PONE MASHIANGWAKO

Growing up around two of the craziest adults was the most liberating experience one could ever have. My father Motlhabane Mashiangwako and my uncle Lefifi Tladi were two peas in a pod. They looked at life through childlike innocence. They were born in an era called Apartheid, where fighting for freedom and keeping to what they believed in was a basic need for survival. I’m talking about masters of art and storytelling, top tier creators and icons in their own right.

Lefifi and Motlhabane had a tight bond. They were best friends who fought like brothers, laughed together and cried together. I was lucky my father introduced me to uncle Lefifi. It was by default, because I’ve known him my whole life.

Motlhabane Mashiangwako and Lefifi Tladi were not like Batman and Robin, because that’s like a hero and his side kick. They were more like Spiderman and Deadpool because of their humour.

My household was not typical. Whenever my father would come with uncle Lefifi to my house I knew things were about to get crazy. They made me think. Their topics were endless and would range from the exploration of ancient times such as Egypt and Samaria to talking about women and how they related to them. This was something very powerful for me to observe as a child. That in itself moulded me. I look at life differently which has made me an outsider to many of today’s generation. These men taught me how to think and analyse things from a perspective where other people wouldn’t be able to fathom the knowledge that they bestowed on me. I respect the way that they both raised me. I am independent and a free thinker because of them.

When they worked and got into their zone, it was like watching two monks meditating.

It was amazing. Their work flowed and they had bursts of explosive creativity. I would sit with them for hours. I got to see the things that they would conceptualise and what would materialise. I still cannot explain it all. For them to have the ability to create after having a nonsensical or serious conversation was mind blowing. The moment of inspiration made me realise that we should apply ourselves fully to our heart’s content when we do or make something. Do not just do something for the sake of doing it. That’s how they have raised and channelled me as an artist, music lover and content creator. I apply that lesson in everything that I do. When I compile a track list for a mixtape, I make sure that it is something relatable and makes sense to the people receiving the message that I put in my work. I make sure that I give something that will teach and shape the receiver’s mind and ear, and most importantly again after listening to it.

It’s amazing how they’ve shown me that men are boys all grown up. Once a man reaches adulthood his life doesn’t have to condone hyper masculinity, one can still be a man and keep his childlike innocence to have happiness. You can create and flow through life easily with this knowledge token.

Lefifi has taught me how to write, to structure a poem and to deliver in the art of the spoken word.

Whether used to court a woman or to provoke thoughts or to praise, he taught me to deliver in such a way that was beautiful so that my words land on one’s ears so gracefully that I become memorable.

One thing that I almost forgot to mention is that these men were actually assholes, but in a funny way. They were fun to be around. Their sense of humour was dark. I’ve adopted that.  The stories that they shared with me were unfortunately mostly rated “R” and explicit which I cannot retell on this platform. But will divulge to those who ask me in person.

I feel blessed to have been born at a time where both men walked this earth. I am known as the child of Motlhabane Mashiangwako and it’s safe to say Lefifi Tladi as well. These men are behemoths, mountains in actual fact. Two of a kind. I have walked away from every conversation with gold nuggets that have shaped me. I am grateful to them. I love these two with all my heart.