Category: Entertainment

Popularly known as RTwins, the singing and dancing identical twins Mpho Cynthia  and Cecilia Mphonyana Raat are  becoming a household name in the underground scene.

Born on 25 September 2003, the duo grew up in Zandspruit informal settlement, a place which they still call their home. The RTwins  do not allow the social ills of informal settlement to hinder showcasing their talent.

“Our journey started by dancing,” Cecilia said. “We were still in primary, I think we were doing grade four. We got inspired by Babes Wodumo’s dance moves as well as her singing talent.”

Working with my sister is a huge blessing,” she said, “because when I am stuck she comes up with something and covers me up. For example, When I am sick, she does the singing with different voices and it sounds as if the song was performed by both of us.”

The twins attended Masakhane primary school, and  are currently doing grade 11 at St Ansgar’s Combined School in Lanseria.

“We have a timetable that helps us to balance both school and music,” she said. “It is very easy because we know that during the week we are only focusing on school work.”

The pair also highlighted challenges that they go through as upcoming female artists. “When it comes to music there is lot of competition. It is not easy to get gigs and some people start hating you. Some even give you false hope about getting gigs.”

The twins have been working with a local producer, Mpho Mokgonyana known as Sinini_Ngwana Bokoko, who produced their recent single titled "lotto.” The song was released early this month with its music video now available on YouTube.  

The music industry is sustained by matters of the heart, with songs for every shade of romantic feeling ranging from blooming love to failed love.

 Upcoming artist Sandile Vundla, popularly known as Msanda6, is known for emotional songs about relationships. His music explores many facets of cheating. Most of his songs drip with empathy for people experiencing intense betrayal in love. Msanda6 recently released his single titled ‘All Girls Are The Same.’

The song talks about the disloyalty of girls in a relationship.

“I think everyone has had a heartbreak before,” he said in an interview. “I have been hurt before. Everything that I sing about is from the heart. I am focusing mainly on emotional songs because it is the only thing that I can talk about, with a lot of people relating.”

He said that many people, especially young men, will relate to his song because either they have been hurt by their girls or they are likely to be.

“The other reason why I am doing heartbreaking songs is because I want people to quickly let go and heal. In our generation, love comes with a lot of anxiety, which leads to depression. Hence I am striving to help people lessen anxiety in relationships.”

Msanda 6 believes that once people understand the possibility of failed relationship, they can easily avoid depression.

The late American singer Juice WRLD inspired Msanda6 to tell emotional relationship stories through music, he said.

“listen to a lot of his songs,” he said. “He used to sing a lot about girls so I got inspired because I related to everything he said on his songs.”

He also wants to encourage other upcoming artists not to give up in the music industry, he said. "No matter how hard the situation is, just keep on pushing and stay in your lane till something happens. Do not listen to negative energy. Always remember that people will hate regardless of how good you are. Just keep on promoting your music and do not wait to be signed by a record label. Instead, sign yourself."

Here is a link to his song:

Reuniting after two years of separation inspired Cosmo City’s female musical duo Tied Knot to release their latest song titled ‘Who You Are.’

Tied knot consists of MATRINAGIMBI and TROXY. In 2019, the duo went through some personal challenges, leading to loss of communication between each other. In 2021, they reunited, focusing on an EP titled ‘Lesson Learnt,’ which was inspired by their life experiences.  The EP has five songs including ‘Who You Are,’ said TROXXY in an interview.

“The song teaches people to remain true to themselves,” she said. “People will judge and criticize you, but it is always a good thing to accept who you are. We just hope that people receive the message the way we intend it to. We hope society loves the song.”

The song ‘Who You Are,’ is not just an ordinary love song, TROXXY said. Instead it inspires people to be proud of who and what they are. “The song encourages people not to change despite whatever situation they are facing. People should not be scared of being themselves especially in tough times.”

It is hard to make it in the music industry as a female artist, MATRINAGIMBI noted. “Everybody wants to sleep with us,” she said. “Sometimes we get treated like objects. They don’t believe in us. Sometimes we are told to show some skin to gain more fan base.”

Formed in 2015, the duo first started dabbling in music at a tender age during their high school days. They mainly focus on contemporary RnB, Trap Soul, Electro Pop and Pop music.  In 2015, the duet released a single titled ‘True,’ which was recorded under 82K Records.

The name Tied Knot was inspired by the strong bond between MATRINAGIMBI and TROXY. Their bond is like a tightly tied knot, they said.

The duo has shared stage with the likes of DJ Obza, Kelly Khumalo and other upcoming artists. The musical pair aims to touch peoples’ hearts through their songs.  MATRINAGIMBI and TROXY do not only do music, but also have passion for fashion and make-up artistry. They have since ventured into cloth branding, promoting their ‘Tied Knot.’