RAPPER Jaseen Mohammed who is also known as Sasso Vlet from Tiryville, Uitenhage hopes to improve his life and inspire young people in his area to do the same with songs on his mixtape which he plans to release soon.
Mohammed who is the eldest of five children said his life story and upbringing motivated him to rap from the age of 13.
“I had a difficult upbringing. My mother could not always give me everything I wanted, but we had to survive with what we had,” he said.
Mohammed who left his job as a security guard one year ago to focus on his music said he wants to give his mother and eight-month-old son a better life.
“It was a big sacrifice to leave my job, but I had to do it to focus on my career as a rapper. I cannot mess up and I must accomplish my goals,” said Mohammed.
‘Lewe Gaan Aan’ which translates to ‘Life goes on’ is the first song on the mixtape.
The song which has already received 13 000 views on YouTube features Mohammed as a vagrant.
Mohammed said through the lyrics and music video he wanted people to realise that they should stop judging others when they do not know the full story.
“I had to put myself in the shoes of the homeless to experience what they must go through and to see life from their perspective,” said Mohammed.
The song Ek wil nie jonk dood gaan nie which translates to “I do not want to die young” focuses on young people dying, not only in Uitenhage but country wide.
“The reason why I did the music video in a cemetery was that that is where it all ends for many young people,” said Mohammed.
He further said many young people are influenced by their friends to do bad things and that it was very difficult at times for him to stay away from negative elements in his area.
“Many of my friends are either in prison or have died young. For me, music was my escape from all the negativity and bad influences,” said Mohammed.
He said all the support he has received from the people in Uitenhage has been a blessing.
“Artists do not always get support from people in their home town, but I have been fortunate enough to receive a great amount of support,” he said.
Mohammed said his motto has always been to work hard and believe in himself and he wants others to do the same.
“My message that I want to spread with my music is that it does not matter where you come from or what your circumstances are, if you believe in yourself you can reach your goals,” said Mohammed.
- For more information contact Mohammed on 067 681 8707 or 067 284 3632.
