Based: Namibia
Martin Morocky (born 31 March 1983), known by his stage name as The Dogg or (King TeeDee), is a Namibian musician. Considered a kwaito artist, his debut album, Shimaliw’ Osatana, was released in 2004 to mixed reviews. The Dogg was part of the group Omalaeti O’Swapo, which released one album in 2004. His music is enjoyed internationally, in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Dogg has performed in France, England and Canada. He has received awards and nominations from Channel O. He is one of the highest awarded artist in his country, as well as one of the highest selling.
The Dogg is the owner of the Mshasho Productions record label and the associated Mshasho Clothing.
The Dogg used to perform at school concerts in his high-school years. When he was in grade nine, he and long-time friend Joe Basson, now known as Auntie Sousa, created a kwaito dancing group called Amasilkies. Before pursuing a career in music, he was a backup artist; a dancer and he also opened shows for his famous cousin Killa B and well-known friend Jossy Joss. Morocky also opened concerts for well known South African artists including Mzekezeke; Malaika; Mafikizolo; Mandoza; Brown Dash, Brickz and Ishmael among others. He rose to fame following the release of his hit single “Jesus Otati” a kwaito-gospel song produced by Elvo in 2003.
“Jesus Otati” (meaning “Jesus is saying”) opened doors for Morocky’s career. The song was very popular and earned him comparison to South African kwaito star Mandoza due to the roughness in his voice, which was compared to that of Mandoza. His voice was also compared to American rapper DMX, who is also known as The Dog, from which Morocky possibly got his stage name. The success of “Jesus Otati” propelled The Dogg to win the award for Artist of the Year and Best Kwaito song at the 2003 Sanlam-NBC Music Awards.[1] He then in 2003 founded Mshasho Productions, which gained popularity in 2004 after his second album.
Besides being a musician The Dogg is also an active music producer. He has produced hits for several famous Namibian artists. He started producing music in 2005 under the guidance of his mentor Elvo. He has so far shared production credits with Elvo, DJ Kboz and Christian Poloni. He has produced and served as executive producer on all albums released under Mshasho Records. Additionally he has produced hits for non-Mshasho artists, including Sunny Boy, Qonja, Kamasutra, Faizel MC and Kavax. The Dogg served as the main producer on all of his solo albums since the 2006 release Introducing TeeDee.
“I’ve tried a few different things, like mixing some house and rave beats with traditional kwaito beats. I’m working on establishing my own unique blend of music,” says The Dogg in an interview with Mtc.com, in October 2007. Through his production career he has collaborated with Elvo and DJ Kboz, the only two producers to have shared production credit with The Dogg.