Mohalenyane Phakela
UP-AND-COMING reggae and dancehall artiste, Sensi Rankings is set to perform alongside other African artistes at the Africa Reggae Music Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa from 28 to 29 September 2017.
Other African countries billed to Sensi Rankings is to grace the awards include Patoranking (Nigeria), Wyre (Kenya), Winky D (Zimbabwe) and Skeleton Blazer (South Africa). Jamaica’s Gentleman will be the guest star.
An excited Sensi this week told the Weekender that he was aiming to make the most of his debut appearance at the event and clinch some international collaborations on future projects.
“I landed this gig through Powertainment Reggae Sound, South African-based Basotho-owned company whose owners I first met in 2015 during the Reggae Festival in Leribe where I performed alongside Ragga Vybz Sound System,” Sensi said.
“They fell in love with my craft and called me again when they brought Turbulence and Mega Banton from Jamaica to Victoria Hotel in April this year and we agreed to work together after that. This will be my first gig with them.
“I have impressed international acts including Jamaican Sizzla when he came to Lesotho in 2015 and so I also believe my performance will be loved by many.
“My dream is to go global so I hope to land collaborations with some of the artistes such as Wyre and Patoranking who are from Africa but have managed to penetrate the overseas market.”
Sensi opened for Sizzla at 4Fordy in September 2015 and reportedly impressed the Jamaican star with his performance.
The 32-year-old musician emerged in 2005 as a gospel singer under Yadah Praise Family which he left in 2007. In 2008 he enrolled in a two year vocals and percussions programme at Creare International Arts School in Bloemfontein, South Africa before moving to Johannesburg.
“In Johannesburg, I worked with the likes of Mapaputsi, Jah Seed and Junior from Boom Shaka but I decided to return home in 2014.
“That was not giving up but I just wanted to establish myself in my own country first. We end up seeking a better life in other countries due to the fact that the government is not doing much to uplift the arts. Government could foster relations with established music houses such as EMI and SONY who can help us grow,” he said.
