Artist addresses real-life challenges in his music
Katlego, who goes by the stage name of KayGeeXI, has been using his music to tell stories about real-life events that many South African can relate to.
Zandspruit could easily be perceived as a shanty-town, with little hope for survival, but its young people are full of potential and yearn to make a difference.
One that is making a difference is 23-year-old Katlego Mau, a hip hop artist from the area who is living proof that unearthed talent exists in Zandspruit.
Katlego, who goes by the stage name of KayGeeXI, has been using his music to tell stories about real-life events that many South African can relate to.
After his soccer career fell apart, the youngster said he pursued his second dream on a full-time basis in 2016. “Right after my football dreams were shattered, I realised I had to focus on my music with the aim of bringing change and positive attention to the community I come from,” he said, adding that Zandspruit is only known for crime and service-related protests, which he implied draws negative attention to the area.
Relating to his music, KayGeeXI said he takes a vulnerable approach to it and usually tell stories of relationships, mental health and family. He believes his approach on daily matters makes his music relatable and, for the most part, timeless.
In 2017, the IIE Rosebank College Bcom Digital Marketing graduate released his debut mix tape titled Deep in Ratchet Thoughts, which he said introduced him as a rapper in the community. The same year, he released another mix tape titled 2040: The Luv & The Trap, and concluded the year with a four-track EP.
In 2018, he released another EP dubbed Transitions EP; a project which he said gained him media attention and over 12 000 streams on Soundcloud. He said a single from the EP called PXRPLE DRXNK caught the attention of UK-based SA hip hop reactor, Madzie Superset.
This year, KayGeeXI decided to go big by releasing his debut album titled Sincerely Yours Truly, which he said speaks to the challenges faced by the youth, highlighting subjects such as depression, suicide and the undesired rape culture.
Watch KayGeeXI’s newest music video using the following link:
Follow him on social media – Facebook (KayGeeXI); Twitter (@KayGeeXI); SoundCloud (KayGee from the XI) and for bookings, contact KAYGEEXIBOOKINGS@gmail.com or call 061 657 2185.
