Machesa is a rapper who has been in the industry for a decade. While many rappers are talented, Machesa is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to showcase his skills to the entire country. We recently caught up with him to discuss how his career is progressing.
You’ve been rapping for over ten years now. How has your style evolved over the years, and what inspired that growth?
Machesa: You have to understand that when we were starting out it was all about bars. It was a different era in Hip Hop. Over the years I’ve become more musical. I’m a better songwriter now. I believe my evolution is inspired by my personal growth as man, within the industry and in life. I guess it’s true what they say, “you live, and you learn”.
Growing up in Groblersdal, how has your hometown influenced your music and your journey as an artist?
Machesa: Obviously growing in my hood, my experiences are what shaped my whole outlook and perspective. That crosses over into the artistry. I never make or collaborate on projects that go against my beliefs and moral.
You’ve been consistent in the game for a decade. What’s been the key to maintaining your passion and staying relevant in the industry?
Machesa: Some people play football, some are Doctors, I make Music. I don’t make music for the fame or the money. It’s in my veins and I believe I’m the best at what I do. I don’t need external motivation for me to keep doing what I do. That consistency is what keeps me relevant in the industry.
Limpopo has a rich cultural heritage. How do you incorporate your cultural roots into your music?
Machesa: In every way possible. I am a product of my environment. The way that I talk. The way that I walk, my whole demeanour. I make it a point to collaborate with the many great creatives in Limpopo. Home is where I draw my inspiration.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a rapper from Limpopo, and how have you overcome them?
Machesa: My biggest challenge was getting a platform to showcase our product. From studios, marketing structures to live events (gigs). After High school I enrolled at the Academy of Sound Engineering. That’s where I learnt about the inner workings of the industry. We had to setup our own platforms. Today I’m a record label co-owner and we push our product independently. It was hard but I appreciate the experience.
How do you feel the South African hip-hop scene has changed since you first started, and where do you see it heading?
Machesa : Obviously sonically it has changed over the years with the difference waves. As for Hip Hop, I don’t think much has changed. It’s still as competitive as ever, maybe more so now with the rise of social media and platforms like Sound Cloud. Sadly, we all know we live in a Dance music country. I see a lot of rappers going against the grain and doing other genres. Maybe that’s what SA Hip Hop needs. We are the best writers after all.
Can you tell us about a defining moment in your career that made you realize you were destined for this path?
Machesa: When Msawawa came out of the suitcase… I thought I was going to be a child star.
Which artists, both local and international, have had the biggest impact on your sound, and how have they influenced your music?
Machesa: AB soul; Lil Wayne; Khuli Chana; Teargas and Nasty C. These are the only rappers that I bumped, at different points in my in my journey, that made me feel like I was number 2. They made me experiment more with my sound.
What message or story do you hope to convey through your music to your fans, especially those from Limpopo?
Machesa :
“Bophelo bo tletse mamenemene.
This man that man many men.
Wish death on warrix monna ke go ema ema.
Dira dilo tsa gago dira dire okase phomelele.”
What’s next for Machesa? Can we expect new music, collaborations, or any major projects in the coming months?
Machesa : I have two joint EP’s in the pipeline. One with K- Five and the other with JT, both extremely gifted upcoming artists also from Limpopo. I have an EP which is a continuation of one I previously released in 2019 “Friday Freestyle the short story”. I just want to get the business right this time. I have to make sure that sonically they are competitive and have a budget for visuals, marketing etc… I believe I have “Juice Back” in the locker.