Local rapper Teboho Sokopo from Jeffreys Bay is determined to keep his late friend, rapper Awonke Stokwe’s (24) memory alive and fulfil his wish of sharing his music with the world by posthumously releasing his songs on various digital platforms.
According to Sokopo who is better known by his stage name Keemo Bankz, Stokwe who passed away on March 2, was like his brother.
He said they met through mutual friends 10 years ago and he was impressed by Stokwe’s rapping style.
Sokopo said he was honoured when Stokwe asked him to manage his music career.
“When I first heard his rapping style, I thought it was American rapper Kendrick Lamar,” said Sokopo.
In 2019, Jeffreys Bay-based rapper Stokwe released his debut extended play (EP), titled Outta Da Streets.
Before his death earlier this month, he released two songs, titled Gusto Pt 1 and Voss, on various digital platforms.
Sokopo and Stokwe, who is better known by his stage name Vampilla, collaborated on at least two songs namely, Crucify, which features rappers Tapiwa Moyo and Athenkosi Nowasha and was released in 2018, and Same Set, which was released in 2019.
“It was always an honour to be with him in the studio, making music, and it was always exciting,” said Sokopo.
“We were both connected to music, and we were business partners. I was fully behind his music career, trying to push his music to the big spotlight and making sure he changes his mother, Lungiswa Stokwe’s life in a positive way, as he wished.”
To ensure that Stokwe’s memory is kept alive and to continue his legacy, Sokopo plans to release his dear friend’s music posthumously.
He said he is not yet able to give details about Stokwe’s music, but said it will be released on all digital platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes, to name a few.
“Sharing his talent with the world is what he wanted with all his heart, so I’m just continuing with his wishes,” said Sokopo.
