Five minutes with Keith Da Mamba, on his career and empowering others

Keith Da Mamba is one of Mzansi’s hottest stars and is on everyone’s radar.

Although he might have gained popularity for dating some of Mzansi’s politicians and sugar daddies, Keith Da Mamba says he’s all about hard work and he’s prepared to prove it. 

The DJ is set to launch his debut single Vula Vula in collaboration with Katee Sima, Mshumayeli 2.O, Knoxman and U&I.

“I started this musical journey with a purpose to empower people who have been trying to climb the ladder to success but experienced a lot of challenges which ended up slowing down their drive and passion for music,” he told TshisaLIVE. 

We spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures:

How would you describe your journey in the entertainment industry?

My journey in the music industry has not been easy. There has been a lot of gatekeeping, a lot of rejections. But that said, there are some good people in this industry who have helped me even when I got rejected and who believed in my craft. So overall this journey has been eye-opening. But mostly it has been such an interesting learning curve, it has  built my resilience and work ethic.

What’s the significance of making your musical debut now?

I decided to make my musical debut now, because for the longest of time I wanted to empower communities and people around me using the resources, networking and tools I have. I want to give people who have talent a chance to achieve success. My main focus is to work with the individuals who have experienced a lot of [rejection] yet their talent is outstanding.

Who are your biggest music influences?

Kabza Da Small and Dbn Gogo. I personally love the influence Kabza Da Small has when it comes to producing. His work is really outstanding. Dbn Gogo is an outstanding DJ and always makes sure to have the most perfect playlist at every set, which makes her one of the best DJs in South Africa.

How do you define success as an artist?

I would define success as an artist by what the artist does after being at the top of the ladder of success. If an artist starts giving back to communities and empowers the youth and does not forget where they came from when they started climbing the ladder to success. In conclusion, an artist who gives back to communities and empowers others during their journey is a successful artist to me. Because with that act of kindness, the artist is helping to diminish the [barriers] to success.

Having gained a lot of popularity for your association with politicians, do you have any regrets in making that public?

I have regrets in terms of how the gossip pages narrated that story because I do not have sugar daddies or sugar mommies. In life it happens a lot that in relationships one party is financially stronger than the other. I do not condone leeching off other people’s hard-earned money, which is why I am working so hard, because I don’t believe in depending on other people as my life is in my own hands.