Volume 50 Issue 10 - October 2012 : Entertainment

 

Ozi F. Teddy pulls no punches. He will dare a risk without flinching while cheerfully accepting that success is not always guaranteed. Teddy intends to carve himself a niche in the crowded house of Hip-Hop, and yea, dig his name deeper into the genre as well.

You only need to listen to this dude string out his  anti-drug and anti-alcohol abuse lyrics - to realise what a star we have in the making. His never say die attitude has seen him produce two solo albums, and people - Hip  Hop fans especially - are beginning to take notice of this new kid on the block. It is a terrain he walks with ease,  ever connected to his inner self, exuding the confidence of one who did not just land in the industry by chance. His musical message clearly finds expression in the Hip-Hop rhythm. “It is out of love that I do what I’m doing - creating a new rhyme accompanied by a unique beat,” he tells Kutlwano.

Teddy is aware of the pros and cons of being in the public eye. He wants to be cautious about where and who he is seen with and eschews rowdy partying crowds. He believes these can only give people a wrong impression about the real you. “Yes, I want it to be rough on the edges, loud and crazy but that is only if I can drive my fans towards the real meaning,” he says somberly. Born to Ashford and Jeanie Phaphane of Thamaga, 22 year-old Tshepang Ted ‘Ozi F Teddy’ Phaphane has an elder brother, Tshepo and younger sister, Sharon. These are the hidden fans that keep blowing into the hippy fire in him.

“My family is my pillar of strength, and keeping the star in me burning and spreading the gospel of love with vibrant lyrics is what I have chosen to make them proud,” explains Teddy. Opportunities and success come through knowledge, all the reason why Teddy will be completing his degree in media studies at the University of Botswana in 2014.

Although conventionally education plays a pivotal role in one’s life, the hip-hopper believes education is not just obtained from school but any human’s sphere as well. This is why he is doubling up as a motivational speaker, always cautioning fellow young people against alcohol and drug abuse besides other social ills. He says the music industry has exposed him to quite an abundance of knowledge, particularly because that is where a huge amount of interaction takes place.

“Learning helps one grow bigger and smarter,” he avers. Without attempting to claim to be the greatest of motivational speakers, he says “I say things for what they are worth and hopefully will motivate anyone who cares to listen,” adding that if it becomes helpful it gives him all the pleasure. Teddy also adds that indeed in music, as in any other mode of communication, one hits a note that resonates well with any number of listeners, and when that happens, one would have at least reached out to someone.

The artist says he has had various milestones this year, such as being involved in a number of charitable activities such as hosting the Coca-Cola Edutainment promotional show, which aired every Tuesday evenings on Botswana Television. He had also been involved in a charity music gig at Kopong village, and has collaborated with local household names in the likes of B.K Proctor, Eureka, Juju-Boy and A.T.I, to mention a few. Schools that have benefited from Teddy’s motivational talks include Ledumang senior, Ledumadumane junior, Motswedi junior and Marulamantsi junior secondary schools. Since his appearance on My African Dream talent show, Teddy has grown steadily in the music industry, and besides he has his own T-shirt label. “I have immense appreciation of life because of the experiences I have gone through,” he says.

Meanwhile, the young musician expresses concern and annoyance towards promoters who have a tendency of reaping off young and upcoming artists by under-paying them after successful on-stage performances. Notwithstanding, the young man says he is motivated by hard work, and other artists who also respect hard work the world over. Other genres that he listens to and likes are RnB, Pop, contemporary alternative classical rock and the popular Nigerian beat. ENDS

 

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