Celeb Edition : Shebeleza

Young, talented and handsome, Noah Moshebe is a Gospel Rapper with the world at his feet.

When he’s not belting out brilliant tunes, the 24-year-old Lokgwabe native, who goes by the name Shebeleza in showbiz, also models, acts and plays football.

In this feature, the rising star, a passionate Christian, shares his hopes and dreams for the future.

• How did you get into music?

Although I have always loved music, I only pursued it seriously in 2017 after I finished High School. Since then, I have recorded five songs which I published on different streaming platforms.

My first song, ‘I love you Mama’ was a dedication to my dear mother.

• Did anyone inspire you to become a musician?

I actually started music because of the Motswako artist, Big L Wasekai. I listened to his songs a lot and I knew I had it in me as well so I decided to go for it.

Along the way, I discovered KB, an American Gospel rapper, who inspired me to do Gospel Rap.

• Besides being influenced by KB, why did you decide to go with Gospel Rap?

The decision came very easily because I am a Christian. I wanted to serve God through the gift that he has blessed me with. Additionally, I wanted to use that gift to evangelize.

• You have a few songs in Shekgalagari, how did people respond?

People actually seem to love those over the ones I do in English and Setswana. The feedback is amazing and I will definitely be doing more in the future.

• Besides turning up in the studio, you are also a model. Take us through that.

I would say my career as a model is at its infant stage. I have only participated in one pageant, which was the Mr and Miss Bakgalagari in 2018 where I was crowned 1st Prince.

I was brought on for the pageant’s Best of the Best event last year but I did not win anything. However, it was a fun experience. I hope to participate in more pageants and fashion shows in the future.

• You are nicknamed Mr Confidence, where does your self-belief come from?

From a young age, I have always believed that I could do whatever I put my mind to. I played a lot of sports and performed exceptionally well because of that mindset.

I get so much joy and fulfillment from being on stage delivering a performance and it gives me even more confidence when the crowd is connecting.

• But do you ever get nervous before going on stage?

All the time! However, it fades as soon as the music comes on and the performance starts.

• As a Christian, how has your faith shaped the content you put out?

My principle is that I cannot do or say anything that I know is against God’s teachings.

• You are very expressive in terms of your style and I am guessing not everyone agrees with it. How do you deal with that?

I find people questioning my sexuality a lot because I sometimes plait my hair and have this funky style of dressing.

However, it does not bother me because I know that God is more concerned with my heart over what I look like.

• Good answer! So what else do you do besides music?

I act, play football and I also have a clothing label called Confidence Kulture.

• What projects can we expect from you in the future?

Definitely more music! I also have the honour of performing at Maxwell Dichi’s Easter Musical Tsogo so I am excited about that.

• Five things people don’t know about you?

1. I am a Mokgalagari

2. I love kids

3. I am short tempered

4. I love dumplings

5. I don’t listen to music that does not promote positive energy