Lethabo Sebetso, known professionally as Focalistic, was born on May 26, 1996, in Zone 6, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria. Son of the former SABC political journalist Kgomotso Sebetso, Lethabo grew up in an environment steeped in socio-political awareness. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a degree in political science, a path significantly different from his eventual career in music.
Before his foray into the music world, Focalistic was actively involved in football, showcasing his diverse talents.
Emergence as a Musical Talent
Focalistic's journey in music officially began with his victory in the 2016 Artist on Rise competition. His debut single, "Fak'mali," made a remarkable entrance, landing at number 1 on YFM's Hip Hop music charts. This early success was a sign of the unique blend of talent and charisma that Focalistic possessed.
In early 2020, he took a significant step by establishing his own record label, 18 Area Holdings, in partnership with The Vth Seasons. His Extended Play, Quarantined Tarantino, released in April 2020, further solidified his position in the South African music scene.
The Breakthrough Hit "Ke Star"
April 2020 marked a turning point in Focalistic's career with the release of his single "Ke Star" featuring Vigro Deep. This track not only achieved gold status, selling 25,000 copies, but it also gained international recognition, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart in the U.S. The remix of "Ke Star," which featured Nigerian superstar Davido along with Vigro Deep, saw even greater success, propelling Focalistic to global fame.
Accolades and Achievements
In 2021, Focalistic's contributions to music were extensively recognized. He received seven nominations at the All Africa Music Awards, spanning categories from Best Male Artist to Song of the Year. His significant influence in promoting the Amapiano genre was evident as he headlined the AmaFest Tour in the UK in September 2021.
His Extended Play, President Ya Straata, released later that month, featured notable artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Mellow & Sleazy. His nominations for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards further underscored his rising status in the global music industry.
Global Performances and Tours
2022 was a year of global exposure for Focalistic. He performed at the O2 Arena in London alongside Nigerian singer Davido, a testament to his growing international appeal. His North American Tour, which kicked off in May, covered major cities across the U.S., from Washington D.C. to New York, showcasing his music to a broader audience.
Latest Musical Endeavors
Focalistic's studio album, Ghetto Gospel, was announced in October 2022 and released on November 18, 2022. The lead single, "Tabela Hape," featuring Kabza de Small, Mellow and Sleazy, and Myztro, was released shortly before the album, stirring considerable excitement among his fans.
Personal Reflections
Behind his successful career, Focalistic has faced personal challenges. The loss of his father in a car accident in 2011 was a profound setback. His childhood experiences, including helping on his father's pig farm, have grounded him and influenced his music and outlook. Focalistic is currently dating South African DJ DBN Gogo, indicating his connection to the music world extends into his personal life as well.
Focalistic's journey from a young footballer in Pretoria to an international music sensation is a tale of talent, perseverance, and the transformative power of music. His unique style, blending traditional South African sounds with modern hip-hop and Amapiano, has made him a symbol of the dynamic and evolving nature of African music on the global stage.
Focalistic - This Year
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