Pretoria based rapper Wethu, recently dropped a catchy single titled Can’t See Me. The single is the rapper’s first drop of this year. It follows the release of his hit single Confetti, which was released in May of 2020.
808 PLUG caught up with Wethu to talk all things Can’t See Me – as well as to discuss his journey with music.
For our readers who are just getting to know you, who is Wethu?
I’m an artist, originally from Port Elizabeth, I moved to Pretoria at 11 years old. I’m a lover of food, music, film, sport and many other things. Ultimately, I believe I’m an honest storyteller, my music will definitely give anyone who listens deeper insight on how I think or who I am.
What can you tell us about your new single, Can’t See Me?
This is my first single of the year, I feel like it’s a summer jam to get started with. DWLD produced the song. It’s a melodic rap song, in moderation though because you get the catchy chorus and great lyrical performance with the bars, yet it’s still charming and believable.
What inspired Can’t See Me?
I sporadically made Can’t See Me in November 2020. I was interested in incorporating melody in my music even though I predominantly rap. However, I wanted it to be very quotable, hence the mentions of SZA, Rihanna and John Cena (fun fact: I almost named the song John Cena till I remembered that Sho Madjozi beat me to it). Can’t See Me is a laid back lyrical song. It’s basically me detailing experiences I’ve had with women that I come across, and the conversations we have; for example, a lot of girls I’ve spoken to love astrology and I’m not really interested in it but hey, who am I to judge? I feel like the song is a catchy rap record that anyone can jam to.
How and when did your journey with music start?
So the year is 2007, we had a desktop computer at home and internet, so there was this thing called YouTube. I’m watching whatever appears, and I click on this music video Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston. I was amazed, it was one of the first times I had seen a kid doing music and he was pretty good at it. I was only 9 at the time so a world of possibilities opened up in my mind. I had been exposed to music throughout my life due to my parents playing old CDs around the house but seeing a kid making, and succeeding in music was the beginning. I eventually tried out for the school choir and actually made it, the problem was I had to be at school by 6am every single day for rehearsals, my dad said it wouldn’t work and I couldn’t join the choir – I was gutted because I’d watch my friends sing in front of the school assembly and wish I was up there. Fast forward to 2009, I move to Pretoria with my family, I get introduced to DSTV, I discover Trace, MTV Base and Channel O – my mind is blown away because these guys are dressed so cool and they are rapping. Fast forward to 2012, I’m in highschool, I have friends who make music, one of them was Tyson S.T, I asked him to give me a copy of Fruity loops and he did. So I’d just make beats (terrible ones) and record demos, as well as remixes that never came out. I only released my first single in 2019.
Who are your biggest music influences?
Drake, AKA, The Weeknd, Russ, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.
What are some of your all-time favourite hip hop albums?
808s & Heartbreaks by Kanye West, Take Care by Drake, The Carter 4 by Lil Wayne, Nothing Was The Same by Drake, 2014 Forrest Hills Drive by J.Cole, Good Kid m.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, In my Lifetime vol. 1 by Jay Z and Ready To Die by Notorious B.I.G.
Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d love to work with Elaine, I feel like we rarely hear R&B and Hip Hop mashups anymore, she’s amazingly talented. Brent Faiyaz, he’s really built something amazing over the last few years, insane talent. Shekinah, she’s an angel – I’d love to work with her. UMI, she is absolutely breathtaking. AKA and Stogie T are heavy hitters, I’d love to work with them. The Weeknd, Bryson Tiller, Drake, Cordae and Jack Harlow too.
What is your favourite song by yourself and why?
Wednesday Morning Thoughts is my favourite song by myself. I feel like anyone who has chosen a path whether it be academic, or even in the arts… whatever career, you’ve had days of doubt, months of disappointment but your love or determination kept you going when there really was no reason to be optimistic. Wednesday Morning Thoughts pretty much encapsulates that battle of self doubt and optimism we encounter now and then. It’s one of my more vulnerable songs. I feel like vulnerability really brings out the best in artists because someone will always relate.
What inspires you to make music in general?
The feeling I get from making music is unmatched. The idea of translating an idea that’s in my head, putting together words that relate to those emotions/ ideas then manifesting an audio of your thoughts, emotions or mindset is incredible. Knowing that someone out there could resonate with my music, and feel like I described exactly what they feel is very inspiring. For the longest time I struggled with believing in myself and putting myself out there. Music spoke to me when things were silent. Music listened to me when my heart needed to vent. Knowing that one song could change my life and my family’s lives keeps me inspired.
What’s next for Wethu?
More great quality music throughout the year. I hope to connect with more supporters and hopefully get to perform once everything opens up. More collaborations with other artists. I’ve been working on a project for a while now too – which I’m hoping to release this year.
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