ED SHEERAN
Ed Sheeran’s motto in life is “Smile more, eat some chocolate!”. Which I think is a pretty good way to live life.
Ed’s real name is not actually just Ed in true English culture his full name is, of course, Edward Christopher Sheeran.
In 2012, Ed won two BRIT Awards for the Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough of the Year.
Ed has a cat called Bellini and is also ginger.
Ed Sheeran is 30 years old and was born on February 17, 1991. He shares his birthday with Paris Hilton.
PARDISON FONTAINE
Pardison Fontaine’s first-ever job was selling books at a bible book store.
Pardison Fontaine is an absolute foodie, (like most of us anyway ! ) and says that his guilty pleasure is all kinds of food.
The first CD that he ever purchased with his own money was one of Trey Songz first albums
Pardison Fontaine’s number one essentials are his XBOX and NBA 2K.
Pardison Fontaine’s real name is actually Jorden Kyle Lanier Thorpe .
KIANA LEDE
In 2016, Kiana Ledé starred as Zoe Vaughn in the second season of MTV’s horror series Scream.
As a young child, Ledé began to sing the alphabet after learning it and began performing at the age of 3 upon receiving her first karaoke machine.
In 2011 Kiana Ledé’s mother discovered Kidz Bop’s a website for kids to upload and share videos of themselves performing. She won the talent competition they had and secured a recording contract with RCA Records.
In 2018, she portrayed the character of Veronica Washington on the Netflix series “All About the Washingtons”.
Kiana has a tattoo of a lotus flower near her right ear, the Roman numbers XII XVII a and a honey dipper on her left arm.
KEHLANI
Kehlani rose to fame with the teen pop band POPLYFE on season 6 of America’s Got Talent. The group finished in fourth place.
She dropped her first mixtape ‘Cloud 19’ in August 2014. It was made in New York City with producer Jahaan Sweet and was ranked 28th on Complex’s “50 Best Albums of 2014”.
Named after the lead track, ‘You Should Be Here’ was Kehlani’s second album and was released in April 2015. The mixtape reached No 5 on the US RnB chart. The track ‘You Should Be Here’ has had 6.69 Million views alone!
Her cousin is rapper Clyde Carson, formally signed to Capitol Records. Under the label, he released ‘Doin’ That’ in 2007.
Kehlani’s father passed away when she was very young and her mother struggled with addiction, so her aunt helped to raise her.
JESSE CLEGG
Jesse Clegg is the son of the late South African icon, Johnny Clegg. Jesse spent the first six years of his life on tour with his father.
In 2014, Jesse Clegg brought his music to the international stage. He embarked on a seven-week tour across the United States and Canada, which comprised 32 shows in 31 cities.
In 2015, Clegg returned to the studio to record new material for his third studio release, entitled Things Unseen. Produced by Dennholm Harding, the first single, “Use Me”, was released in July, and immediately started charting on national radio, reaching the No. 1 spot on several stations. It remained on the iTunes Top 40 for three months.
He has released six Top 10 singles and toured extensively throughout South Africa.
Jesse Clegg’s three studio albums have made Clegg a platinum-selling success.
MI CASA
J Something came up with the name ‘Mi Casa’ for their band and it means My House.
The members of Mi Casa met at a party in Sandton. J Something’s brother called him to come and play with Mr Duda, they were well received by the crowd and that’s how their alliance was formed.
J Something’s real name is Joao da Fonseca.
Their album Su Casa took them three months to complete in between gigs.
The group performed at the inauguration of former President Obama in January of 2009.
YOUNOTUS
In 2016, the duo featured on “Please Tell Rosie” by German DJ/producer Alle Farben, which peaked at number 2 in Austria and number 3 in Germany.
The song “Please Tell Rosie” earned the duo a nomination for “Best Single” for the 1LIVE Krone radio award.
After another collaboration with Alle Farben and Kelvin Jones named “Only Thing We Know” in 2018, they released a cover of Liquido’s 90s top hit “Narcotic” together with Janieck and Senex who was former frontman of Liquido.
