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Focalistic

Focalistic (born Lethabo Sebetso, 26 May 1996) is a South African rapper, singer, and songwriter renowned for his innovative fusion of and , genres that have propelled him to prominence in African music scenes. Hailing from , where he was born in and raised in areas like and , he has earned nicknames such as the "Pitori Maradona" for his skillful navigation of Pretoria's (Pitori) music landscape and "President Ya Straata" for his commanding influence on street culture anthems. The son of Kgomotso Sebetso, a former political journalist at the , Focalistic turned to music during his teenage years following his father's passing in 2011, beginning to create tracks as early as Grade 9 to process his emotions. He pursued , earning a degree in from the in 2018, which he later credited for equipping him with to manage his career and . His entry into the music industry occurred in 2016 when he won the Artist on the Rise competition, marking the start of his professional journey. Focalistic's breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of the single "Fak'mali," which showcased his lyrical prowess in Sesotho and gained traction in circles, followed by explosive success in 2020 with "Ke Star" (featuring Vigro Deep, with a remix featuring Nigerian artist in 2021), a track that blended rhythms with infectious hooks and topped charts across . He has since released notable albums including President Ya Straata (2021), Ghetto Gospel (2022), 13POS (2024), and B.O.A.T.S. (2025), exploring themes of resilience and urban life. Key collaborations include work with producers like , Major League DJz, and Vigro Deep, expanding his sound and reach internationally, with performances in cities like , , and . As a owner of 18 Area, Focalistic emphasizes music's role in documenting history and catalyzing social change, drawing inspiration from artists such as , , and HHP. As of 2025, he remains a dynamic force in South African music, headlining major events like Homecoming and continuing to release projects that resonate with .

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Lethabo Sebetso, professionally known as Focalistic, was born on 28 May 1996 in Ga-Rankuwa, a township north of Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up in this modest, semi-rural environment and Midrand, where his family maintained a pig farm that required daily care, including feeding the animals—a responsibility Sebetso took on during his father's illness. As the middle child of three siblings, Sebetso was raised in a household influenced by his father's career in media and politics. His father, Kgomotso Sebetso, worked as a political journalist for the and possessed a talent for , along with an unfulfilled aspiration to pursue music, which subtly shaped the family's creative leanings. Tragically, Kgomotso died in a car accident in in 2011 when Sebetso was 15, an event that profoundly disrupted family dynamics and left a lasting emotional impact, with Sebetso later reflecting on feeling his father's pride through shared stories and energy. During his youth, Sebetso showed a strong interest in , playing locally and earning the nickname "Maradona" for his skillful play, which initially seemed a promising path before his focus shifted. This early passion, combined with the resilience fostered by his family's challenges, provided foundational experiences that informed his later pursuits.

Entry into music and initial pursuits

During his teenage years, Lethabo Sebetso, known professionally as Focalistic, pursued a promising career, playing for local teams in , including the youth academy of Kaizer Chiefs during Grade 8, where he earned the nickname "Maradona" for his skillful and wore the number 10 jersey. He competed at a national level, showcasing talent that positioned him for potential professional opportunities. Around age 15, following the death of his father in Grade 9, Focalistic turned to as an outlet for emotional expression, discovering the genre through the vibrant local scene in , where sounds from taxis and community gatherings ignited his passion. He began self-taught lyric writing, drawing initial inspiration from American rapper and South African pioneers like HHP, Spikiri, and , without formal training. His family provided strong support for these early creative endeavors, encouraging him to channel his grief into music. Focalistic's initial forays into performing came in 2014 and 2015, when he took the stage at community events and open mics around , participating in local battles to refine his flow and stage presence amid the Ga-Rankuwa hip-hop circuit. Throughout this period, he balanced his commitments to training with these musical pursuits, often facing the challenge of divided focus between the two passions. After completing high school, however, he made the decisive shift to prioritize , forgoing further soccer prospects to fully commit to his artistic path, while pursuing higher education. He enrolled at the , where he earned a degree in in 2018, later crediting the studies with providing business acumen for his music career.

