Expensive taste and high hopes being recognised across the city

Crafted with direction and purpose, great music comes through guided journey of discovery.

Infusing attitude and charm into soulful beats is 27-year-old Dlozi Gregory ‘Cheddar’ Mahlatse. Harmoniously maintaining his exemplary standards, Cheddar secured his third consecutive 011 City Awards nomination, acknowledged in the 2020 edition in two categories, Artist of the Year, and Producer of the Year. As the 011 area code suggests, the awards are a platform to acknowledge Johannesburg’s best entertainment media personalities.

After beginning primary school in Dobsonville, Cheddar would complete his matric at Tulip Combined Secondary in 2011 before embarking on his musical quest. Damelin College and Boston Media House would be his stepping stones to success, earning qualifications in sound engineering, and digital music production and composition in 2014 and 2016, respectively.

Now specialising in the production of hip hop and new age kwaito, Cheddar is testing his vocal talents in the increasingly popular amapiano genre. “The amapiano sound has brought us so many new faces that are very talented,” he said. “My sound is original and authentic, and it speaks to my fellow Africans. I combine old school and modern production elements to create music that speaks to everyone,” he continued.

The ‘Cheddar’ persona was born out of an early gravitation to and eventual pursuit of the finer things in life. “I was named that by a friend in high school because I had expensive taste,” he laughed. His recent nominations are validation of his childhood dreams and future ambitions. “They mean a lot to me, especially the fact that I was nominated three years in a row shows my work ethic and being consistent,” he stressed.

The show never stops and neither does the drive to expand and evolve. “As a record label and entertainment company owner, my dream is to develop and introduce more talented artists and producers from around the country. To my fellow West Rand artists, all we can do is support and respect each one’s craft; we don’t have to be friends,” he encouraged.

To follow Cheddar’s grind, check out his social media platform with the ubiquitous handle @Cheddar_rsa or book the talented artist at cheddarpvent@gmail.com or pventertainment11@gmail.com.