In 2019, they were nominated for the German radio award 1LIVE Krone in the category “Best Dance Act”.
The duo played in front of a huge international crowd at the official New Year’s Eve party at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate in 2019.
AMU
Amukhelani Tshwane took to acting and secured a role in South Africa’s leading soap opera called “Generations”.
He was born in Soweto, South Africa on the 13th of October and is considered to be one of the pioneers of Hip Hop in South Africa.
Making his first appearance in 1996 on the “Muthaload” Compilation, his song “Skillz” off the compilation, was its first single, and also had a video which got some play on Channel O.
The founding member of Township Frekwentsi, Amu was one of the first MC’s to mix Vernacular into his English lyrics. His debut album “The Rap, Life and Drama” was released on Ghetto Ruff Records in 2003, and was very well received.
Amu has helped launch other S.A. Hip Hop acts, such as Mr Selwyn and Wikid, as well as concentrating his efforts on his production company “Buv Ground Productions”.
MR SELWYN
Mr Selwyn took a six-year break from music to focus on finding himself and getting closer to God.
The award-winning hip hop star, Mr Selwyn, is now a pastor and goes by Pastor Selwyn.
Mr Selwyn worked as an insurance broker at a call centre at one stage in his life because he believed that he had to work hard and be independent.
In 2004 he went on to win a Best Hip-hop Album award at the South African Music Awards. He followed up with another album, Zone 5, in 2006.
Mr Selwyn released his third album, Foundation, in 2009 before he went on self-imposed exile.
FIFI COOPER
Fifi Cooper’s real name is Refilwe Mooketsi.
She is a diverse artist, she performs jazz, gospel and the blues and still makes the best of it because she doesn’t see herself as only a rapper but an artist.
Her first breakthrough single was Chechella which was released in 2010.
Fifi has always been her nickname even before fame.
She used to do Latin Ballroom dancing.
CHLÖE
If you’re interested in the zodiac calendar, which I know you are! Chloe Bailey’s star sign is Cancer. Cancers are often described as loyal, protective, intuitive and caring.
Chloe Bailey was born in Georgia, Atlanta and grew up in Mableton. She later moved to Los Angeles, California with her family in 2012 to pursue an acting and singing career.
Chlöe’s debut solo single Have Mercy is finally here and the lyrics see Chloe Bailey flex about how hot and successful she is. The song is truly a self-love anthem for the ages.
Chloe x Halle are not twins. Chloe Bailey is two years older than her sister Halle but the two of them are super close in real life and have a sisterly bond similar to that of twins.
Chloe Bailey has appeared in TV shows including Austin & Ally, Wild ’n Out and Black-ish as well as Grown-ish. As for films, she’s appeared in The Fighting Temptations, Meet the Browns and Joyful Noise. She has also been cast in a lead role in the upcoming thriller, The Georgetown Project. Is there anything this girl can’t do? I don’t think so!
DJ STOKIE
DJ Stokie’s real name is Setoki Mbatha.
He was born and brought up in the township of Soweto where he started deejaying at a very early age.
He began his career in the early 2000s, performing at local bars and parties, but it wasn’t until 2006 that he was named a contestant on the Mad Half Hour, a feature program on the Joburg-based youth radio station YFM, that he got his big break.
DJ Stokie released his debut album, Amapiano Movement, Volume 1, on December 13th, 2019, the first of more episodes to come.
He has an estimated net worth of $200,000 which he has earned as a DJ and record producer.
KABZA DE SMALL
Kabza De Small was born in Mpumalanga but grew up in Pretoria.
He kicked off his journey in the entertainment industry as a DJ in 2009. He released his first album ‘Avenue Sound” in 2016.
Kabza De Small has collaborated with the likes of MRF Souls, Gaba Canal, Afrosoul Sax, Josiah, Kopzz Avenue, Tribe Franko, and many more artists in Amapiano.