Career

Early career and breakthrough (2016–2019)

Focalistic's professional music journey began in earnest in 2016 when he won the Artist on Rise competition, a platform that provided crucial early exposure within South Africa's hip-hop scene and connected him with industry mentors. This victory marked his transition from local aspirations to initial recognition, allowing him to refine his skills amid Pretoria's vibrant rap culture. In the following year, he released his debut single "Fak'mali," produced by Avian Blitz, which quickly debuted at number one on YFM's Hip Hop charts and solidified his presence in the underground circuit. Around this time, Focalistic circulated early freestyles and a playlist titled 28 May through Pretoria's underground hip-hop circles, drawing attention from local enthusiasts with his raw, street-infused lyrics reflective of township life. These efforts helped him build momentum in Ga-Rankuwa and surrounding areas, where he experimented with blending hip-hop rhythms and emerging Amapiano elements. By 2018, Focalistic achieved a significant breakthrough through his collaboration with the duo DJz on the track "19 Tobetsa," a high-energy single that paid homage to local culture and gained traction across airwaves. The song's release amplified his visibility, serving as a pivotal moment that bridged underground credibility with broader appeal. To cultivate a dedicated local fanbase, he performed frequently at small venues throughout , honing his stage presence and connecting directly with audiences in intimate settings like community halls and clubs in .

Rise to prominence (2020–2021)

In early 2020, Focalistic founded his , 18 Area Holdings, in partnership with The Vth Seasons, allowing him greater control over his music and releases. This move marked a significant step in his commercial ascent, highlighting his growing presence on South African radio and amplifying his underground foundation from earlier competition wins. Focalistic's breakthrough continued with "Ke Star" featuring Vigro Deep, which achieved gold certification in South Africa for 25,000 units sold. The song's infectious -rap fusion propelled it to substantial streaming growth on platforms like , where it garnered millions of plays and reflected the broader surge in amapiano listens during the period. Building on this momentum, Focalistic released his debut studio Sgubhu Ses Excellent on December 4, 2020, comprising 14 tracks that blended rap verses with amapiano rhythms and featured collaborations with artists like and Bongza. The album's lead single "Ke Star" remix, featuring and Vigro Deep, extended Focalistic's reach internationally, peaking at number 16 on the Top Triller Global chart in 2021. This collaboration not only boosted global streams but also solidified his role in exporting South African sounds, with the remix accumulating over 14 million streams by the end of the year.

Established success and recent developments (2022–present)

In 2022, Focalistic marked a significant milestone in his international career by making his debut performance on a major global stage, joining Nigerian artist for a sold-out show at London's on March 5. This appearance, which featured high-energy renditions of hits including the "Ke Star" remix, positioned Focalistic as the first South African artist to perform at the venue and solidified his growing presence beyond the African continent. Building on this momentum, Focalistic continued to expand his discography with the release of on November 18, 2022, an album that explored themes of street life and resilience through and fusions, further establishing his role as a key figure in South Africa's urban music scene. The project received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of experiences and contributed to his ongoing domestic dominance. In 2024, he followed with 13POS, released on May 24, which delved deeper into personal storytelling and garnered attention for its innovative production. Meanwhile, the enduring popularity of his 2021 album President Ya Straata saw continued expansions through promotional tours and remixes into 2022, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of his catalog. Focalistic's live performances post-2022 have spanned both and , including a notable set at in , , on June 26, 2024, and multiple headline shows across , such as the album launch for B.O.A.T.S. at Drama Bar & Lounge in on September 5, 2025. These engagements, alongside appearances at events like the Car Rental festival in on December 7, 2025, highlight his ability to connect with diverse audiences and maintain high-energy live energy. A standout recent achievement came with the single "Biri Marung," featuring collaborations with Sje Konka, , Scotts Maphuma, and CowBoii, which topped the Official South African Charts in November 2024 and achieved platinum certification on January 8, 2025, exceeding 40,000 units sold. This track's viral success underscored Focalistic's knack for creating anthemic hits that resonate widely. In September 2025, he announced and released the joint album B.O.A.T.S. () with fellow Tshwane artist Ch'cco on September 5, a 12-track project drawing from their shared experiences in the music industry. Additionally, Focalistic was confirmed as a key participant in the 2025 Music In Conference for Collaborations, and Showcases (ACCES) in Tshwane, where he delivered an exclusive and on October 30-31, further elevating his profile in the global African music .

