Rudy Chalmers, whose real name is Sithenkosi Mbuli, has released his debut musical project Fears & Fantasies which explores the life he has lived.
Johannesburg - Rudy Chalmers is introducing his sound to the world with a mixtape of emotions. The 20-year-old muso has released his debut musical project Fears & Fantasies, which explores the life he has lived.
It was only a matter of time before the rapper, the son of late media veteran Vuyo Mbuli and Savita Mbuli, paved his own path in the industry.
“My inspiration for writing music and growing that skill started when I was about eight. My older cousin, Zolani, used to write rap lyrics and whenever I would go to my grandparents’ house in Pimville, he and I would spend Sunday afternoons together and he would freestyle for me. Everything he did seemed so cool and I definitely wanted to do it too,” said the rapper, whose real name is Sithenkosi Mbuli.
By the time he turned 15, he had started to share the skill with his friends at school while freestyling during break times. Mbuli was honing his craft around the time Soundcloud was gaining momentum, especially as a platform for youngsters to use.
Fast forward to today and Mbuli has released his mixtape called Fears & Fantasies. “Basically it’s an honest reflection of where I am in my life right now. I named it that because having a dream so big and chasing it, it’s almost like you are encapsulated in that duality of being so scared of what you are dreaming about and also being so excited by what you are dreaming about. That’s the fear and fantasies. Your dreams have to scare you and excite you at the same time.”
Mbuli describes his music as jazz-infused hip hop with an alternative flavour. The 10-track mixtape takes the listener through his emotions.
“There is a song, Home, where I am reflecting about being at home during the lockdown and reflecting on the pillars my mom and sister are in my life.
“The song Miss You is dedicated to my dad. On My Way is an upbeat self-motivation song that reminds me that I’ll get to where I want to be.”
His stage name Rudy Chalmers pays tribute to his dad as Chalmers was his father’s other name. While it took his mom a while to get on board with his musical dreams, she is his biggest supporter.
“She saw my dedication and ability grow and is fully behind me,” he said. The mixtape is available across streaming platforms with two music videos on YouTube that he hopes will be on TV soon.
The Star