In January 2019, Kabelo released Bamba La (Original Mix) featuring Leehleza and in May 2019 his most notable joint project with DJ Maphorisa, Scorpion Kings was released.
In 2019, AmaPiano star Kabza De Small topped Spotify’s list of the most streamed South African artists in the country.
THE KID LAROI
The Kid Laroi’s idols are XXXTentacion, Lil Peep and Juice Wrld.
His debut mixtape F*ck Love (2020) peaked at number one on the Australian ARIA Charts.
The Kid Laroi recorded his debut EP ’14 With A Dream’ when he was just 14 years old.
His great-great-grandfather was Aboriginal he was part of the Kamilaroi tribe, Kid Laroi’s took his name from his heritage.
Laroi has said in interviews that he and his mother sometimes lived hand-to-mouth as his mother sold drugs to get by.
JUSTIN BIEBER
Already a person of many talents, apparently Justin Bieber can solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than 2 minutes! Very impressive Justin!
Justin Bieber once cut his iconic hair to raise money for charity. The winning price at auction was a whopping $40,000!
He is an avid basketball fan and player! Justin often plays in celebrity basketball games showcasing his talents outside of the studio and the music stage.
Justin met Hailey Baldwin back in 2009 when he was first introduced to her at one of his concerts. Many years later, he happily married her, giving the world One Less Lonely Girl.
Justin Bieber’s favourite colour is purple.
SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA
The supergroup placed at number ten on the DJ Magazine Top 100 DJ Poll 2011 and has been regarded as “the faces of mainstream progressive house music.”
The first production released was “Get Dumb”. It was produced with Laidback Luke and released in 2007.
The trio, consisting of Swedes Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Axwell, got together in the early 2000s to play house music and grew to become one of the most successful artists.
Swedish House Mafia collaborated with John Martin on two Grammy-nominated hits.John Martin is best known as the voice on the trio’s hit ‘Don’t You Worry Child,’ which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
TY DOLLA $IGN
Ty Dolla $ign made his first track when he was as young as 10 years old. He said, “I can’t tell you the exact age I first made a full track, but I think I was probably like 10 or 11.” Clearly, music has been his calling for a long time.
Ty Dolla $ign is a self-taught drummer, violinist, guitarist and singer. He has claimed that he knows how to play all instruments, besides brass.
He is signed to Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records and Atlantic Records.
He’s the son of singer and songwriter Tyrone Griffin, a member of the funk band, Lakeside. And that definitely shows in his more melodic beats and style.
His Real Name Is Tyrone William Griffin, Jr. hence the “Ty” in his stage moniker.
DJ KHALED
DJ Khaled once found himself lost at sea, but, luckily, he was able to get help from locals who managed to get him back on dry land.
Khaled is a huge fan of egg whites. Supposedly, he eats them every day and even has a personal chef named Chef Dee, who provides him with all the best dishes — including his beloved egg whites, of course.
When it comes to sneakers, DJ Khaled has a huge collection. Everything from the Jordan 3 to exclusive sneakers from Nike and Adidas are stacked up in his floor-to-ceiling wardrobe.
DJ Khaled is a huge fan of Bob Marley. In previous interviews, he stressed how his biggest wish would have been to have recorded a song with the legendary reggae star.
Before taking things solo, Khaled was part of the Terror Squad, which was a hip hop group formed by Fat Joe and the late Big Pun.
LIL BABY
Lil Baby earned his first nomination at the 2020 Grammys for ‘Drip Too Hard’, his collaboration with Gunna, for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Ahead of the 2021 ceremony, he earned two more nominations; Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for his song, ‘The Bigger Picture’.
As of 2021, Lil Baby’s net worth is currently an estimated $5 million, according to celebritynetworth.com.
Lil Baby has two sons. He welcomed his eldest with his ex-girlfriend. In 2019, he welcomed his second son, Loyal, with his now ex-girlfriend Jayda Cheaves.
