Shangelao Philipus well known as The Great King Khalie, the 34 year old musician and entrepreneur had a quick chat with ObserverWeekend.
How did you get into making music, take us through your music career journey?
I started singing at the age of 9. That was when I wrote my first song titled, ‘step by step’ and I recorded in 2009, but it was not released then. I came to add few changes when I grew up and had a better understanding of music and I knew exactly what type of music I wanted to make.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Performing along an international artist and being booked 3 times at Kasi Vibes, the biggest festival in Namibia.
Who are your musical influences and who inspires you as a musician?
Brenda Fassie, I love her music because I feel her songs are educational and entertaining at the same time. For example, the song “My black president” where she sang about how hard it was for South Africa to achieve its freedom from apartheid.
Which song was the most difficult for you to write and why?
That was ‘Hello Lover’. It was difficult because it was my first collaboration with a big artist who has been in the industry longer than me. It being a love song and featuring a lady it was hard for me to write what I really wanted to say, because I was afraid, she might feel I am saying all that to her. I did not want to make her uncomfortable. Just my thoughts.
How would you describe your style of music and what do you think makes your music unique?
My music style is Afrobeats, Kwaito, house & Bolo piano it is a combination of drums. In other words, my songs are not really limited to one genre but my words and lyrics are what makes the music different and special and unique.
What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?
The light in which people view artist from and the way they assume are all the same stories they create about people from nowhere.
Who would you most like to collaborate with locally or internationally?
The first person is Speedy. He is one of the few people I can call a legend and I have grown up listening to his songs.
What are you working on musically right now?
I am busy with my 3rd studio album which will soon be dropping in November titled, ‘All in one.’ I decided on this title, because the song genres are different and it is a mixture of different songs like gospel, kwaito, house. I am also working on 3 music videos from this album, and they will be out soon before the album is released.
Apart from being an artist what else do you do?
I own a clothing line branded Fudapo, which mean take a rest/break. With this brand I just wanted to say in whatever you are doing or going through never quit but just take a break and continue. As the saying goes, “people who quit are losers.” and I am sure no one wants to be associated with that.
How will people get access your music and at what cost?
They can stream my music from audio mac, YouTube, and in the future, they can get it from iTunes, Spotify and so many others.
