Mohalenyane Phakela
TŠEPE rapper J-Cob will tomorrow release a six-track debut extended project titled Sefi Music EP.
According to the Bethlehem, South Africa-based muso, the EP would be available at various outlets that promote local talent such as Topaz in Bloemfontein and Club 4Fordy in Khubetsoana. J-Cob said he would reveal the other outlets on his social media profile after finalising ongoing negotiations.
Produced by Black Steel, the offering consists of such tracks as Taba Kholo, Mathata a Lefatše, Ntho Tsa Batho Ba Baholo and Hustle Up among others.
J-Cob said after releasing a slew of singles over the years, he felt now was the time to give fans something more.
“I decided to give fans of my music a broader spectrum of my capabilities through this project which carries different messages,” he said this week, adding that a full album was in the works which would be released at the end of the year.
“Each of the six tracks carries a different message that will not only entertain people but inspire them. For instance, Mathata a Lefatše, talks about the setbacks we encounter in life and how they push a person towards the end of his or her tether.”
J-Cob said he grew up in Maseru before moving to South Africa in 2014. He rose to prominence in 2013 following the release of the hit single, Ke Teng, which received generous airplay on the airwaves and in clubs.
However, the Kea Pusha hit-maker said it was far from plain sailing when he relocated to South Africa.
“In Lesotho, I had people like T-Mech who would slot me in the shows they would be performing or organised,” he said.
“When I relocated to South Africa, I had to do everything on my own and beg promoters for a slot at their events and it was not easy because they did not know me.
“I realised that although the South African music industry was more established, it was not easy to make inroads. It is about who you know.”
J-Cob’s breakthrough came when he caught the eye of popular Lesedi FM presenter Ba2Cada.
“Ba2cada was impressed with my performance at his show called Tippy Toes in 2014 and that was my turning point,” he said.
With Ba2cada’s assistance, J-Cob has managed to perform at various events in South Africa such as the Mangaung Cultural Festival last year, while in Lesotho he rocked the Summa Feva last December and the BOLESWA Intervarsity Games opening bash held at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village earlier this month.
“Music is not for the faint hearted but requires confidence and determination,” he said.
“In South Africa, various artists have made a name for themselves while playing their style of music, and I will not rest until Sesotho music gets the recognition it deserves.”