Artistry

Musical style and themes

Focalistic's musical style is characterized by a seamless fusion of , , and , creating tracks that combine upbeat, percussive rhythms with introspective rap flows. This blend draws from 's log drums and deep basslines, 's punchlines and adlibs, and 's nostalgic house elements, as evident in his 2020 EP Quarantined Tarantino, which bridges these genres through freestyles over and beats. His lyrics frequently explore themes of street life in , often referred to as "Pitori," capturing the city's taxi culture, heritage, and daily struggles to voice the experiences of the voiceless. Ambition emerges as a core motif, emphasizing hard work, self-reliance, and global aspirations, as in tracks like "16 Days No Sleep," where he portrays relentless pursuit of success. Themes of loss, particularly the death of his father—a political who passed away when Focalistic was in grade nine—infuse his work with personal reflection, motivating him to document societal stories through music rather than traditional . is another recurring element, with songs like "Ke Star" using soccer references and cultural homages to inspire resilience and authenticity among young listeners from hood backgrounds. Focalistic's style has evolved from raw, -influenced early work in English, starting around 2016 on , to more polished collaborations by the early 2020s, incorporating dark synthesizers and Pitori beats for a distinctly sound. This shift is highlighted in his transition to Sepitori rhythms on the President Ya Straata EP, moving away from American toward local influences like those of DJ Mujava. He enhances by incorporating Setswana and local —primarily Sepitori, a Pretoria-specific mix of Setswana, Sesotho, Sepedi, and —into his lyrics, grounding his narratives in regional identity.

Influences and collaborations

Focalistic's musical style has been shaped by a blend of South African hip-hop pioneers and international figures, drawing from the lyrical prowess and cultural storytelling of artists like and , whose dominance in the local scene inspired his early entry into rapping. He has cited 's influence on his approach to blending street narratives with mainstream appeal, as discussed in a 2025 interview clip where Focalistic reflected on 's role in elevating South African . Globally, Focalistic has expressed admiration for Kendrick Lamar's introspective lyricism and social commentary, which encouraged him to infuse personal and communal themes from into his work, though he adapts these to a distinctly context. Additionally, his roots trace back to inspirations like , whose expression of and resonated with Focalistic's own experiences of loss, prompting him to use music as a therapeutic outlet. Key collaborations have been pivotal in Focalistic's evolution, particularly his partnership with Vigro Deep on the original "Ke Star" in 2020, which marked a breakthrough in merging rap with rhythms and propelled his visibility across . The remix of "Ke Star" featuring expanded this track's reach, showcasing Focalistic's ability to bridge South African sounds with Nigerian and achieving widespread streaming success. Early tracks with Major League DJz, such as "Skhaftin" (featuring ), "Overload," and "19 Tobetsa," highlighted his initial foray into upbeat, dance-oriented productions that foreshadowed his genre shift. More recently, his 2025 joint B.O.A.T.S. () with Ch’cco explores Pitori culture through lenses, demonstrating a brotherly synergy within the Pitori collective and emphasizing collaborative . The rise of amapiano producers like significantly influenced Focalistic's genre transition from and to more danceable fusions, as seen in tracks like "," produced by and , which integrated log drum beats with rap verses to capture urban vibes. Focalistic has described this shift as natural, rooted in kwaito's legacy, allowing him to maintain authenticity while embracing amapiano's communal energy for broader appeal. This evolution not only revitalized his sound but also positioned him as a bridge between rap purists and the genre's global proponents. On the business front, Focalistic founded 18 Area Holdings in early in with The Vth Seasons, a label that has facilitated strategic collaborations and artist development within the ecosystem. The company has enabled endorsements, such as his 2024 adidas campaign tied to the track "," which portrayed the tensions of success and amplified his brand beyond music. These ventures underscore how 18 Area Holdings supports Focalistic's expansion into commercial opportunities while fostering that align with his Pretoria-rooted identity.

