Enigmatic local rapper Kommanda Obbs has received a 2019 South African Music Awards (SAMA) nomination in recognition of his exceptional talent and hard work.
The prestigious award ceremony, taking place at the Sun City Resort in South Africa on June 1, is known for honouring the finest South African musicians that have been gracing the music scenery with their hit records and albums. Nominated artists will not only get the chance to win the famous SAMA statuette, but will also take the stage by storm with mind-blowing musical performances.
Lesotho’s very own hip hop artist, Kommanda Obbs (real name Obatia Chapi) of Maputsoe in the Leribe district, has reason to celebrate as he has been nominated in the category of Best African Artist. All thanks to his critically acclaimed, self-titled album that was released last year as well as his hit song Hure that features Nigerian singer and songwriter EME.
The 13-track album was considered the most exceptional body of work on the African continent since its release early 2018. Particularly, music lovers praise the diversity the album has in terms of genre breaking barriers between the rap genre and other music. It includes usual elements traditional Sesotho rap but also jazz and Afrobeat.
The 33-year old muso’s previous projects was a 2008 mixtape, Complex Mindset Vol.1 followed by his first full length album titled Tšepe in 2011 which celebrated the Basotho culture and tradition. This was one of the many moments his fans saw the rapper emerging from hip hop stereotypes into an incomparable, brilliant artist who has changed the narrative, proving that music has no limits.
He credits the late famo musician Famole (real name Teboho Lesia) of Mafeteng for being one his biggest inspirations in the industry as his music – particularly his lyrics – touched on social and economic issues such as national unity and peace among political parties.
‘’I want to make a difference with my music, like Famole did with his as he made people believe in a better tomorrow. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a musician and as I went through primary, high school and university that dream never faded. I remember telling my parents after graduating from varsity that I was going to pursue music as a career and they were supportive of my decision,’’ Obbs said.
With his increasing success, which has been rewarded with and SAMA, nomination, it begs the question of what is next for the Sesotho rapper.
In an interview with a reporter, he emphasized that he hopes to work with more artists of different genres to create memorable projects. ‘’’Music is all know and the best part about it is that it is everywhere. I have a great passion for creating music with people from all over the world, including those lesser known artists who are still trying to break into the industry.
“Music belongs to all of us, hence; it should unify us irrespective of our differences. Today when I think about the SAMA nomination I feel honoured and this should also make people aware you’re your background or personal circumstances should not limit you from achieving your goals if you are determined enough,’’ he concluded.
Other artists who will be vying for the award include Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz, the late Oliver Mukudzi of Zimbabwean and Nigeria’s Mr Eazi. Kommanda Obbs scores SAMA nomination
