Blending hip hop with a little African soul, South African-born, Tanzania-based singer Khethukubonga “Khethi” Ntshangase “afrosouljazz” sound brings to mind the soul stylings of Jill Scott, were she from the continent. Bringing her social activist toolbox along for the ride, Khethi sings songs of upliftment and awareness. We thought you oughta know…
Age: 28
Where are you from? Originally from a “Sleepy Hollow” town called Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Where are you right now? In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
What do you do? Essentially I am a social activist, who uses music a tool of communication. As an AfroSoulJazz singer/songwriter I grew to understand what I needed for my own development and saw how the industry was lacking in developing true artistry as oppose to the overnight superstars we now generate without substance.
What do you love most about the city you live in? Dar es Salaam has an air of development, so my networking has skyrocketed and I feel the impact of my contribution. It’s right by the Indian Ocean so there are great beaches, which makes me feel like I’m constantly on holiday.
What do you love most about the continent? Its majestic, Africa has her own balance and we are so colorful in culture and tradition. I hope we celebrate that because it’s our trademark.
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Who are your African all-stars/ heroes and why?
Credo Mutwa is a great elder, like a grandfather I never had, full of wisdom and mythical stories about our continent and its history.
Steven Bantu Biko spoke truth when he said, “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed”
Nelson Mandela recently said, “Count your blessings one by one and your system will be immune against all forms of depression.”
The founding members of the Liberation Movement Nyerere (Tanzania), Nasa (Egypt) Bembele (Algeria) Nkuruma (Ghana) Lubumba (Congo) these guys had Africa’s interest art heart.
What proverb do you live by? “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ~ Mark Twain
What inspires you? Life, nature, this continent, God, my daughter, my mother…
What makes someone African? Their lineage and cultural practice. I have reservations about white people born in Africa who say there are African. They might be born here yes and integrate with Africa, but they never forget or abandon their European or Asian status. In fact they still feel its superior to us. I’m open to having a discussion with your readers on this; I understand it is a touchy subject.
Check out Khethi’s music here
