Nominated for Channel O Africa Music Video Awards for most gifted male, most gifted duo, most gifted hip hop artist, and most gifted video of the year – alongside K.O, with the song Caracara – talented rapper Bonginkosi Mahlangu, famously known as Kid X, chats about his music.
Please tell us about how you got to be a part of Cash Time Family?
I was friends with Smashis and we were both into music. When Teargas asked him to join them for a project, he thought of me and made me join too.
What are your thoughts on the nominations you got?
It feels pretty amazing. It is good to get the recognition. These are people’s choice awards and I’m so honoured to have them vote for me. It is also a historical moment for me – as a solo artist getting my first nomination alongside other great artists. 
Right now you have the biggest song in the country, tell us about Pass and Special?
This is my first single from an album that will be out in 2015. The song is a fusion of kwaito and hip hop, creating a sound Cash Time Fam has coined Skanda. Through the music we make, we hope to have a big impact. Our aim was to create hip hop music that was truly South African.
We’ve seen the shift hip hop artists in South Africa, including you, make form rapping to creating almost a different sound all together (e.g Skanda). Please explain this movement to us?
The songs we’ve released recently such as ‘Caracara’, ‘Ugogo’ and ‘Pass and Special’ introduce an entire package. We have the song, a dance routine choreographed just for that song,and a the dress code to go with it. This is to make people see the visual effect of the songs they hear, and know how to dance to them. 
Speaking of clothes. We’ve seen you rock interesting outfits that showcase a different style. How do you make the outfit work?
I am not endorsed by any brands so I go out and buy the clothes, especially the local brands. I wouldn’t say I am fashionable,though – I just dress according to how I feel that day. I dress as myself and don’t try copy anyone’s look.
Tell us about the trending bucket hats you rock?
Carpen Noctem and Baps gave me their hats so I can support their brands. However, most of the time I buy the hats myself. I am a huge supporter of local brands including Two Bop and Samson. 
When you are not doing music what are you up to?
I am constantly making music, working on new projects. Should I have time, I like being at home, playing some soccer and spending as much time as I can with my loved ones.
Who inspires you musically?
A number of artists do. Pro (Kid) – I love how he paints a picture and creates a storyline through his rap. Teargas they have really found a way to make hip hop local and relevant to South Africans by telling stories which are related to us. Proverb is another one; he is a good artist who knows how to use his words when rapping.
What advice do you have for those you inspire?
If music is what you want to do, then you need to be in it for the right reasons, and be focused, have a target, be fully in it and never stop trying, keep knocking and someday someone will give you a chance. 