Personal life

Relationships

Focalistic was romantically linked to DJ , with the pair publicly confirming their relationship on 2022 through posts showcasing gifts and shared moments. Their partnership, which reportedly began earlier but gained visibility in 2022 via joint appearances and trips like one to , ended in early 2023 amid rumors of interference from another artist in the scene. Earlier, in 2020–2021, Focalistic faced speculation about dating singer and dancer Kamo Mphela, sparked by their social media interactions and collaborations, though Mphela publicly denied any romantic involvement. Since 2022, Focalistic has been rumored to be in a relationship with amapiano artist Pabi Cooper, with the pair spotted shopping together and appearing at events, though both denied the claims in 2023. By 2025, Cooper has shared subtle public affirmations, including Instagram photos of gifts from Focalistic on her birthday, a t-shirt declaring "I love my boyfriend," and nail art featuring his name, as well as wearing a customized shirt declaring her love for Focalistic in May 2025, fueling ongoing speculation without official confirmation. Following high-profile rumors and breakups after 2021, Focalistic has emphasized a preference for in his , stating that public speculation distracts from his career and complicates relationships, particularly given the demands of his profession like late-night performances. He has chosen not to address breakups publicly, aligning with his and past partners' private natures.

Philanthropy and public image

Focalistic has engaged in environmental philanthropy by partnering with WildAid in 2022 to raise awareness about in , using his platform as a global artist to promote initiatives and protect such as rhinos and elephants. In his hometown of , Focalistic has focused on community upliftment by hosting events like the 2023 Straata Nation Address concert at Pretoria National Botanic Gardens, which aimed to inspire local youth and provide tangible motivation through music and cultural showcases. He has emphasized giving back to underprivileged areas by promoting emerging talent from , such as Pabi Cooper and Ch'cco, to foster opportunities and cross-pollinate fan bases within the local scene. Focalistic is widely portrayed in as the " Ya Straata," a symbolizing his leadership in Pretoria's (Pitori) and , representing local pride and street authenticity. His public image emphasizes cultural , with coverage highlighting his in preserving amapiano's South African roots amid its global rise, including calls to maintain the genre's origins and community-driven sound. Outlets have described him as a voice for misunderstood African youth, mirroring societal challenges through his music and . In 2023, Focalistic faced a brief social media controversy when South African fans criticized his collaboration with Nigerian artist on the "Ke Star" , accusing him of diluting amapiano's by allowing non-South African artists to claim influence over the genre's origins. The online debate sparked discussions on cultural ownership, with Focalistic defending the partnership as a bridge for global appreciation rather than appropriation.

Discography

Studio albums

Focalistic's debut studio , Sghubu Ses Excellent, released on December 4, 2020, comprises 14 tracks that fuse rhythms with verses, highlighting Pretoria's street culture through Sepitori slang and collaborations with producers like , MDU aka TRP, and Vigro Deep. The project has amassed over 25 million streams on as of October 2025, reflecting its strong resonance in South African nightlife and urban scenes. Following this, President Ya Straata arrived on September 24, 2021, as a 7-track effort produced in collaboration with local DJs such as MDU aka TRP and Ceeka , emphasizing energetic beats and Focalistic's signature flow. The album builds on his rising profile, incorporating street-oriented narratives that align with his "President Ya Straata" persona, and has garnered over 16 million streams as of October 2025. In 2022, Focalistic delivered Ghetto Gospel on November 18, spanning 15 tracks that blend amapiano production with kwaito-inspired rapping, drawing from his Garankuwa township upbringing and featuring guests like Sjava, Kabza De Small, and Mellow & Sleazy. The album explores themes of urban resilience and has garnered over 10 million Spotify streams as of October 2025, underscoring its cultural impact. 13POS, released on May 24, 2024, presents a refined in Focalistic's sound across 9 tracks, with contributions from producers like Zwayetoven and international influences, alongside features from artists such as Sims Noreng and Pabi Cooper. It has achieved over 10 million streams as of October 2025, signaling continued commercial momentum. Focalistic's most recent studio album, the collaborative B.O.A.T.S (Based On A True Story) with Ch'cco, was released on September 5, 2025, featuring 12 tracks that combine their expertise for a narrative-driven project. The album has amassed over 8 million streams as of October 2025.

Extended plays and mixtapes

Focalistic's foray into shorter-form releases began with underground projects that highlighted his raw rap delivery and ties to Pretoria's street culture, distinguishing these from his later full-length albums. In 2019, he dropped the mixtape 28 May: 18 Area on his birthday, May 28, as a self-celebratory project under 18 Area Holdings. The 5-track effort, featuring songs like "Eketle Pele," "Atchu," "18 Area," "Ka Nnete," and "Ohh Hehe," blended trap influences with local kasi narratives, emphasizing community vibes and personal hustle. Distributed via independent platforms with limited streaming availability, it served as a bridge to his mainstream breakthrough, garnering attention in South African hip-hop circles. While Focalistic has occasionally teased collaborative or promotional tape concepts through , no additional official extended plays or mixtapes have materialized up to 2025, with his output shifting toward structured albums and high-profile singles.

