After being in the industry for many years, rapper Reason has earned himself much respect and praise. The 27-year-old chats to us about his career, fatherhood and opening for international artists.
Reason
My real name is Sizwe Moeketsi but they say… “Everything happens for a reason”, therefore everything has purpose. Mine is music.
Getting into the industry
I always wanted to be a rapper from the day I learned how to rap. But it was when I saw local rappers making money, that I realised I could be also be a professional musician. I broke into the industry back in high school when I was in Grade 11, I used to cut school to go and make jingles for DJ Fresh when he was still at YFM. This eventually landed me up as ProVerbs hype man and as an opening act for a while, so I got to do more work and get my name out.
No Sleep
No sleep is one of my biggest tracks, the concept came as I was working with a company called Motif Records, and the labels motto is “Motif Don’t Sleep”, which symbolised the teams work mentality. “No Sleep” was kind of an anthem for people on the same page.
My Late Son, Lil O
On the “No Sleep” remix I talk about my son Lil O. He passed away last year. His mother and I didn’t have a great relationship from the time that he was born, until about six months before he passed. So the most I’d ever spent on him was my contribution to his funeral, which I was only able to afford because of music.
Fatherhood
I have a daughter and being able to have a child is what I love about fatherhood. Not that many people have the opportunity to have children, so being able to have one is a huge blessing.
Relationships
Being in a relationship isn’t easy for musicians. Married or dating. Our lives are unpredictable and we face a lot of challenges on the way, while producing and showcasing our craft. I don’t have advice for anyone because thinking is based on my experiences. For the most part, people should discover and create their own experiences.
Opening for international artists
For me, opening for international artists symbolises growth. I’m here now because I used to open for ProVerb, so lord knows where I’ll be in the next 10 years because I have now also opened for Kendrick or Big Sean.
Biggest achievement
My current album is my biggest achievement thus far. Me and Instro (producer) produced a really good album between the two of us and a few other good musician friends so I’m really proud of myself for that.
Future plans
My third album is due for release this winter. It features some really great musicians such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Donald, LOCNVL, H.H.P., M.I., Tumi, and other talented young people. So I’m working on packaging and presenting that project this year.
