“Hip hop hits the mark with Botswana fans”

Hip hop has found expression in a rising artist who is finding fans of the music and culture in Botswana, writes Moses Mokoanene, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Letlhakeng in Botswana.

Kennedy Bogosi, well known in the music fraternity as Blaqcash, was born in Molepolole, and grew up at his home village, Khudumelapye, where he started schooling. That’s where his love for music, specifically hip hop, was triggered.

It is funny how hip hop took over his mind, even though not so many peers in his neighbourhood gave attention to it. He discovered and identified himself through hip hop culture.

Growing up, Kennedy Bogosi, or Blaqcash, experienced hurtful things. Yet hip hop music healed him from all the betrayals, heartaches and disappointments he had endured.  Blaqcah grew up as a quiet kid: he was disciplined, he never provoked people and you probably therefore wouldn’t believe he can rap until he opened his mouth.

“Despite all that, I always had that naughty part in me. I bet every good rapper has that in them,” he said.

Blaqcash is now a qualified teacher after resigning from the military.

“I believe I can be whatever I want to be in this life. I hope I can motivate children, peers and adults – especially where I am from with my music,” he said.

Blaqcash has recorded many tracks and a video, but still feels like he hasn’t even started yet. Initially, he was motivated by our everyday struggle in that little beautiful village. His mother also played a huge part taking care of him.

“Yes, sometimes I went to bed with an empty stomach but I always knew it was going to be alright. My mother is the most beautiful, hardworking, selfless and loving woman I know,” Bogosi said.

Hip hop has always been Blaqcash’s favorite type of music. It has been quite a difficult journey for him trying to come up in the music business, with a lot of negativities and turn downs. With perseverance, he decided to keep his head up despite all that.

Blaqcash has also been motivated by fashion and has created himself a clothing brand called “Pink Penguin Couture”. The brand is now registered, and he is looking forward and working so hard to kick start its merchandise.

“Blaqcash is not just a name anymore, I see it as a brand,” he said.

Blaqcash said he loved how rappers connected and played with words, how they would rap about their struggles, how they suffered in the past and eventually used their talents and struggles to come up. He further mentioned that he learnt in hip hop that it does not matter where you come from, you can always make it if you have the right mindset.

“I have performed at various sessions and concerts around the country,” he said, listing off schools, special events, museum and poetry sessions, pageants, and private parties among the many events where he has performed.

“Being on a stage and recording a music track is just one moment that I would never trade. My passion for hip hop music is seriously insane. I have put my heart in this.”

Blaqcash mentioned that the response he always get from his fans is heartwarming, and he is so humbled that some people really love what he is doing.

“I am looking to bless my fans with an album this year or the next year,” he concluded. Dramaboi, A.T.I, Zeus and the legendary Scar are among the local artists he would like collaborate with to rap to the same beat.

photo credit: Clicked by Bradders April 2017 via photopin (license)
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About me: I am a young man who likes socialising. I worked with Ga-Motshoto Investments as a Graphic designer for two years, and started working with Information Services as a freelance journalist in 2013.

I like exploring new places and would like to be a businessman in the future. Since I worked with Department of Information Services, I have gained much experience and would like to further my qualifications in journalism or broadcasting.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response.
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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