The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
THE Bulawayo music industry, particularly the rap and hip-hop genre continues to grow, with many young artistes emerging, all promising to be better than the next.
For one up-and-coming rapper Mthokozisi Nkomo, who turns 18 in a few weeks, the sky is definitely not the limit for him, as he is in the process of landing a deal to record a few tracks with one of South Africa’s biggest musical stables — Afrotainment.
Better known as Lui Gold, he started rapping in 2013, while he was still in school — Plumtree High. Since venturing into the industry he has recorded a 12-track mixtape.
“It was produced at Hustle XL studios in Cowdray Park in 2015. Basically the mixtape touches on a lot of things that happen in Bulawayo, faced by the youths. I give an insight or a better perspective about issues youths encounter. For example I talk about the good side of Vuzu parties, despite them being condemned. I make ‘Feel Good Music’,” he said, adding that he was working on a 20-track album, scheduled for release in August this year.
Lui Gold mentioned that some of the tracks were dedicated to those that have been in his life.
“Some of the tracks are dedicated to those that believed in me and to those that have supported me. I am working on recording some videos for the tracks,” said Lui Gold.
With regard to his Afrotainment deal, Lui Gold said he met local entertainment promoter Marshal Mpofu a few months ago, after he had heard a few of his songs.
“I met Marshal through my mother. He said my music was good and that he could get me out there, since he is linked and has ties with Afrotainment. We sent one of my singles to DJ Fisherman and he liked it. Presently we are in negotiations about recording there,” he said.
Lui Gold has performed at Horizon during Takura’s Varsity Tour and his latest at the Black Motion gig, over the Unity Day holiday.
“I have performed at the Flow Fest sessions at Club Forty 40, and at many other events,” he said.
Lui Gold noted how his mother was supportive of his career.
“It wasn’t easy getting to convince her to take this seriously but she is supportive now. Like any other parent her concern is to have their child getting a decent education,” said Lui Gold.
Marshal Mpofu, who has promoted one of the biggest shows in Bulawayo — the DJ Tira show — said his intensions were to get young talented artistes recognised and to land them deals with multi-million record labels.
“The kid is talented and as a promoter I want to get him out there. I am not only focusing on Lui Gold and I urge interested artistes to approach me,” he said.
@peterkmatika
