Latest news with #Thembisan
The Citizen
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
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. ALSO READ: Thembisa DJ rises in SA music scene while empowering Ivory Park youth '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. ALSO READ: Entities bring musical harmony to locals on May 24 '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. ALSO READ: Thembisa comic to feature in Tembisawapopayi music video '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.'
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Video: Mayor suspends R126 electricity charge amid Thembisa protests
City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, joined by MMC for finance Nkululeko Dunga, has addressed the protesting community of Thembisa, announcing the suspension of the R126 monthly electricity charge that residents have been opposing. Kempton Express reports the mayor encouraged residents to continue signing petitions, saying these would assist him in tabling the matter at the next council meeting to seek a resolution. However, he did not provide further clarity on the wider electricity tariff increases implemented earlier this month, which remain in place. Dunga pledged to the community that the City would revert with solutions within 14 days, promising to return to Thembisa to report back on the way forward. In closing, Thembisa Community Forum chairperson Lelenkie Lefakane handed over the signed petitions to the mayor and questioned the timeframe of the suspension, stating it did not give the community confidence that the charges would be permanently scrapped. @kemptonexpress Thembisa Shutdown – July 21, 2025 Thembisa has come to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clash with police over electricity tariff hikes and ongoing service delivery failures. Thembisan journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, says sporadic gunfire can still be heard in parts of the township as police attempt to disperse protesters blocking roads. At this moment, City of Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has arrived at Rabasotho Community Centre, where the venue is packed with residents chanting and demonstrating to show their grievances. While tensions are high, no acts of violence have been seen, with the community united under one voice, demanding answers from the mayor on: Increased electricity tariffs Households left without electricity What the money paid by Thembisa residents to the City each month is being used for, as the area continues to face poor service delivery. The mayor is yet to address the furious community of Thembisa. All roads, exit points, and e-hailing services in Thembisa remain shut as the shutdown continues. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as disruptions may continue if tensions escalate. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. #TiktokNews #Thembisa #tembisashutdown #policeofficer #EMPD #cityofekurhuleni #Protest #HappeningNow ♬ original sound – KemptonExpress – KemptonExpress Clashes with police Residents have indicated they will monitor the City's response while continuing to demand accountability on tariff hikes and service delivery failures affecting Thembisa households. Thembisa came to a complete shutdown this morning as protesting residents clashed with police over electricity tariff hikes and service delivery issues. Kempton Express' sister paper, The Thembisan, journalist Floyd Mathebula, reporting from the ground, earlier said sporadic gunfire could be heard in parts of the township as police attempted to disperse protesters blocking roads. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
