ProVerb's journey: the real reason behind his departure from hip hop

Rapper and businessman ProVerb has opened up about the moment he decided to step away from making hip hop music in a podcast interview.

Speaking on DJ Lemonka’s Network podcast, the rapper and media personality shared how the decision came down to choosing between passion and practicality.

ProVerb, whose real name is Tebogo Thekiso, first rose to prominence as one of South Africa's most acclaimed lyricists. Today, he is widely known as a radio host and the former presenter of "Idols SA".

From his 2005 debut album “The Book of ProVerb” to later projects like “FourthWrite” and “The Read Tape”, he built a reputation for clever wordplay and thoughtful storytelling. However, behind the music was a reality that many artists quietly face.

ProVerb explained that producing and releasing music became increasingly difficult to sustain financially, especially as a parent with responsibilities. 

“I had just spent about R100 000 buying my master's and got a quote of R150 000 to record the next project. Around the same time, my kids’ school fees were about R100 000 each,” he said. 

“I sat in my car and thought, am I going to put money into something that might not bring anything back, or am I going to pay for my kids’ school fees? That was the crossroads.”

That moment, he said, made him realise what mattered most. “That day I decided I’m paying my kids’ school fees, and I haven’t been back there since.”

He also touched on the criticism he’s received from fans who feel he abandoned hip hop. “Where were you when I was paying to make this thing happen, to make it available for you? You think hitting like on Facebook means you’ve supported me?” he said.

He went on to share how artists often juggle their creative dreams with everyday responsibilities.

“Where are you when the school says the fees are due, when SARS says your PAYE is due, when the bank wants the bond payment? Who are you trying to please when your kids are saying they need something to eat? Can I start a freestyle for them there?”

Although he stopped releasing music, the rapper made it clear that his passion for rap is still alive. He still finds himself freestyling in the car whenever a beat catches his attention. “It’s still in me,” he said.

In recent years, he has channelled that same drive into other areas of his life, including his work in radio and television, as well as his writing. 

He has published two books, one with the same title as his debut project, “The Book of ProVerb” and “To Health With It”, and has continued his studies, completing both a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).