In celebrating his 10 anniversary in the music industry and promoting his latest song Mahamba Yedwa, South African rapper Khuli Chana dominated RadioDUT’s airwaves during the Afternoon Shutdown with Torche Looney.

The Motswako (the mixture of Setswana, English and other vernacular languages in rap lyrics) rapper encompasses various elements from different backgrounds. His music involves street-talk and highly influential messages in Setswana, English and other South African languages.

The award winning artist’s latest song Mahamba Wedwa follows 9 Shots, a song detailing how he felt after he was accidentally shot by police who mistook him for a criminal.

The visit to RadioDUT was to promote Mahamba Wedwa. In 2014, he won his first international award at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), beating other fellow South African and African artists such as Donald, AKA, Zeus and Stunner, to name but a few.

Speaking about his achievements, Khuli Chana said it has not been an easy journey. “Starting out ten years ago while I was trying to break into the industry it was difficult for me to have my break. I was rejected plenty of times but I kept pushing till I was given an opportunity,” he said.

Khuli Chana is known to have been rejected by three recording companies before he released debut album Motswako Originator in 2009 which earned him Best Newcomer award at the Channel O Music Awards during the same year.

In 2014, Khuli Chana won Best Music Video Award at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) for Sleepwalker. In the same year, he bagged two awards at the Metro Fm Music Awards for Mnatebawen, which also scored him Best Hit Single Title and Best Music video.

What you didn’t know about Khuli Chana

• His real name is Khulane Morule.
• His favourite local artist is fellow rapper AKA.
• He has a two year old daughter who was just three months old when he was shot.
• He has shared the stage with rapper Drake when he opened for him (Drake) in December 2013.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: Khuli Chana during his interview with Torche Looney on the Afternoon Shutdown at RadioDUT.