When he burst onto the scene he was met with some opposition for his style of music and language, but Focalistic took it in his stride.
He has travelled to many parts of the world putting isPitori on the map. He shares with TshisaLIVE what can make the music industry better.
You have experience of travelling abroad and meeting new audiences, has that made you view the music scene in Mzansi differently? Is there something we can improve on?
“We are definitely a country that does not take entertainment as seriously as other countries. It goes back to our problem of the shortage of leaders; one of our leaders went to an international conference and said we don't need more artists. But it's like, how did we survive through lockdown without artists? How would we have survived [without] artists representing at the time and soothing people is an important piece of society. Being able to give peace and happiness to people and make them dance is an important part of human fabric. For me, I would say we need to take entertainment more seriously from a structural perspective, from a government perspective, because then it would mean there is more budget and there's more job creation.
“We are getting there as much these interviews are important to raise these issues. We will get there, sitting on these boards of Samro, of Sampra, having young people there with fresh minds will help; other than from a talent perspective, SA is number 1. I'll always respect how creative we are and making the best with what we have and the best being on a level that can challenge the whole world.”
What are some of the things you are grateful for?
“I'm grateful for the talent, I'm grateful for being from Pitori, for experiencing music the way I'm experiencing it. When I hear a song I get goosebumps, and I think that's a South African thing. A song can literally change the whole scope of the day. I'm grateful for the talent, that I'm from SA, that I've experienced life the way I've experienced it and can be in a position to say I want this and that to change. As much as we try to go hard everyday to make the changes, you can start seeing the small differences. I'm grateful I can make a difference. I'm grateful that I come from such a talented country, and I'm proudly South African. I always say I'm a global person moving through the world, but I'm proudly South African, proudly Pitori.”
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