The definition of a good loser
By Sbu Ngubane
It is common knowledge that cutting a kwaito album is as easy as 123. But it is equally true that cooking a kwaito hit, not to mention three in a row for that matter is no piece of cake. It’s not that kwaito hits have not been unleashed before, but releasing one debut hit and selling dummies later has seen many one minute pretenders arising, only to fade quickly. But this was before Kabelo defied the odds by launching three chronological weapons of mass destruction; Everybody’s Watching, Rebel With a Cause and The Beat Goes On. Ever since, those scribes who were beginning to write the epitaph of the kwaito genre stood back and watched in awe…
Give us five attributes that sum you up
Hard work. Listening to sound advice. My allergy to losing. Honesty. And being a good loser.
What’s a good loser?
A hustler who loses today and try another luck tomorrow, that’s a good loser. That’s the stuff I’m made of. If something wins a first round against me today there is always a second round. That’s where I pull all the stops to make sure that I do not make the same mistake twice.
What upsets you?
Unprofessional people. People who neither respect their profession nor other people’s feelings. This complacent generation seems to be growing by numbers in statistics; as a result the whole world today is crawling with a huge number of losers than winners. For example, people who don’t keep time are not my cup of tea.
Speaking of keeping time, one is reminded of a near fatal stampede that was blamed on your late arrival for a festival in Taung in the North West...
Just hold it right there Sbu, that one I can explain. Everyone who knows Kabelo very well will tell you that time factor is my second name. This is what happened. Kabelo arrived there on time, in fact a couple of hours before the scheduled performance. The confusion happened when the emcee announced that I was to step on stage at 10 whereas I was officially scheduled for 12 o’clock. 10 and 12 may have sounded alike to this guy and the stupid mistake nearly cost people their lives but thanks God nothing as extreme happened. The poor guy didn’t know iPantsula for Life was billed to wrap up that show, you know. It’s a pity his misconduct led to a cancellation of a show that was supposed to have been rockers. Nevertheless, I want the people of Taung to know that my heart is still bleeding for them so I’m planning to stage a goodwill show there in the near future, just to kiss and make up.
Shifting focus to your musical background, whilst with TKZee Zwai Bala was said to be the pioneer of the band in the writing of songs and the production of albums, yet you seem to be the only last man standing in the group. What’s your secret of endurance?
My secret of endurance lies in the strong working relationship I have with my producer uSpikiri. But let me take this chance to say that the whole perception of a one man show in the TKZee family was created by the gullible media, either on their relentless quest to create unnecessary competition between us as band members or perhaps to sell their newspapers through sensation. I’m saying this because even the very pioneer in question always acknowledged during live interviews that TKZee’s success was nothing short of team work.
Nothing but respect for his producer Mandla 'Spikiri' Mofokeng
Some artists work very hard on their debut only to start selling dummies with subsequent albums? What keeps you going strong?
The choice of the dogs I grind my axe with Sbu, it’s a classic package. I’m also not a crosstitute, if you know what I mean. That is, I don’t change my producers like underwear. On top of that I’m always honest with the guys I work with because I don’t think money is something that one should fight about. If I was given a choice between money and friendship, I would definitely go for the latter. Even when I’m cooking an album, it’s always success on my mind, money comes just as a bonus.
How philanthropic of you! Could you honestly swear you haven’t been swindled?
Everywhere you’ll meet those unscrupulous elements. We rub shoulders with them on the street, in politics, business, you name it but hey, I’ve got one good remedy for them in my line of duty; my own potential and creativity. In the music industry there is no formidable record company without creative producers and good artists. And if these three interdependent elements of entertainment can’t produce a spark without each other, then why should Kabelo worry about swindlers? To answer your question, yes, I have been swindled before but guess what: I don’t work twice with a fraudster.
So you are happy with what you have earned so far?
Yes I am, except in the area of awards. Although I wouldn’t write off the whole thing as a farce but I think the judges have somehow failed in their adjudication to reflect the true potential of certain artist by selecting dubious winners.
For example?
I’m not going to mention names.
You recently went public with your substance abuse problems and set a good example by booking yourself into a rehabilitation centre. Speaking from experience, what advice would you give those who’re still trapped in the same scourge of drug abuse?
It’s not the end of the world down there. The first drastic step to take is to accept that the whole situation you are in is of your own making, to stop blaming innocent people for your own fault. The second step is to get as far away as you can from the company of drug abusers. Then seek some professional help from rehabilitation centres like MAAPSA, Alcoholics Anonymous or your regular social worker. Believe me, MAAPSA helped me a lot. These institution’s doors are usually open 24 hours a day.
You recently tested negative for HIV/AIDS. What motivated you to take a decision to go public about your HIV status?
Some government officials recently took an initiative to invite artists to an AIDS indaba. Among the issues raised there was the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the youth and the impact our participation as celebrities could make in spreading awareness. But what touched me most was the story of a lady by the name of Connie Setjeo, an AIDS activist who contracted the virus from her husband to whom she had been married for seven years. She urged us to be AIDS ambassadors. Her courageous story inspired me to be brave enough to take an HIV test without any fear of prejudice whatsoever.
What was going through your mind before getting those results?
Fear of the unknown. I was scared senseless Sbu but through family support and pre-counselling I managed to hold my own. My mother also constantly assured me that she would love me no less regardless whether the results came out positive or negative. During this window period one needs strong family support.
We wish you the best Kabza
Sharp sharp.
