Lerato Matheka

MASERU — Local hip hop stars L-tore and Dunamis are set to set Swaziland on fire when they perform in the southern African country on Saturday.
The two musicians are set to perform alongside South African hip hop artistes such as Moraza, Morale, 985, Sean Pages and TeePee.
The event will also see the launch of an album by Swazi artistes Crax and Psycholution.
Talking to XpressPeople, L-tore said the function was an opportunity for him to penetrate the African music market.
“I only emerged this year on a serious tip and this really means a lot to my career,” L-tore said.
“The organisers spotted me at Dunamis’ album launch last month and approached me after my performance to invite me for this show.”
The emcee said he will be taking his team along.
“I realised I gave a unique performance with my team so I will be travelling with them to Swaziland and ensure that we step on stage and leave a mark.”
“Swaziland’s music industry is on a higher level than Lesotho’s so I hope to make connections and hopefully establish working relationships with other artistes,” he added.
L-tore said he will be performing three songs from his mixtape Just for kicks.
“The line-up is hot and I intend to make a statement with my performance. I am going to perform Kealipalamisa, New Shit (Kingdom) and Betsa which are hit tracks from my new mixtape.”
L-tore almost stole the show at Dunamis’ album launch last month when he put up a flawless performance.
“This is my chance to shine and I am aiming at the sky.
“I am not following in the footsteps of our local musicians who are making it big in other African countries but
I am venturing into this challenge
with something fresh and unique,” he said.
The artiste has a couple of tracks receiving airplay on South African radio stations.
“Some of my tracks are already being played in Limpopo so this trip is following my plans of not only being booked to perform in other countries but also collaborating with other artistes from the region.”
L-tore said he was already in talks with South African group Morale for possible future projects.
“I am not in school so music is my priority at the moment.”
“Apart from trying to penetrate the international market I am working to develop some unknown local artistes,” he said.
The duo leaves Maseru for Swaziland on Thursday.
“I am not paid for my performance but the organisers are catering for all out expenses,” L-tore said.
“The publicity means a lot to me than money. I am more grateful for the opportunity of performing alongside big names in the South African hip hop industry and other Swaziland cats,” he said.
Dunamis said he was excited to be taking part in the show.
“This means a lot to local music. The exchange of performances can positively affect our industry,” he said.
“The most exciting thing about this tour is the fact that the guys identified L-tore among all the local cats that were lined-up for my show last month. I am very happy that my initiative has opened doors for local talent.”
Dunamis said he intends to create more international connections to help him develop the local hip hop industry.
“Looking at the line-up, I am very excited to be billed among big names in South Africa’s hip hop industry. I intend to establish connections for talent exchange in future,” he said.