The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WITH the growing popularity of indigenous languages in the arts sector, one underground hip-hop artiste KSmash has quickly embraced the trend and has released his Tonga rap single, “Balikwizi Loko”.
The single is an infusion of Tonga, English and Ndebele rap and talks about how humble beginnings can sometimes end as success stories.
The single’s title, “Balikwizi Loko” directly translates to “They know” and the 21-year-old KSmash says that this alludes to people being made conscious of Tonga culture.
“There is a certain stigma that Tonga people have always been faced with and with this track, I aim to make people aware of where we as a people come from and where we are going,” he said.
KSmash, whose birth name is Khulekani Mweembe grew up in Siachilaba Village in Binga.
“I have been a hip-hop fan since 2004 and at the time, I was really young but it was not until 2006 when I was 10 years old that I tried my luck at writing music and that is when the idea for my recording studio came to me,” said KSmash.
A jack of all trades, KSmash not only raps but produces and directs music videos all from his recording studio which he built in his mother’s backyard.
From this studio, Ksmash has released a number of albums, the latest being “4 the Grind” which he released early this year.
Among his role models and idols, KSmash names DJ Khaled and Dr Dre and says he aspires to be like them as his career advances.
KSmash is set to release his next album “4 the Grind 2” later this year and that could be something to look out for.
@nkocykay
