Goof Young is on a road to success

Ofitlhile Matau, also known as Goof Young, is a young Midrand-raised hip-hop star who pushes to create music he is passionate about despite the hurdles.

Matau is a rapper and qualified sound engineer, and his ability to ‘hear’ the sound gives him the advantage to set himself apart from the rest as he adds a different taste of innovation to his music.

He describes himself as misunderstood at times but the type of person who could relate to anyone. “Whether poor, rich, white or black, a very different type of character, more like putting Marvel and DC in one comic. Very unlikely to find,” he described himself.

“My love for hip-hop I could say was inspired by the various ways one can express themselves through rap music.” Growing up he would listen to international hip-hop artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Lil Wayne.

“By 2002, when I was five years old, I remember trying to imitate Slim Shady [Eminem], and all I was doing was mumbling using his flow and my older brother explained to me that I have to say the words as I flow. By 2007, I heard PMW by Lil Wayne and after a month of reciting that song word for word, I had found myself already writing my own bars [lyrics],” he added.

He is working on the release of his project and he highlighted some of his struggles as an up-and-coming hip-hop artist. “I would say clout [marketing], funding, lack of platforms where one can showcase their talent, these days especially in hip-hop. Locally you do not need to have good music or even a distinct sound as long as you have good marketing and money people follow.

“But I keep in mind how much love, passion and faith I have in the music as well as how good I actually am in making it. It brings a lot of joy to me when I make music. I know and believe my time will come.”