Local rapper, Kurt Hammond, from Jeffreys Bay, who within two months has ranked close to 10 000 views on YouTube for his latest single, now plans to release his debut album, which will allow listeners to share his life’s journey.
As a teenager, Hammond was not exposed to music as much because he did not own a DVD player or a ste
However, since his mother, Geraldine Hammond, had to work he was often alone and to keep himself entertained he began writing down his experiences in the form of poems.
With time, Hammond, who is better known by his stage name, Die Twaalf, mastered the art of composing well-written poems.
He then began rapping his poems to the sound of various instruments and in 2018 he released his first single, titled Een Kans.
In April last year, he released another single, titled Jou Ma Waardeer, in which he shared the importance of appreciating one’s mother.
“In my song titled Jou Ma Waardeer, I share the experience I had when I nearly lost my mother. I felt as if I did not appreciate her efforts and sacrifices enough, and I wanted to encourage other people to appreciate their mothers.
“Thankfully, God gave me more time with her and today we are best of friends,” said Hammond.
He further said since the release of Jou Ma Waardeer, he has heard the song play on the boom boxes of children in his area and he hoped that the message shared in his song would resonate with those who listened to the song.
Hammond’s latest song and music video, titled Net Vir Nou, which features rapper Sasso Vlet, from Kariega (Uitenhage), was released on April 8, and in just two months, it ranked up close to 10 000 views on Die Twaalf’s YouTube channel.
“This song was inspired by difficulties I experienced during my childhood, which I hope will encourage others to never be ashamed of their upbringing, but instead use it to their advantage. With this song I also want to encourage people who are going through difficult circumstances to never give up and believe that their lives will get better,” said Hammond.
After all his hard work and dedication, Hammond, who recently relocated to Humansdorp, now plans to release his debut album, titled Sonder ’n Sent, which will be available on CD by September this year and on all major digital platforms in November. The album will give listeners a further look into Hammond’s journey with some interesting twists and turns.
“On my debut album I will be opening up about my life’s journey. It will mainly focus on the difficulties of life but there will be a twist to the tale, as I will be sharing a side of myself that many people have not experienced before,” he said.
“Listeners can also look forward to my energetic personality which can be felt throughout the album.”
Featured artists on the album include, Jaykay the Rapper, King B, Da VG and Cjay Jansen, to name a few.
Jeffreys Bay hip-hop music producer and beat maker, Leolin Jeggels, will be producing Hammond’s album which they are both looking forward to, since the two grew up in the same street.
As previously reported by the Kouga Express, Jeggels, who is also known as Oakley 808, began making beats when he was 16 years old and after much dedication and hard work his songs as a beat maker and producer have featured on Metro FM, Vow FM, and Trace TV.
Since his first radio appearance in 2019, and his debut on TV last year, he has continued to work with various well-known local and national artists.
Now Jeggels, who produced Hammond’s single, Net Vir Nou, plans to work together with the rapper to produce his highly anticipated Sonder ’n Sent album.
“It’s important for me to work on this debut album with someone I grew up with. Die Twaalf is a good artist, and I would like to show the younger generation that working in conjunction with others can break chains and open new doors,” said Jeggels.
