This is the motto of Fortune Mashimbye, also known as Chimmy Ace Pac, a Tsonga rap artist, film producer, writer, director, and founder of Mhlahlandlela Business Enterprise from Sikhunyani village outside Giyani. “I like many music genres but fell in love with rap music after listening to Tupac’s songs,” Fortune says.

“His music is highly relevant, and through that, I started writing poems at school and later recording the songs.” He says he does not only produce music, but he also sings and writes songs for other artists in a variety of genres. He recently worked on a song called Gee Sport with Giyani’s female DJ, Lady Shiks. “I have been following Lady Shiks on social media and love her work. Working with her means a lot to me as she is one of the people I look up to.

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She has always been supportive of my work.” He says for the song he introduced Side Chick to Lady Shiks. “When she first heard the title of the song, she thought it was vulgar. We explained the context and then she was happy with it,” adds Fortune. Fortune finds it challenging to focus on both his business and music. “Because my business needs a lot of commitment, I don’t find the time to make connections to organise gigs for myself,” he says.

“I would advise youngsters to get a qualification in a field other than sports and art as both are challenging industries to make a living in,” he adds. He has worked with Dee en Kay, DJ Gami, Hlamalani, Artee, Junia Mkharhi, Xphola, Corejack, General Manizo, Bad Company, DJ Sunco, Mafosi Try by Force, PH raw, Ma Elly, Xmile and Wezmatiq Records. “The Gee Sport song was recorded at DJ Sunco’s studio,” he concludes.