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Yvonne Ncube, Chronicle Reporter
UP-AND-COMING artiste Rapthan (real name Decision Mhlanga) has gone against the grain with the release of his single Kasi Lami that compliments Cowdray Park suburb for its beauty.

For many, Cowdray Park suburb has become infamous for crime such as muggings, sections of the suburb that have gone for years without electricty and water as well as poor roads resulting in some sections of the suburb not being serviced by public transport.

Raphthan through Kasi Lami however expresses the importance of being born in Cowdray Park despite the many odds against the suburb.

The track which was produced by Ditux Mkay under a new record label, Hustle XL Music Group last month, is now available on Raphthan’s YouTube channel.

“Kasi Lami is about the beauty of my suburb, the lifestyle and how much of a blessing it is to be born and bred in Cowdray Park. It’s about where we come from and where we grew up,” Rapthan said.

He said he was influenced to write the song by his love for his suburb.

“I love Cowdray Park despite all the conspiracies against it. When it comes to my suburb I don’t hesitate, I represent it one hundred percent. I love everything about it, the lifestyle, how the youths dress and how people associate with each other. Most of all, I love the ghetto,” he said.

The 22-year-old said he started singing at the age of 14.

“I started writing songs at high school in 2013 when I developed a passion for art. I became friends with people who did poetry and other forms of art and this helped develop my writing skills.”

Rapthan said he recorded his first single that was titled Groupie Love in 2018 and it featured CJ Flex.

“At the time I was experiencing depression and this inspired me to record the song. After the release of Groupie Love, I dropped another single, Trap House featuring Rockie Doub. I also did a cover of Tory Lanez’ song Hate to Say,” he said.

Rapthan has also featured Troy Larmain on his song titled Ngizomosha which was on the top 10 list for the Hip-Hop Basement on Power FM last month.

“I like hip hop and I enjoy experimenting during the studio sessions which has helped me to improve my writing skills. Some musicians in Bulawayo have approached me to write songs for them because they appreciate my skill,” said Rapthan — @SeehYvonne