Lil Baby was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia in the Oakland City neighbourhood.
NOMFUNDO MOH
Nomfundo Moh is a stage name her real name is Nomfundo Ngcobo.
She started working on her album Amagama in late 2020 (September) when she realized that people would like to hear more from her.
The lyrical content of her album Amagama covers many aspects of life, which she believes many people can relate to. There are songs about love, hope, gratitude and many other aspects of life.
The challenges she faced creating the album was feeling stuck and having to be kind to herself, so she could explore her creativity.
Amagama has two meanings. Firstly, it describes her lyrical content, the use of words (amagama) to express herself. Secondly, it emphasises how grateful she is for everyone who has contributed to her music journey.
KID X
Kid X says K.O is more than a big brother to him. He had said that K.O is a great mentor and one of his best friends.
Kid X was born in Mhluzi, Mpumalanga, Kid X relocated to Culinan in Pretoria where he spent most of his childhood.
His love affair with hip hop started 10 years ago after watching Eminem’s biopic 8 Mile, But like many South African rappers, his first love was Kwaito.
His celebrity crush is the one and only Rihanna.
Teargas and Proverb have played a major influence in Kid X’s music journey.
MAKWA
The star producer revealed that he earned around 20k and was taxed 3k.
The Ayipheli hitmaker mentioned that his relationship with his former colleagues was all good and no one was on bad terms.
Makwa featured on Kwesta’s album g.o.d Guluva on the track Nthabiseng.
Makwa demanded money from artists who owe him on Instagram Live.
Makwa produced Kwesta’s hit single Spirit.
SHWI NOMTEKHALA
Shwi Nomtekhala released a stunning ballad titled Uthando at the beginning of the year. The ballad featured the multi-award winning singer/songwriter Nathi Mankayi and Mnqobi Yazo, produced by the equally talented Blaq Diamond.
After struggling for years Shwi NoMtekhala turned things around in 2005 when they dropped Wangisiza Baba that made headlines nationwide. The album blew the nation away, with sales exceeding half a million copies.
The group has won three South African traditional music Awards and two South African Music Awards.
The duo were both born in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal.
Back in 2008, the award-winning maskandi musician Shwi was arrested in a major marijuana drug bust.
JORJA SMITH
The first time Jorja met the Toronto rapper Drake (who she collaborated with on the 2016 track ‘get it together ‘), she was in the co-op buying wine gums and tampons! Umm, talk about awkward!
Jorja was a part-time barista at Starbucks and would record snippets of songs on her phone during her lunch breaks. Some of us just have lunch on ours!
Jorja’s biggest musical influences are Amy Winehouse, Damian Marley and Lauryn Hill. She said that “all of these artists were so honest, raw, real and you could believe every word they were singing/rapping about.”
She is the first independent artist to even be nominated (let alone win) for the Brits critics choice award!
She performed at the iconic producer Quincy Jones’ 85th birthday party. ( now that is legendary! )
J. COLE
Cole started rhyming at 12 years old. He started taking it more seriously three years later when he hooked up with a local rap group called Bomm Sheltuh, which featured rappers Nervous Reck and FilthE Ritch.
Cole began laying his own beats down after his mother spent a whopping $1,300 ( R 19,578 ) on an ASR-X, which he used to put together music in his bedroom. Thank you, J. Cole’s mom for putting us on!
In 2009, J. Cole played first-chair violinist in his high school Terry Sandford Orchestra. What’s even better is that Cole’s orchestra performed the theme songs from Mission Impossible and Batman!
Before putting pen to paper on his contract with Roc Nation, J. Cole has revealed that his first thought when he met Jay Z was: “Damn, I’m taller than Jay Z!” Cole is a whole one inch taller than Jay. The more you know huh!
Believe it or not, J. Cole used to work at a skating rink as a teenager, where he would have to dress up as a kangaroo to entertain customers. Oh, to have seen that! Whoever saw J. Cole dressed as a kangaroo, you lucky dog you!
