Mdizo drops new album, Still Believe

Hip-hop artist Mdizo (born Monametsi Bajua Thupane) has dropped a new album titled Still Believe. The album, produced by Feugo ‘Peubo’ Mogapi, was released on 24 August and is already doing well. “This reflects my growth as an artist and I am proud of this,” the excited artist recently told Vibe. He explained that the title of the album is subsequent to a previous single My Dream, which touches on one’s aspirations in life.

“When I wrote My Dream I shared what I would like to achieve in life, noting that it is not easy to realise one’s dreams because one can face several challenges and even deal with sabotage, so you have to preserve in order to succeed. Still Believe is now me saying: ‘I still believe in the goals I have set for myself.’ It is me expressing that what God has ordained will come to pass,” he said.

Mdizo shared that as a born again Christian, the conviction to succeed has been imprinted by unwavering faith. The 28-year old described his music as kasi rap. “I got inspiration from the likes of Zakwe, Zuluboy and ProKid among others, whose lyrics are honest, deep but also reflective of the townships and their lifestyles,” he said. He added that he has not limited himself to Setswana and also uses English because he always wants to challenge the norm and break boundaries. The gregarious artist is no newbie to the music industry.

In 2015 he dropped a single titled About You, which went on to enjoy massive air play on local radio stations. He went on to release two singles in 2016, titled Praise and Utlwa, and videos for both jams. He said that the single showcased his talent and gave him much needed exposure. His most notable achievement has been working with South African hip-hop group Smeega cheezy on a song that was produced at Rivoningo Records in Pretoria by producer Silas Raseruthe.

He later toured in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban with the group. Mdizo music career began in 2008 when he released his debut album Vaela Kasi. Through this album, he established his career and was able to meet new people and make connections. Mdizo is a versatile artist who would never shy away from dabbling in different genres such as house, pop and dance music. “I am always willing to take my craft to the next level,” he said. He noted that going forward, he would like to take Africa by storm and eventually be recognised globally. “I am going to do that through introducing new sounds and an innovative kind of style to music.” Some of his highlights in the music industry include performing alongside South African acts HHP and Malaika, as well as promoting various products.