Local artist aims for the stars

Born and bred in Ikageng, Olebogeng Motsemme, aka “Mon-T TrapPrince”, discovered his passion for music when he was just eight years old. “I come from a family of musically inclined people. I would often get inspiration from the music my mother used to play, and that added a twist to my hip-hop sound,” Mon-T said.

Besides his mother, the 25-year-old said he also draws much creative inspiration from his brothers. The eldest is a deejay, the other an author and a poet.
Mon-T describes music as magic because it has brought him healing over the years. “The path I have decided to take isn’t easy, and I have faced many disappointments, but the music always makes it worth it,” he said.

After being disappointed by record labels in the past, Mon-T got signed to an independent record label called “Rome Creations”, which he describes as the best decision.
“I was drawn to his passion for being the best version of himself, and I noticed how talented he was,” Romeo Malefo, founder of Rome Creations, said.

Together, they recently released three singles titled “Move Over”, “Freeway” and “Envy”. They are currently finalising Olebogeng’s first solo EP, titled “Love and Hate”, to be released on 20 May 2022. The two say the EP is something to look forward to because it features other popular local artists.
In 2019, Mon-T TrapPrince entered the Department of Arts and Culture’s music competition and won first place. He was then invited to be part of a group called Nu World Order.

He has done a few radio interviews and performs in Gauteng. “Deejay Sbu also invited me to perform at one of his shows in 2020,” he said.
Looking forward to the release of his new work, Mon-T is keen to inspire the youth. “I want people always to remember to give it their all in everything they do,” he concluded.