TEECI REDEFINES KASI RAP

Written by Valencia Legodi

Tshepo Marota popularly known as Teeci was born on the 29^th of September 1983 at Driefontein, he is a rapper, song writer, fashionista and a visual artist. He fell in love with music back in high school when he listened to music by dalom kids, Mercy Phakela and Chicco Twala that was often played by his uncle.

The rapper has always wanted to be an entertainer that is well known in the music industry, he is also a good visual artist that does painting and sketches which generally defines him as an artist. When he was growing up he wanted to be a singer but later realised that he is not a good singer, but rather a good song writer.

The 37 year old would imitate snoop dogg when watching his music videos play on TV and in 2005 he moved to Olievenhoutbosch where he met different rap crews. Upon meeting different artists who performed different genres of music, he was inspired to write his own songs, record and perform. Teeci Is inspired by two artists namely Robert Kelly who is an American song writer, musician and record producer. Ntokozo Mdluli (K.O) who is a South African hip hop artist, rapper, songwriter and business man from Soweto.

“The journey has been a tough one, the person I am today was made by the person I was yesterday. I had to knock doors several times until they opened, I had to introduce myself and endure being ignored and unrecognised. I remember back in the days I would be booked to open the stage for a known artist and when I got to the event I would just stand there with no one coming to brief me or acknowledge my presence” he said.

Teeci has shared stages with the likes of Zola, Mdu, Rebecca Malope, Msawawa and Arthur Mafokate. In all songs that he has written thus far dikidiki doksi is his favourite, because it is a song that was sang at preschool, primary school games, home plays and everyone can relate to it. The song takes him down the memory lane of childhood, reminds him of who he is and what he wants to achieve.

“I would like to work on a project or song with one of the talented DJs in the music industry DJ Maphorisa and Ntokozo Mdluli (K.O), have a street named after me whether be it in Driefontein or Olievenhoutbosch, I would also love to have my own cabinet full awards and be recognised as the humblest South Africa has ever produced” Teeci said.

He is currently on radio tour promoting his new hit single titled “Mpatele” featuring Eetz Blaq and he said he enjoyed interviews with public broadcasters like Tshwane FM, Alex FM, New north TV, Kasi Champs and Tomorrow they have an interview at HEITA FM with Radio Kid at 13:00.

The advice he has for upcoming rappers is that they should respect their parents, respect their craft and honour God with their lives. “Be humble, compete with yourself, don’t give up regardless of the critics, reward yourself first and the world later” he concluded.

For more information on Teeci you can follow him on facebook @ Teeci wa mrepa instagram @ Teeci_ and on twitter @ Teeci_SA.