MASERU — Local hip hop artiste Juvinile says he is quitting the music industry because of poor returns.
“The production of my music seemed to be eating too much from my pocket and returning very little,” said Juvinile whose real name is Motebang Nkoko.
“The industry is filled with challenges that hinder our success. Promoters don’t book us for events because they don’t believe in us.”
“The government also does not invest in the arts industry. It felt like I was fighting a losing battle.”
But he doesn’t rule out a return to the industry if the situation improves.
“I consider myself an entertainer and if I see development in the industry I will probably bounce back but not as a hip hop artist, rather something else,” he said.
Juvinile is also leaving his job as a part-time presenter at People’s Choice FM (PC) radio.
The 19-year-old began his music career four years ago and is known for hits like Litolobonya, Party ea Juvy and Vele.
He is also popular for his My Space programme on PCFM every Saturday afternoon (13:00 and 15:00).
Juvinile said he felt he should leave the industry while is still “young and fresh”.
On why he is leaving PC FM Juvinile said he feels it’s time for him to grow.
“I believe I have given the industry enough hits to dance to,” he said.
But his supporters should not despair because he is leaving them with an album. He told the Weekender that he is working on his first and last album set to be released in June.
“I am working on my first and last album which will drop in June, the month when I leave the industry,” Juvinile said.
“The album is not yet titled and I have not yet decided how many tracks it will carry but because it is my first and last album. I am looking to go all out and offer no less that 15 tracks,” the entertainer said.
Juvinile said he now wants to study sound engineering.
“I want to take time out to learn the business side of the entertainment industry.”
The Lesotho Haeso Music Awards 2011 nominee said he will miss working with local artistes and performing live.
“I am going to miss T-Mech the most. He was my musical soul mate and Skebza D who always found a way to unleash the creative and most crazy side of me while working together.
“I am going to miss the adrenaline before I took to the stage for live performances,” he said.
Juvinile said he got to where he is on the hip hop scene because of the faith that former Ultimate radio presenter Miss P had in him.
“I thank Miss P for believing in my Kwaihop genre and the talent I possess. If it wasn’t for her playing my music on radio, I doubt I could have been as popular as I am today,” he said.
From his upcoming album, Juvinile has released a single, Hey Juvy which is doing well on local radio stations.
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