CHANGE: Rapper’s concern for fellow artists’ mental well-being has seen him embark on a campaign that seeks to change the painful trajectory…

By  Gugu Sibiya

Using music for healing and creating awareness around mental health issues, rapper Sleeze is a man on a mission.

Instead of moaning about what’s happened or shouldn’t have in the aftermath of the death of artists who have taken their own lives during the lowest points of their lives, Hip hop artist Sleeve Mahambehlala took the bull by its horns to encourage other  artists – both up-and-coming and established – to open up about issues troubling them.

From lack of gigs to paucity of media exposure, artists navigate a myriad hurdles in their daily lives in their quest for stardom. These could be struggles to keep their heads above the water to succumbing to peer pressure to push a breakthrough sooner than the environment will allow. This, in an environment where instant financial success might easily be misconstrued as a stepping stone to better things, and yet set off the whole gamut of existential problems. “For a while now there are things that haven’t been going well in the industry,” he says. “Publicity is integral to an artist’s thriving and success. Sadly more often than not media houses shuns us when we ask for write ups and radio stations don’t play our music.

“As if that’s not bad enough, promoters are reluctant to book us for festivals, jobs are scarce so it’s difficult to freelance while waiting for a breakthrough. In most cases our families are on our case to look for a proper job, dismissing our passion as a pastime for those who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

“As a result, most artists have been dealing with their own share of mental health issues. They don’t have anybody to talk to. Unfortunately they turn to social media, the most dangerous space to be at since people can be very judgemental and vicious.

“It’s the passing of HHP, Ricky Rick, Patrick Shai and Tumi Tladi, among others, who left by their own hand, due to depression, something that jarred me into action. These are artists we loved and looked up to. And now to suddenly learn that they were depressed which led to their suicide, is sad.

Sleeze says that’s why it’s so important to learn about the topic and talk about mental health to his peers as a young artist. “It would be beneficial for other like-minded organisations that’d be willing to come on board to assist artists to cope under difficult circumstances”.  

 Totally upbeat, he states confidently “I’m happy to school everyone holistically through my music and visual art as we did recently at Jewel City, in Maboneng. Seeing that it’s a popular place for artists, we painted our message-laden murals there because there’s no way they’d miss it. Luckily, people stared at the images, posting and tagging others, thereby generating conversation around it”.

Sleeze explains that it’s no coincidence that their murals are prevalent in spaces predominantly occupied by artists. “We are motivated by tackling perceived challenges in the areas we choose. For instance, last year’s murals in Yeoville focused messaging on drugs, alcohol and crime. In Maboneng this year, it was mental health, depression and suicide.

“Next year, we’ll identify an area and zoom into its prevalent challenges. The idea is to create awareness, initiate dialogue, craft solutions together and find professionals or government organs to offer their expertise and help,” says the rapper who’s basking in the compliments he’s receiving for his works.

“The best thing to come from this project was how it’s not only motivated people but has had a profound impact on my mom, Lerato, who had a drug habit. Except for one, older artists seldom join the conversation on the subject matter at hand. Perhaps it’s more about being in denial or uncomfortable about facing the demons bedevilling the industry and communities, head-on. They rather brush it off,” he says, frustration creeping in.

The hip hop exponent has just dropped a love song called Inhliziyo. “It’s a fusion of R&B and Amapiano. The first time I heard it on 5FM and the Eastern Cape-based True FM, I couldn’t believe it. The exciting thing is that they are playing it and it’s a good feeling. I embarked on the hip hop journey a long time ago but started taking it seriously after school.

“I’m a budding entrepreneur who’s also co-hosted a hip hop slot called Mega Friday on Radio Hillbrow. It was a wonderful show but I left. I hope to come up with something spectacular. My music is very important to me and I pray that it finds a loyal audience that’ll ensure my success.

If my projects save a few artists and continue the conversation that will spark some thinking, then I know that I’m on the right path” Sleeze says with conviction.

PASSION KEEPS Abigail Kubheka ON THE GO

ICONIC: After decades in showbusiness and still going strong, the octogenarian attributes her longevity to discipline and being teetotaller…

By Gugu Sibiya

“There are heroes and there are legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die”. When uttering these timeless words, Boney Kapoor, an Indian film producer primarily associated with Hindi cinema, could have been referring to the likes iconic singer and actress Abigail Kubheka, who celebrated her 84th birthday with a bang the same week as she got honoured with the Outstanding Legend Award at a glittering ceremony in Johannesburg last week.

In her nomination letter, chairperson of the awards Ria Ledwaba, lauded Kubheka for inspiring countless people through her talent, adding that her excellence in her work contributed immensely to the country’s rich cultural heritage. Something that she’s still doing today.

Oozing joy and happiness from this unexpected recognition, the classy legend said: “I receive the honour bestowed to me with all the humility and gratitude from my heart. I’m so blessed because most people are often accorded this honour when they’ve passed. By then, they can’t enjoy the feeling of appreciation by those they’re serving.”

Concerned, she added: “Honoured while I’m still here, hopefully puts to bed this painful tendency of people ignoring you while you’re still alive. They suddenly hog the spotlight at your funeral, claiming to know you. What can we say? Seeking fame at the expense of the dead has become a way of life,” she says, pleading with people to fix this unbecoming behaviour”. Indeed, a sentiment once expressed by veteran British actor Anthony Hopkins who, when decrying living during what he termed an era of packaging culture that despises content, said: “We live in a world where funerals are more important than the deceased”.

Kubheka adds: “Sadly, we’re living our lives in silos, doing as we please, not taking other people’s concerns to heart. All thanks to the apartheid regime’s continued efforts to break our ubuntu.  They forcefully removed us to townships with the hope of further breaking us apart. It, instead, brought us closer.

“Be that as it may be, I’m grateful for the award. It’s always been about me practising a craft I love and enjoying myself.  Thankfully it hasn’t go unnoticed. It’s gratifying to know that my works bring joy and healing to people.”

The natty dresser is still doing her thing on SABC1’s Generations and loving it. “I meet a lot of people who complain that they haven’t seen me on the soapie for a while now. I explain that appearances are dependent on the story line. Luckily, they’ll be spending Christmas with me on the screen. Just the other day I shot a commercial for Wimpy and really enjoyed it.

“God has been good to me. I started out as a ramp model thanks to youthful enthusiasm. I went on to music (during her time and the late Miriam Makeba with the Skylarks, cabaret and countless shows), theatre stages, acting in films now on TV, commercials and countless voice overs. And now it’s finally paying off,” she cooed.

“I suppose the recognition is also   because I’ve given every job   I’ve ever done my all. Discipline is my middle name. I’ve never taken a drink in my life but have always enjoyed hanging out with my arts family, buying them drinks but most importantly looking after them.

“Love and respect is the glue that’s kept us together in an industry that’s lacking in that area” lamenting how people got into all the problems they have trying to escape more serious ones. “We got our freedom, lost our country and lost ourselves,” she pointed out sadly.

“Our halls that brought life and joy to the townships, have been turned into pay points. If our people want entertainment they need to go to town. In these tough times how many of them can afford that” she asked rhetorically.

“Around Christmas I’ll be reflecting on the life I’ve lived. This will chart the way forward with God’s help. Something just tells me to stay home. I still have energy, enthusiasm and a lot to offer. You’re the water and fertiliser that keeps this flower blooming. I hope the same curtesy and love is extended to other practitioners” she says wishing South Africans a blessed Christmas”.