Emcstyle surprises with a new gospel album

Music producer, songwriter, poet and rapper Nhlaulo Mathebula, also known to his fans as Emcstyle, has released his eagerly anticipated album, called Xiluvelo (A Place of Worship).

The album was released in middle February this year and has already elicited impressive reaction from Xitsonga RnB fans from Mbhokota and the surrounding areas. Emcstyle says that the album is his token of appreciation to God for all the gifts He has blessed him with.

The album is packed with 16 tracks, plus a bonus track that features exceptionally skilled artists such as the Daniel Brothers, Rito Gustavo and Nebo Sixfour. “People in and around my village listen to my album. I sell the hard copy for R50, but some fans from my village bought it for R100 to R300. Even though many don’t know me yet, they can relate to my music,” he said.

The 28-year-old rapper was born and raised at Mbhokota village near Elim. He said that he fell in love with music while hanging around his peers, who also listened to Hip-Hop. “But I really found inspiration to pursue a career in music from local music producer Nhlalala Makhubele, known as Rhyzo.”

Emcstyle only ventured into the music industry nine years ago, “…in 2013, when I was in Grade 12. I worked hard and pushed until I went to the old Venda Technical College, where I released a song, called Tsakani (Be Happy).”

Tsakani tells the story of a girl who starts her tertiary education after matric, but instead of dedicating her time to her studies, she spends all her time on her social life. “The song is about a first-year student’s lack of discipline, which prevents her from achieving her goals in life. She ends up getting into something different from what she went there for. That was the track that made me popular, when people started paying more attention to me,” he said.

Like so many other young artists, Emcstyle is inspired by local highflyers, including the likes of the renowned Mizo Phyll. “I grew up listening to local musicians like Mizo Phyll. I still do today. He is one of those artists who never gives up, and I have learned so much from him. I believe that having patience and being humble are crucial in the music industry,” he said.

Entertainment - Date: 20 March 2022

Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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