Johannesburg - One talented artist could get the stepping stone they need to become the next big star.
Rapper Tshego (real name Tshegofatso Ketshabile) has teamed up with Stimorol in an ongoing campaign to find aspiring singers, rappers, writers and artists to collaborate with them in the “Show Your Flow” competition.
The gum brand launched the competition last week with the aim of helping to make one talented artist’s dreams come true.
“Tshego is a great example of how one should stick to their own flavour and express one’s individuality proudly, by daring to be different,” said Stimorol’s brand manager, Khanyisa Ntshuntshe.
“The competition is allowing aspiring artists to win two things – a feature with me and a R20 000 prize that comes along with that,” said Tshego.
“I’ve been doing a lot of brand campaigns that have nothing to do with music. This is one of the first that actually involves the creation of music, which is what I do best. Being able to give an aspiring artist, who would not on a normal day have that opportunity for exposure, the platform and R20 000 on top of that is really dope,” he said.
Entrants are encouraged to buy a pack of Stimorol, take a video performing their verse and make sure to show their Stimorol product in the video. They can then submit their video on social media by tagging @stimorolSA and using #ShowYourFlow.
“We already have an instrumental on my website that people can download, and what they do is record a video of themselves singing over the instrumental. We will then go through the selection process.
“Every week we go through different rounds until we get to the finals. The person who wins, that song will become the actual song where we step in to studio and I guide them through the process,” added Tshego. The “No Ties” rapper said his team and the winner will work on a full production of the song – mixing, mastering and eventually releasing it.
“I was 15 when I knew that I was talented and had an affinity for music. I have always loved performing, so it is something that came naturally to me.
“But it is not as simple as that. There’s a lot of work – after realising that this is what you want to do – put into it to make sure that I was above average and great.”
His journey has been a “crazy and organic” experience so far.
“It has been trying and testing and fulfilling at the same time. It mirrors real life. During the lockdown last year, it forced us to be creative.
“I was excited to get the down time. I was sad I didn’t have any work, but before we even knew it would be longer than one month, I was happy for the break and glad I could work on the music.”
Tshego will be releasing an album some time this year, with a new single release coming right after the Stimorol campaign. The final track for the campaign will be released next month.
Tshego is encouraging South African youngsters to take the leap and enter.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like or your circumstances – if you are serious about your talent and you are willing to work for it – it will happen. Don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams – show me that flow,” he said.
The Star