MB: An emcee with ambition
Entertainment - Music
Just in time for the festive season, the South African musical fraternity is set to witness the professional introduction of one of the most exciting hip hop artists to emerge out of our shores in recent times. To be among the first to feast their eyes and ears to this rare musical gem who goes by the stage name MB, Mzansi’s music lovers should remained transfixed to their television sets this year.
Poised to create a major industry buzz, the youthful music find is celebrating the debut of his new music video Go Getta” just a week ahead of the official release of his 13 track full length album, titled AMBITION. Breaking new musical ground, the video is tipped to be one of the first HD (high definition) to ever come out of hop artist and most importantly South African first to debut with four multi location videos.
Quite a major feat for a new artist, the young muso (real name Mbuso Sokhulu) is making appearances on various leading radio stations such as Metro FM and YFM. He is also making television appearances on Channel O, MTV Base and SABC 1’s leading music show “Live”.
About the video, the new singing sensation said: “I am so proud of this song and this video. It’s a very uplifting and inspirational song. I definitely sing this one from the heart. It’s a statement song, and my kind way of saying ‘I have arrived’. While writing the song, MB drew inspiration from his own ambition to make it as an artist, so it should come as no surprise that the video is in sync with his own individual touch and style and how uniquely he is able to articulate it. “When we started working on the song and the album as a whole, we were inspired by the authenticity of South African musical landscapes and most importantly the reality of life in Mzansi as we all know it,” says producer Banele “Maker” Mthwa, who has previously worked with popular hip hop stars like Skwatta Kamp. His Sound is fresh and authentic, he adds. “MB has raised the bar. He is just different and South Africa will see the difference and appreciate it. “
MB's Background:
Born and raised in Daveyton, East of Johannesburg, MB is a prodigy of 3 Diamonds Records, which is home to the likes of Nkuli from Pretoria, Malika who features on the debut hit single ‘Go Getta” and well known R&B singer TeePee (2007 Metro FM Music Music Awards winner for best R&B artist). MB has been cooking up the storm in the studio for several years with his unique powerful voice, and fresh sound, coupled with a hip-hop attitude that is both cool and confident. The video is designed as an introduction to his broad professional repertoire as a performer.
What sets MB apart:
Elaborating more on the authenticity of his music, MB says: “All the singles are inspiring and stays true to the South African reality. I am not trying to be anybody else. I am just being myself and I made it a point that I stay away from the impression of artificiality and fictitiousness that has become synonymous with rap music. In the video I am not driving a Bentley, which is something I could have easily opted for. “I am featuring real people in real life situation, and that’s what would make people to remember me for. What with the hit single, “Sthandwa Sam”! A beautifully crafted love song easy to relate to, MB brings into perspective here our culture of lobola, which is unique to South Africa.
Prolific Writer:
While MB has the charisma, charm and ambition to become a musical force to reckon with, there’s no denying that through his impeccable song writing skill he harbors a deep passion and drive to inspire the youths around the country to strive to turn dreams into reality. He has penned some of the most inspirational messages you can ever find in the hip hop circles. As his producer simply puts it “his punch lines are not dissing, but are inspirational”. The same lyrical prowess and inspirational drive is evident in his follow singles “Go Getta”, “Sthandwa Sam” and “Ain’t The Same”. All the singles revolves around one simple motto: “if you want to achieve something great in life, you get up and make it happen,” quips MB.
Musical Influence:
It's been a long journey for MB, who just like many artists before him, had to hassle his way from underground music scenes to the being an active participant in the South African mainstream music arena. He has taken chances and risked it all. We are talking here about someone who took a risk in his studies by focusing his energies in music from as early as the late 90s, to the pain of having to deal with the loss his mother last year. He knows all too well, the joy that can only come from real life experiences and seeing her musical dream come true.
Record Label:
At 3 Diamonds Records, MB is confident that the battles needed to bring his music to a wider audience are beginning to shape up. “3 Diamonds Records really feels like home to me, says MB, who matriculated from the highly revered National School of Arts in 2004. “My record label and producers have an amazing believe in my talent, and they have allowed my creativity to take its rightful place without setting any parameters. You can hear the freedom whenever I spit out the lyrics and my individual artistry comes out clearly without any compromise.”Collaborations:
Also refreshing for this rising music star is how the 3 Diamonds family is able to come through for each other. Take the compatibility of MB and Teepee for an example. The quality of production and musicians that comes from this stable is not something that can be easily ignored. So is the support that MB enjoys from stable-mate Teepee and that should tell you what to expect from this musical dynamite! Other artists featured on the album (title please) include well known rapper Pro-Kid in “Go Getter”, newcomer Kula in “Sthandwa Sam”. The production team who is able to bring out the best in MB is made up of Mochacho, Semitone and Pro-Play, who are all under the stewardship of Banele “Maker” Mthwa.CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO
FOR MORE /Interview Resquests / Photographs – CONTACT:
Ms Tankiso Komane : 083 312 8950 – 079 821 8731 / tankiso@celebratesafrica.com