Mohalenyane Phakela

LOCAL rapper, OG S’Killz, will on Saturday foray into the South African entertainment scene with a performance at the Free State Arts Fusion slated for Topaz Lounge in Bloemfontein.

The Free State Arts Fusion provides a platform for artists to showcase and market and fosters the development of up-and-coming entertainers.

The Style Sa Magrootman hit-maker told Xpress People this past week he was looking forward to performing beyond Lesotho’s borders.

“I was contacted by an old school mate who is a resident deejay at one of the clubs in Bloemfontein. He told me he had listened to my music and contacted the organisers of the festival to include me in the lineup,” said OG S’Killz.

“I am excited but also nervous about the show because I will be performing in South Africa for the first time in front of a new audience.

“However, I have been practicing for the show since the beginning of this month to ensure I give an unforgettable performance.”

The Leribe-based rapper said the show was an opportunity for him to showcase his artistry beyond Lesotho.

“It affords me the chance to get recognition beyond Lesotho’s borders since the event will feature a lot of prominent people in South Africa’s entertainment industry,” he said.

“The fact that it will be held at Lesedi FM presenter Ba2cada’s Topaz Lounge will also enable me to interact with artists and promoters.”

OG S’Killz said making inroads into South Africa was every local artists’ dream.

“As artists, we always aspire to make a name for ourselves in South Africa because we are still being exploited by local promoters,” he said.

“Local promoters still hide behind the notion they are giving us a platform whenever we perform at their events and make money at our expense. However, promoters in South Africa are very professional and know that an artist has to be rewarded for their work.”

Born Sekila Molapo, OG S’Killz has been in the industry since 2009 as a member of the duo, Broken Record, alongside rapper Charles Alvin. The duo disbanded in 2013 and OG S’Killz relaunched a solo career last year with the project, Speak ‘N Verstan Project A which features such tracks as Askies Bambino, Remembrance and All About Happiness.