The next generation to raise the BW flag


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As we step into a brand-new year, women in African hip-hop continue to dominate the scene, proving that their artistry knows no bounds. Reflecting on the incredible love we received from Botswana last year when we profiled Banyezus, we couldn’t resist returning to explore the thriving music landscape and highlighting more women making waves.

 

This time, our focus is on the remarkable Thuli T, a rising star in Botswana’s music industry. With a rich musical background, Thuli T’s journey began as early as her first words, evolving from singing along to TV melodies to crafting her own by primary school. Her foray into rap began in 2015, and by 2020, a viral video of her rapping to Mr Eazi’s ‘Pour Me Water’ in a car cemented her as a fresh force in the rap game, capturing the hearts of the Batswana. Thuli T’s music reflects her eclectic influences, blending R&B, jazz, pop, Afrobeats and motswako into a sound that’s uniquely hers. Her debut single, ‘Meno Masweu’, dives deep into life’s challenges and complex relationships, showcasing her storytelling prowess. As a rapper and songstress, Thuli T remains a beacon for women in music, determined to continue making an impact with her artistry and future releases. This is how we start our 2025.

 

Growing up in a musical family, what are some of your earliest memories of music shaping your life?

Having siblings who are avid music consumers, we would sit on the family computer together and look up lyrics to songs on YouTube, and we would have our own makeshift performances at home. Moments when my older brother, who is a disc jockey, would allow me to play around with VirtualDJ on his laptop. Those experiences made me appreciate Afrobeats and house more, outside of genres that were trending around the time (hip-hop and pop).

What inspired you to start writing your own melodies so early in life?

I was inspired by poetry, freestyles and song covers on social media, like the Ten Toes Challenge.

 

Who were some of the Botswana rappers you were looking up to at an early age?

Zeus Deuce, HHP and The Real Magosi. 

 

How did your love for genres like R&B, jazz and motswako influence your transition into rapping?

R&B, jazz and motswako added more of a flare to my rap music. It added more of a melodic feel to my rap music, and it still does to this day. However, my exposure to the freestyle videos mentioned previously predominantly influenced this transition.

 

What drew you to rap in 2015, and how did it differ from the music you were making before?

I was not necessarily making music before. It was more like very short melodies. What drew me to rap at this time would be the same reason I started writing these melodies combined with a need for an outlet for my life experiences at the time.

 

Can you share the story behind your viral car freestyle to Mr Eazi’s ‘Pour Me Water’?

I started shooting my freestyle videos in 2017, where I would normally rap in English. With the ‘Pour Me Water’ freestyle, I was on a quest to incorporate vernacular (Setswana) into my music. The video was light-hearted and nothing too serious, and like the rest of the freestyles I shot, it went up on my WhatsApp status. The few compliments I got on the video prompted me to upload it on a more public platform, Facebook. I didn’t intend on keeping it up for a long time, which I think is evident from the video’s caption. Regardless, the video took off.

How did the response to that video change your career trajectory?

The video reached a larger audience than I anticipated. It got me in contact with fellow artists and producers. It had people waiting to hear more from Thuli T at the time.

 

Your single ‘Meno Masweu’ is deeply personal. What was it like translating those experiences into a song?

It is never easy tapping into more personal and emotional topics as a creative or a non-creative. Writing the song took me a couple of days because I had to assess my life experiences and introspect.

 

How do you approach blending genres like Afrobeats and pop with your rap style?

Afrobeats and pop tend to be more upbeat, which is what I prefer most of the time. I appreciate the fusion of rap with catchier, upbeat melodies, beats or choruses that get your body moving.

 

Can you tell us more about the EP you’re working on? What themes or stories are you exploring?

This is my very first EP and most of it, if not all, is just one big mantra for self-confidence in whatever one does. It focuses on the empowerment of oneself. Overall, I could describe it as feel-good music

 

Who are some of the rappers or producers you working with on the EP?

FELLA is the producer, and for the artist features, stay tuned.

How has South African music influenced your sound or inspired your artistry?

South Africa is a rainbow nation that thrives off of the fusion of multiple music styles and diverse rhythms, and I believe this is translated in my artistry, preventing my music from sounding monotonous.

