Blessing Mathabathe releases new mixtape, aims for global success
After years of hustle and artistic growth, Thembisa rapper and songwriter Blessing Mathabathe has dropped his mixtape, hoping to inspire the township youth.
Blessing Lerato Mathabathe (22) from Leboeng Section, Thembisa, began his music journey in 2019 after a friend, Martin Chauke (aka MarrInTheTrap), invited him to a studio session at MG’s studio.
At the time, Mathabathe was primarily a songwriter and poet.
“The love of arts and culture, the ability to change the mood and capture iconic moments that will be recorded in the history of HipHop, RnB, and a little Afro Tech, drew me in.
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“I love HipHop because it allows raw self-expression, and RnB because I connect deeply with the world,” he said.
Mathabathe cites artists such as Nasty C, AKA, Priddy Ugly, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller, H.E.R., Kendrick Lamar, and Maglera Doe Boy as influences who inspire his music and songwriting.
He recalls his first performance at EWC Thembisa, where a few schoolgirls asked him for autographs, an experience that made him feel like a celebrity.
Yet, he remembers the struggles of being an upcoming artist.
“At one point, my crew and I were stranded in Johannesburg with no money to get home. It was about 01:30.
“Days like that showed me how tough it is starting, the lack of paying gigs and the challenges we face,” he said.
In mid-November, Mathabathe released his mixtape, THE SAUCY PICASSO, aiming to capture the hearts of the youth through his music.
“I am going to be a Grammy Award-winning artist one day, with my own art school, record label, clothing brand, and more. I am from the townships, and I want to bring township stories and dreams to life. I know what starting from the bottom really looks like,” he added.
He also shared his personal philosophy.
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“Where you come from and how you look don’t determine how your story ends. Everything starts with a choice.
“Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Never stop, never settle, never doubt, never give up, your potential is infinite.”
Outside of music, Mathabathe enjoys soccer, playing, watching, and analysing the game with his family. He also practices boxing, which surprises many given his weight class, but he enjoys the adrenaline rush and challenge.
“When I’m not making music, I’m either playing soccer or boxing. I like pushing myself in ways that challenge me and make me grow,” he said.
