Kagiso Rabada's dad Dr Mpho Rabada talks about his music journey

While the person that comes to mind when many hear the Rabada surname is a dashing young cricket star, his father Dr Mpho Rabada is a force to be reckoned with as well and he's slowly but surely amassing fame as Poroza Dr, the musician.

The father of two sons, one of them well-known cricket star Kagiso Rabada, Mpho is a medical practitioner who qualified at Wits University and has experience in aviation medicine and business strategy. Originally from Mamelodi, in Pretoria, he has always loved music. 

Mpho believes his calling is to heal and he's linked that with his desire to give other music artists a platform as his goal.

“My mission is to create music while featuring new people primarily so they can break through. The singles are done with different lyricists. The philosophy to provide a platform for different artists is really core to my goals and purpose. The production capacity will increase with time and continue the art of making soulful and meaningful tunes,” he says.

Since sharing his first song on YouTube, his music seemed to do its own talking  and he hasn't looked back since then. Dr Rabada did a Q&A with TshisaLIVE.

Takes us back to the beginning, when did the music bug bite?

I used to be in the school and church choir, I guess that was the beginning of the journey ...  in addition to have always been into music.

The production of music really started when I was doing my MBA in the UK where I bought music equipment and software. I would use my spare time to innovate and produce, shared the music with family and friends.

My boys then joined me in the art of creating music as a bonding session and catching up on life events. They are part of my creation of music and integral to the experience and end product. We produced our first album titled Keep on Holding where Kagiso was singing and also wrote the lyrics. The roles now are reversed with Atlegang being more involved.

How would you summarise your life story so far and what have you learnt and now know for a fact?

Music has strengthened the bonds with my boys and also it levels the playing field as there is no age advantage but more a team contribution and dialogue. Music has definitely enhanced my quality of life. What I have learnt is that when you have a vision, you must run with it and get to your purpose and goals.

Nothing should stop you from your goals and you must not only live your dreams but create them. 

What are some of your proudest achievements?

Having singles released with great reviews is just amazing and loving our dream of sharing the music with the people out there and continuing to take the art to greater heights. Remaining soulful and African as well as featuring different artists and investing in the greater dream of launching careers because I know artists are at the core of our philosophy and theme.

Describe the kind of music you create?

My music is full of soul and rich in melodies with signature house beats mixed with amapiano for a uniquely Mzansi feel which has international appeal. The notes appeal to all age groups and are easy on the ear.

I suppose you can say it’s dance music with a hint of jazz, pop and piano.

In your musical journey, what has shocked you the most?

The most astonishing fact is that the streams are diverse and international with the US and Germany being the top two countries of streams. The other being how difficult it is to get airplay in Mzansi but it’s a challenge that is not insurmountable.

How has social media affected your musical journey?

Social media is an enabler and has been a game changer from a marketing perspective and puts the global community on the platform. It makes direct marketing a reality and interaction with fans/consumers.

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