6 days ago
Thembisa rising star turns pain into purpose through music
While not every young Thembisan gets a shot at their dreams, 21-year-old Ngimphiwe Mathebula, better known as Flxppy K, chose to forge his own path.
The hip-hop artist uses music as a mirror, a memory, and a mission.
While his sound is rooted in rap, his message stretches beyond the beat.
'I've been writing music since Grade Five,' he said.
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'But it wasn't until 2018 that I finally stepped into a studio to record my first track, Gang Gang. Since then, I've never looked back.'
His love of music started at home.
Growing up, he often heard his mother playing music, a memory that planted the seeds of inspiration. After her passing, his aunt stepped in as a guiding force, nurturing his growing passion for the craft.
'Music became my therapy, my safe space, and eventually, my voice,' he said.
Though hip-hop is at his core, Flxppy K enjoys experimenting with other sounds.
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'I love fusing rap with jazz and R&B. But anything related to hip-hop, I'll jump on it. That's where I feel most alive.'
His influences range from international icons like Chris Brown, Drake, and Lil Wayne to South African stars such as A-Reece, Nasty C, Shane Eagle, Cassper Nyovest, Maggz, and the late Riky Rick. Each has helped shape his unique sound and drive.
A defining moment in his journey occurred when he performed Gang Gang live at Zniko Lounge.
'The energy was crazy. That performance made me believe in myself more than ever,' he said.
It was his first radio interview on Poort FM in Pretoria in 2023 that pushed him to take his music more seriously.
Since then, he has performed at several local events, though he recently took a step back from the stage to refine his craft.
'I want to come back better, stronger, and more focused,' he said.
Behind the scenes, big things are in motion.
He's working on a new project titled Blue Note, though details remain under wraps. He's also signed a PR deal with Ghetto Heroes Home Management, a big step toward cementing his place in the industry.
Like many independent artists, Flxppy K understands the hustle.
'Getting studio time, funding for marketing, and building a brand from scratch is tough. Especially without a steady income, it can become discouraging,' he said.
What keeps him going is the support of those closest to him.
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'My friends, family, and fans push me forward. Their support reminds me why I started. I gave up studying after high school to pursue music full-time. There's no turning back now.'
For Flxppy K, music is more than beats and rhymes; it's about connection.
'I want my music to give people hope. No matter what you're going through, I want my songs to help you escape, feel better, and believe in yourself.'
His goal is to build a career that not only supports himself and his family but also inspires others.
'I want to be the reason a kid from Thembisa starts dreaming big,' he said.
Beyond music, he's also dabbling in modelling and fitness.
'I do photoshoots with photographers I collaborate with, and enjoy working out. Staying active keeps me balanced.'
What many people don't know is that he comes from a family that runs a home church.
'Even though I'm in the entertainment space, I'm grounded in my faith. I believe in God, and that's a big part of who I am.'
His advice for the youth?
'Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. Trust the process, stay consistent, try new things, and never give up.'
