Tsotsi Gab !

THR RISE OF SCAR BY Naledi Mokgwathi

He?s not only a talented lyricist but he also possesses a good sense of business acumen. This is none other than Thato Matlhabaphiri popularly known to the masses as Scar. The versatile Hip Hop MC is also the brains behind the popular clothing label simply termed P.O.D.I, an acronym which simply translates into People of Different Identities-a fitting name if you consider the numerous tribes which make up our peaceful country. Being one of Botswana?s few lyrically-gifted MCs whose knack for unleashing a powerful rendition on stage is unparalleled to none; Scar has been nominated for two categories in the Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards. The young man first broke into the local dog-eat-dog music industry in 2001 and trod where the angels feared by becoming one of the first few individuals to release a Hip Hop offering. Fast forward the clock to 2006, Scar resurfaced again and unleashed a very powerful album simply entitled ?Happy Hour.? Released both under Breakthrough and Ramco Loco Records the super slamming album has since its release dominated both local and international airwaves, making it a first for a local Hip Hop album to garner such an immense following. He is credited among other things to take to the stage alone without any female or male dancer gyrating or twirling alongside him and still be able to tame and soothe the masses making them melt under his hypnotizing musical spell. The album has been crafted with the help of the country?s versatile producers, Eric Ramogobya and Earth both of Ramco Loco Records and among other artistes the talented lyricist features Kast, Third Mind, Michelle and Eskimos. The 21-track album also features Shoes of Machesa fame. As clear testimony that his star continues to shine even beyond our borders, the versatile MC recently brought the roof down when he performed at the Big Brother Africa II eviction party held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show which has more than one million views across the African continent without a doubt thrust our gifted lass from the dusty village of Molepolole into the dizzy pinnacle of fame and this will undoubtedly give him the coveted and much needed advantage at the Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Awards which is slated for October 11. Citizens are encouraged to vote for the competing groups and to vote for Scar who has been nominated under the ?Best New Comer? category, SMS 3E to 15622 and or send 12 C to 15622 for ?Best Hip Hop video?. Another local group which has been nominated is Acid for their thumping song ?Banyana le Basimane?. To vote for Acid send 5D to 15622. The awards will be staged at the Johannesburg City Hall on Thursday 11 October 2007 and we wish our local stars all the luck in the world.



Congrats laiti... good luck in Jossy!