RAPPER Chevandre Jantjies, from Booysen Park, who is familiar with the challenges young artists are faced with, hopes to help those in his area to tell their stories by providing them with free recording time at his recording studio.
Jantjies, also known as Lakfit, works as a customer care assistant at Barron Central and has been rapping since he was 10 years old.
At the age of 14, he produced his first song.
With influence from his father, Freddie Jantjies, who was in the Boys’ Brigade for many years, Jantjies learnt how to use music to tell a story which people could relate to.
His love for music was further intensified when he listened to music created by local artist, music producer and beat maker, Greg Micheals.
“I was always surrounded by music growing up, but the sound of Micheals’ instruments was the main reason I fell in love with music,” said Jantjies.
Jantjies, who is the founder and owner of 13 Records, a recording label which was established in 2012, has released multiple songs and mixtapes.
One of his Afrikaans songs titled Die Lewe Maak my Bang, which translates to ‘Life scares me’, was released in February and highlights all the challenges most South Africans are faced with.
In the song titled Deep End, which was released in March, Jantjies speaks about how difficult it is for artists to get recognition for work that they have done.
At present, Jantjies is working towards releasing his first extended play (EP) and his first full-length album.
“Dropping an album is not easy and it takes a lot of hard work. I also need to work towards getting sponsors and promoting my work,” said Jantjies.
The album, titled Moeg Gesukkel, which translates to ‘Tired of struggling’, will give a brief overview of his experience in the music industry and how his journey began.
He also intends to release music videos to accompany his songs on the album.
“In my songs, I mostly rap about how hard life can be and how to overcome hardships in order to become something in life,” said Jantjies.
Now, with at least 12 years’ experience as a rapper, he is hoping to pave the way for artists in his area by offering free recording sessions at his home recording studio.
Jantjies said that there were many young rappers and singers in his area who were talented, passionate and inspired to make music, but never got the chance to share their talents due to the many obstacles they face.
“Most artists in my area don’t get a chance to tell their stories because of poverty and the lack of opportunities or a support system made available to them. I want to help and guide music artists in any way I can and to help them see life differently,” said Jantjies.
He further said he hopes to open the eyes of young artists to help them see life differently.
“My dream is to become a good influence in my community through my rap music and to become successful. I also want to look out for my family and friends who supported me from when I started rapping,” said Jantjies.
