“Together, We Grow”: The First Pages of a Virtuoso’s Storybook
South Africa
A country filled with some of the most potent and memorable histories all around the globe. Home to some of the most influential spirits in the world. Many talents blossomed upon these grounds, and many more are still building the foundations to their own empire. With that being said, this brings me towards today’s journey.
The climb of one of South Africa’s up and rising musical masters:
Phodiso Raboroko.
Or as people like calling him:
The journey of this disc master basically began the moment his presence was birthed into this earth. Without wasting too much time, Phodii began his musical journey early on within his life. His first grace into the music scene commenced when he started producing music at the age of ten - then gradually making his way into the bass and acoustic guitar as he grew older. It is therefore evident that the essence of music has always streamed down the veins of this artist.
Coincidentally, his family has always had an underlying passion for soundwaves. Humming in the branches of his family tree. Even though he grew up in a family where Sesotho was commonly spoken, he was able to discover his Xhosa roots – which is where his deep yet lingering passion for music actually resides.
However, even though his bloodline has musical history, it did not mean it was an easy road for him to start building his empire as an artist. He entered a challenging section of his journey for some time
…
Yet, not for long.
Without shadows phasing his journey, Phodii then decided to carry forth his passion for music into more arts. These arts being through the likes of Musical Theatre, Acting, Design and Broadcasting. As you can see, this virtuoso’s talents are unlimited and continue to grow and strengthen as his journey proceeds.
“I’ve always had an underlying passion for The Arts.” stated the prodigy.
While he met a few difficulties on his road to becoming a DJ, he was able to find green lights through his journey. One of those many lights being through a newly formed band: Suicide and its Stugelas – a group that has already performed in bars and clubs all over Braamfontein, Maboneng and Kitcheners to name a few. As we all know, one pebble in a pond causes many ripples. This is what happened to Phodii when the formation of the band allowed doors to open for performances, multiple features on the radio, and gigs all around Jozi.
Since the formatrion and growth of Suicide and it's Stugelas, Phodii has been featured on UJFM. He has performed three mixes live on his now close friend and band member Suicide's former Monday Night Show.
The artist says, “So I was like “you know what, I like you and I like your music. I like who you are – I like your vibe. Imma help you”, you know? So I helped him out. I’m like “listen, let’s create a live band. I know we only just met like ten minutes ago, but let’s make a live band, bro. I’ve got you on this.”
So then he was like “Awe let me take your numbers.” Took his numbers and then we managed to make a band and… we strong now.”
Phodii has been featured around the Radiosphere ever since. He however is not the only prodigy to have have grown, his band mate Suicide hosts a Sunday Night Show on UJFM entitled "The Icon" with his co-host, Dineo Phyto.
Phodii’s incomparable work ethic and passion have not gone unnoticed. The ripples he has caused only grow bigger – allowing his talent to grow, be recognised and respected through many other artists, presenters, producers and creators.
Thinking his blessings had been counted, our musical prodigy got more showers of gold when he caught the eyes of local upcoming actor Khanye Mfeka from his now personal merchandise Phodii ® - which he wore to an official screening of the movie and movement, Black Panther. He has also shared stages with honourable artists such as Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, LCNVL and Kyle Cassim; and finally enticed the eyes of the ever so notorious Three Stripes: Adidas ®.
Who ever said you can’t have too many talents? Who ever said ‘The sky is the limit’?
Who ever said you should count your blessings? It is clear from the path that this creator is leading that dreams truly can be made a reality. Where glitter does become gold. Where the stars are countless.
With already countless fans and supporters on his side, being the front page article on two different newspapers (twice on the Northcliff Melville Times and once on The Randburg Sun), it is fair to say that this Randburg born prodigy will soon travel through the many ears that lie within these grounds.
Phodii has been given the privilege to be a U-PARTY resident DJ for 2018, and is grateful to RISE Academy for confidently assisting him to get where the artist is within his rising career today.
This virtuoso’s musical talent shall run deep within the many corners of Gauteng.
Soon, the rest of South Africa.
This is him.
This is Phodiso Raboroko.
This is Phodii.