 

Do you think Botswana hip-hop receives the recognition it deserves in the African music scene?

In comparison to hip-hop from fellow African countries such as Nigeria and South Africa, Botswana does not receive the recognition it deserves. However, we see a good number of local artists utilising social media to tap into markets across borders. With the required consistency, I believe it would.

 

Who are some South African or African artists you dream of collaborating with?

I dream of collaborating with Mochen, Dee Koala, Rouge and Maglera Doe Boy.

 

As a woman in the music industry, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge I’ve experienced in the music industry is the sexualisation, if not over-sexualisation, of women. We are no strangers to how women tend to be objectified in the industry, fixating more on their physical appearance rather than their art. Unfortunately, this is something that has long been ingrained in the culture of the industry, so it has no immediate fix. I just focus my energy on the craft and charge everything else that comes with it to the game.

What advice would you give to young Batswana women looking to pursue rap or music in general?

The advice I’d give to young Batswana women looking to venture into the music industry is for them to be level-headed and have the ability to stand their ground. Sharing your art with the masses may influence other people to believe they have a say over which way you should sway. Remember that at the end of the day, you call the shots. Be eager to learn and improve; be hungry. This is a competitive industry, so you have to have self-confidence and take up more space in comparison to your male counterparts in the industry. However, don’t forget to exercise your humility from time to time.

 

What does it mean to you to be featured on HYPE magazine’s Women in African hip-hop segment?

This feature is very meaningful to me. It serves as a form of recognition and representation of my artistry as a woman male-dominated industry. Hopefully, this serves as an inspiration to fellow women in the game, especially those who are upcoming, to keep working and pushing, despite any barriers and stereotypes.

 

Botswana has a new president. How do you feel about the current political landscape?

After six consecutive decades of rule by the same party, recent changes in political power brought about hope and a reminder that change is possible regardless of any barriers. The new president, President Duma Boko, speaks on reforming the governance in the country and combating corruption and economic diversification (in the creative economy). If these plans manifest accordingly, artists can thrive and access more resources, hence providing more opportunities. This could be a road to a brighter future for the country.

 

Do politics or social issues influence the music you create, or do you plan to address these topics in your work?

Politics influences everything, directly or indirectly. Politics plays a role in the kind of world we live in. As an artist, I tell a story about my perception of this politically influenced world. To put it quite simply, politics does influence my music and will continue to.

 

How has your management supported your growth and vision as an artist?

As a self-managing artist, investment in learning the craft, self-assessment and allowing myself to network has definitely proved to be beneficial to my growth as an artist.

 

What impact do you hope to have on Botswana hip-hop as it continues to evolve?

In reference to the late Hip Hop Pantsula’s words, “Make Tswana fashionable.” I hope to nurture the Setswana culture and identity while still making new-age, vibey music.

 

Congratulations on your nomination for the 9th Yarona FM Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Hip Hop. How did you feel when you received a call that you’d been nominated?

I was really ecstatic, but judging from the public’s reaction to my artistry, I kind of saw it coming.

 

Do you think awards still hold weight and have value in this age and time? 

Yes, they do. Awards that are conducted fairly and justly serve as a form of recognition for the hard work put in, and they also motivate artists to work even harder. However, it’s important not to base your level of success, longevity and supporter retention on external motivators. The predominant motivation should be internal.

 

What can your fans expect from Thuli T in the next few years musically and personally?

More music! I definitely want to dabble in more genres and explore music more to develop my artistry.

 

Who are your top five Botswana rappers/MCs?

In no particular order, Zeus Deuce, OneTake267, Melo, Chubbito and Taurin.

 

Who are your top five South African rappers/MCs?

In no particular order, Nasty C, AKA, Dee Koala, Maglera Doe Boy and Usimamane

 

Who are your top five rappers of all time?

Again, in no particular order, Foxy Brown, Lola Brooke, Zeus Deuce, HHP and Maglera Doe Boy.

 

How can our readers get hold of you?

I am Thuli T on all social media platforms, and my email address is thulitlalampe589@gmail.com.

The post The next generation to raise the BW flag appeared first on HYPE Magazine.

 

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