Based: Eswatini
Having created a reputation as one of the rappers on the frontline of the present day Swazi movement, you cannot neglect to mention the name ‘KrTC’ whenever you talk about hip-hop.
Born on the 25the of April, Thamsanqa Sibandze, aka KrTC (pronounced courtesy), is one of the handful of Swazis who, after high school, took the road less travelled: that of pursuing a childhood passion, music!
In spite of all the hurdles, the criticism and the hating coming from a society that does not recognize music (the arts in general) as a career option and a country that does not have a music industry, KrTC has proven to himself and to others that success is a journey, not a destination. In a league of his own as a rapper who refrains from using profanity, KrTC’s rap is not only intellectually challenging and socially awakening, it is also spiritually uplifting.
“ I made it a personal mission to read and expand my vocabulary so I will never have to use cheap fillers in my rap”.
It is this same love for reading and personal growth that has seen KrTC become a copy-writer for Ads-Up Brand House, an advertising agency. His abilities and creativity has awarded him an invitation to co-host ‘Swazi Rhythm’, a radio programme that seeks to give airplay and recognition to local musicians of all genres.
Passion and determination saw KrTC spending endless hours in the library reading books on marketing and tirelessly visiting music studios just to observe the delicate processes of sound engineering and music production. He has a reputation as a conceptualist; song writer and occasional vocalist.
KrTC is also the co-founder of HeadCount, a hip-hop orientated, youth skill development platform. As someone who is almost always on the microphone, he started a crew called the Mic’aholix, which consists of rappers, a beat boxer and a poet. They have hosted and performed at numerous shows, delivering impeccably every time.
KrTC has performed in and outside the country at all major events including the King’s birthday; all Fanta Mega Party’s; the Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour; the Frelimo Election Party in Mozambique; the Mpumalanga Hip-Hop Festival; the Annual Spring Bash and Summer Showdown.
The rapper has shared the stage with the likes of American rapper The Game; Amu, Tumi and the Volume; Pro; Young Nation, Skwatta Kamp, Bricks, Ntando, American Rn’B sensation Blu Cantrell, Jozi and many more.
