Young rapper aims for the stars

Whoever said you need to be older in order to make your mark, has clearly never met 19-year-old Sifiso Lekhuleni of Manyeveni. This enthusiastic young man is defying the odds and making it happen for himself.

Having been involved in entertainment since the age of nine, it came as no surprise for him to win the role of Falakhe in Ngalutfota Lolumanti, a Ligwalagwala FM soapie.

Lekhuleni says being in the entertainment industry has taught him a lot, and the main lesson he has learnt is to remain humble forever, no matter how big the achievement might feel.

“People did not know that I played Falakhe, but social media was just a bomb waiting to explode. Now that they know, my name has somewhat changed from Sifiso to Falakhe, and I don’t have a problem with that, I appreciate it. I am not a celebrity, I’m just a young boy hustling to make it in the industry,” said Lakhuleni.

This youngster is currently working on releasing his second album. “In one of the songs, DJ Shabba will be rapping, this is a side of him which people have never heard, and I know he will blow them away,” he said.

This rapper is really going against the grain with regard to his lifestyle. He takes education seriously. He is currently enrolled at the University of Johannesburg for BCom Accounting, and he is a vigorous reader.

“I am currently funded through the DD Mabuza Foundation, which I used to think would be impossible, but look at me now, I am studying and it’s exciting.

I am businessminded, and as much as I’m an entertainer, I need to understand the business prospects as well, this qualification will help me a great deal. I am currently reading the Hustler’s Bible, by Gayton McKenzie.

I am a focused young person, so it’s a perfect combination, just what I need.” While his peers are out partying and chasing girls, Lekhuleni says those things can wait, as his plan is to make it first. Lekhuleni will launch his album at Cargo Lounge on July 25, and he says it will be serious business.

Tickets will be sold at the gate for just R30 and the show will start at 17:00.