Family Tree Rapper Tshego Interview
The talented musician dropped his debut album called Since 1990 which has helped elevate his career. Tshego did the hook on Cassper’s song titled Cold Hearted on Tsholofelo and Family Tree said they couldn’t help but sign the young star. We got to interview him and this is how it went:
Describe yourself in 5 words?
Musically blessed and creatively gifted.
What made you decide to use Tshego as your stage name?
The nickname I was given in high school (Shag) was a little much. Too many questions, not enough answers. It made it hard to do serious business. Radio stations wouldn’t want to say the name, TV interviews were a hassle. I just decided to get back to what was real.
When did you start making music?
When I was 13 I started writing. Only later, at 16, did I start learning how to produce my own music.
Is there a particular artist that made you feel like you would want to be a musician?
Too many. Genuwine, Sisqo, 112, Donell Jones, KC & Jojo, New Edition, Jagged Edge, Jaheim, John B, Case, Usher, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, etc. Growing up all my parents really let me listen to were the rnb dudes. When I got a little older and a little rebellious, guys like Ja Rule, M.O.P, DMX, Busta Rhymes, Q Tip, Mos Def, etc. inspired my craft.
Basically, if I listened to your music, and I thought it was amazing, you helped get me to where I am as a musician today.
Not to forget Big Pun, Tupac AND Biggie!
What albums did you grow up listening to?
I really couldn’t afford to buy albums while growing up. It was all radio for me. The radio had everything I wanted to play.
Musically who are your biggest influences?
To keep it short I’ll name two. They change all the time, but right now it would have to be Major Lazer and Kanye West
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I traveled back and forth to SA until I permanently relocated to Mafikeng in 2002
How do you prepare for your shows?
Practice, innovation, practice and more practice
Did you always know you wanted a career in Showbiz?
No. When I was really young maybe 8/9 I thought I’d be come a Veterinarian or some kind of scientist. My mom was so happy lol.
So tell us, how did you meet Cassper?
I met Cassper in Mafikeng. We’d meet each other in passing on the streets, at party’s, on school grounds when our school teams were playing against each other, etc. Soon we had friends in the same circles. We both started making music and heard each other’s work. The rest is history.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the game and what do you think can be done better?
I love it. I love what’s happening. I love the growth. Awards and award ceremonies, the politics.. Those are all different stories, but just in terms of what’s happening for the industry here, I love it!
What issues are you most concerned about in the industry?
I’m not concerned about anything! To each his own. We all just need to continue doing our very best to represent the culture while growing it.
How has signing with Family Tree changed your career?
It’s definitely opened me up to a bigger market. I no longer have to fight to be heard. All I get to focus on now is making my vision a reality while making the dopest music I’ve ever made.
I know the ladies want to know if you are dating anyone?
There is someone very special that I’ve been growing with, and plan to continue growing with.
What do you do for fun?
I used to club all the time, but in 2015 that completely stopped. Now everyone comes over to my house and we vibe, and we make music in the process. That’s fun!
Top 5 places to hang-out in Jozi?
My studio/house
7th Street, Melville
Sotho Mafia Studio’s, Melville
Braam
Anywhere that’s not a club
Top 5 rappers in the game?
In no particular order.
1. KO
2. Cassper
3. AKA
4. Okmalumekoolcat
5. Reason
And one more!
6. S-Jiggy of HashOne, he’s too flamey.
Top 5 dead or alive rappers?
1. Biggie
2. Nas
3. Drake
4. Kendrick
5. Eminem.
What can we expect in the 2nd half of 2015 from Tshego?
You can expect an iTunes release of ‘Since 1990’ with adjustments to the track listing. A video coming soon for one of my biggest songs. From there, a lot of smart moves to continue the brand growth well into 2016 and beyond.
What advice can you give to up and coming rappers?
Invest in yourself! That record deal or handout is not coming, everything you’ve ever dreamt of can all be made possible by YOU!
Any words of wisdom to the youth?
Believe in your dreams, and invest in them.
Where can your fans reach you?
www.officialtshego.com is where the office is
Other than that you can search for “OfficialTshego” on all social networks and you will find me.
