Stage set for dancehall revival

Pepsin, Fruitystar breathe life to genre

Local dancehall musicians Pepsin and Fruitystar took to the Joburg Theatre stage last night to prove their worth.

Tackling a music genre that is often relegated to second class in the local music food chain, they have their work cut out for them. But the collaborators are not fazed.

Pepsin explains: “The music we made can’t be boxed. It’s world class but you can call it dancehall. The album is inspired by Sean Paul, Shabba Ranks and Shaggy with a touch of jazz.

“We have kept Caribbean influences, hip hop, pop, R&B and kwaito.

“It’s fun music you can dance to. We carry messages and address different topics such as love, social ills, partying and relationships.”

Pepsin, whose real name is Teboho Montse, says they make social commentary on the killing of people, especially black-on-black violence.

“Why are we fighting among each other? We have lost the plot. Our parents who fought for the freedom should be disappointed in us.

Not all of the music is gloomy. He also shares about the love he has for his wife, being a responsible father, dancing, travelling the world and dreams of meeting Bill Gates and Patrice Motsepe.

“We did a good job but it was not easy, we are changing perceptions of reggae and dancehall which are often associated with dreads and dagga.”

Pepsin, who comes from Kimberley, says he started off playing soccer and martial arts before settling on music.

“People who know me from before are surprised that I sing, but my music roots come from my uncle, Pheelo, who was a big music collector. So I grew up on music and have gone on to become a collector. I invest in it.”

Pepsin owns Maximum Stylez Records and Publisher, which is based in Kelvin, Johannesburg.