Who is Leroi Mentia?
Real name Kgaogelo “Leroi Mentia” Magome
I am a South African Hip hop artist & a songwriter .
Background and Influences
Early Life and Background
– Can you tell us about your upbringing and where you grew up?
I was Born August 06 2000 in Brits , Northwest, South Africa
And I fell in love with doing music because that’s where I can express my pain and happiness.
How did your environment influence your music?
The inequality here in Brits plus the structures for the youth they are not helping, so me looking at the foundation they are laying for us they are not impactful to us.
I took everything that is happening in my community and put it on paper so I can address them through my music.
Musical Influences
– Who were your biggest musical influences growing up, and how did they shape your style?
I have to say AKA, Drake, Pharell Williams three different artists but their influence will always be unmatched they have helped to shape my myself to become a better artist than I was .
– Were there any specific artists or songs that inspired you to pursue a career in Hip Hop?
Nas – One Mic
Drake – Nothing was the same
First Steps in Music
– When did you first start making music, and what was your first single/project?
I started doing music in 2018 and my first project it was titles Exhalation Ep which I only had SoundCloud to help me put it out there.
– Can you describe the moment you realized you wanted to be a professional artist?
Performances on this stages they truly motivated me to do this on a real note.
Career Development
Challenges Faced
– What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?
Being booed for not performing well during one of the events I attended it was unpleasing to be honest another challenge it’s arriving late to studio sessions it is not okay to do that because it show your unprofessionalism.
– How do you handle criticism and setbacks in your career?
I handle them very well because I always remind my self that i am alone in this but I have listeners and to them I always have to show my good side, I can’t afford to let any frustration to get better of me.
Collaborations
– Have you collaborated with other artists, and how have those experiences shaped your music?
– Is there an artist you dream of collaborating with in the future?
Yes I did and it is always amazing working with new artists when you planning to release a new album or extended plays. Currently this new mixtape consists of 4 collaborations I’ve managed to work with Luca Live , J style, Tolamo and one artist from Kenya his called AfricanStonner very talented musician.
So it has been amazing because their contributions helped me alot to put this second classic of mine together.
Yes I do have a dream collaboration and hopefully it will happen. I so badly want to work with Mick Jenkins he is more like a teacher on all of his songs and I’ve been taking notes to be honest he is out of this world.
Current Projects
New Music
– Can you tell us about your latest project? What themes or concepts are you exploring?
– How does this new music differ from your previous work?
My latest Project it’s called “HUGS” this my second project as an independent artist. It consists of 11 tracks . The behind reason of why I named this project “HUGS” it’s because I wanted show my expression and put my words for people to feel better when they don’t plus it’s all about healing when you broken down so this project really differs from my previous project.
Creative Process
– What is your creative process when writing and producing music?
My creative process when I write songs firstly I listen to artists that inspire me and subjects that are more impactful on this generation overall it’s all about being honest with the words I’m putting for my fanbase.
– Do you have any routines that help you get into the right mindset for creating?
Do I have any routine? Yes I do have and I simply read a lot, I do acapellas when I’m on my free time that helps me to focus and not to be distracted. Poetry helps me alot.
Message and Impact
– What message do you hope to convey through your music?
I’m promoting self confidence and self love in every race because that’s the message not every person carries when they are at their lowest In life.
– How do you see your music impacting your listeners and the community?
To be honest this the only thing I’m good at and it’s amazing hearing your loyal listeners telling you that their heaviest defeat in life it’s gone ever since they started listening to your music, that shows how much you can change someone’s live.
I see my music bringing a smile to those who haven’t managed to do for a long time. I see my music impacting those who still want to be heard and I am very grateful.
Looking Forward
Future Aspirations
– What are your goals for the next few years in your music career?
I want to see myself perfoming at the Billboard awards that’s very adventurous but it has been one of my main goals.
And also do my first European tour that would be amazing too.
– Are there any other projects or ventures you’re excited about outside of music?
Yes I do have.
If I’m not in the studio or at any show I’m attending fashion runways and Co ordinating events.
Closing Thoughts
Personal Reflections
– How do you want to be remembered as an artist?
I want to be remembered as a committed individual who only wants to spread his truth through music, I want to be remembered as the one who puts his all for the things his good at. I want to be remembered as a leader and a hero of the silenced.
– Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans or listeners?
I would like to say ” kindly take my new released Mixtape “HUGS” as your newerly present because it’s made for you to Be encouraged and smile because here’s my Hug to you.
And I appreciate everything that my fans are doing for me and I promise to always deliver. Love Leroi Mentia.
LISTEN TO “HUGS”BELOW
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