THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN YOUTH

Focalistic (real name Lethabo Sebetso) is arguably one of the top breakout African stars of the past two years, with a string of hits that have gone multiplatinum, epic collaborations with music industry heavyweights such as Davido and Cassper Nyovest. In the 24-year-old’s first-ever interview with GQ, shot in his hometown in Zone 2, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, he reveals his absolute dream, why he’s the voice of the youth, how he dealt with depression and what matters to him

- Molife Kumona

GQ: Three platinum records and counting. How does that feel?

Focalistic: It’s all happened in a year, so it feels great but also quite surreal. It means we’re still on track. Once you figure out a formula, the next move is to make sure it keeps working. I’m grateful, excited, and working my hardest ever now.

GQ: You’ve openly stated you want to be the greatest artist to come out of Africa. Tell us what that means to you and from where that vision came?

F: I always say that if I’m the greatest and you’re also in the room, you can be the greatest too. It’s about pushing excellence in the work I do, the quality of music we put out, our work ethic, performance and how we look. When I pull up, everything I bring to the table should say greatness.

What I need to make clear is that the concept of greatness isn’t a competition. Great artists to have come before us, such as Angélique Kidjo, Fela Kuti and others, were all the best of their time. Successful without competing, they complemented each other’s greatness.

GQ: They did.