Singles

As lead artist

Focalistic released the single "19 Tobetsa" in 2018 in collaboration with DJz, which gained traction as a local radio hit, debuting in the top 10 charts and maintaining a significant presence on radio airwaves, helping to build his early fanbase in and beyond. In 2017, Focalistic achieved an early breakthrough with "Fak'mali," which debuted at number 1 on YFM's charts, signaling his rising prominence. The single also marked early streaming success. That same year as the original, "Ke Star" featuring Vigro Deep became one of Focalistic's signature tracks, earning gold certification from the (RiSA) for sales exceeding 25,000 units. The original release solidified his status in the genre, while a remix featuring amplified its international reach, peaking at number 16 on the Top Triller Global chart. Focalistic's 2022 single "Tabela Hape," featuring , Mellow & Sleazy, Myztro, and M.J, emerged as a key collaboration that resonated widely, ranking among the top tracks of the year. Its infectious production and street-oriented lyrics captured the essence of Pretoria's music culture, boosting Focalistic's collaborative profile. In 2024, "Biri Marung" featuring Sje Konka, , Scotts Maphuma, and CowBoii topped the South African charts, becoming a anthem with massive domestic and regional appeal. The track achieved from RiSA on 8 January 2025, reflecting over 40,000 units sold and underscoring Focalistic's enduring commercial impact. In 2025, Focalistic released "Basela" featuring Ceehle and Sims Noreng as the lead single from his joint album B.O.A.T.S. with Ch'cco, blending amapiano and hip-hop elements to continue his street anthems style.

As featured artist

Focalistic has frequently appeared as a featured artist on tracks by leading figures in amapiano and Afrobeats, lending his distinctive rap delivery and vocal harmonies to enhance collaborative projects and expand genre boundaries. In 2021, he provided an international guest verse on Davido's "," blending South African trap elements with production by Caltonic SA and Saeed; the track's high-energy fusion received acclaim for reigniting cultural exchanges between Nigerian and South African scenes, significantly boosting Focalistic's global visibility. His 2022 feature on Sha Sha's "What You Need," alongside and , incorporated rap additions to the melody, underscoring his role in elevating vocal dynamics within the genre and contributing to the 's strong streaming performance in . Focalistic added and rap verses to Major League DJz's "NdiKuze" in 2020 (with additional features from , , and The Lowkeys), where his contributions amplified the track's energetic piano grooves and helped it become a staple in playlists. In recent years, Focalistic featured on Pabi Cooper's 2024 single "Pabi Jo" (with Thebuu, Lajere man, and DJ DADAMAN), delivering verses that complemented the upbeat rhythm; the track amassed over 5 million streams and peaked prominently on South African charts. Continuing this trend into 2025, he appeared on and Xduppy's "Dlala Ka Yona" from the album Rough Dance alongside Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, and Mellow & Sleazy, further solidifying his cross-genre appeal in the evolving landscape, as well as on Ch’cco's "Sports Mode" (with M.J and LastBornDiroba), where his elements added intensity to the production. Additionally, in November 2025, Focalistic featured on "(A-Z Yashi Moto)" by Vigro Deep, , and , contributing to another high-profile collaboration.

Awards and nominations

South African Music Awards

Focalistic has received one nomination at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). In 2022, he was nominated for Best Amapiano Album for President Ya Straata. He has not won any SAMAs as of 2025.

All Africa Music Awards

Focalistic received seven nominations at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), including Best Male Artist in Southern Africa and Song of the Year for "Ke Star". He won the Best Collaboration award for the "Ke Star (Remix)" featuring Davido. This victory underscored Focalistic's role in popularizing amapiano on a pan-African scale, with the remix blending South African rhythms and Nigerian production to achieve widespread streaming success. In 2022, Focalistic earned a for Best Male Artist in at the All Africa Music Awards, though he did not secure a win that year. The highlighted his consistent output and rising profile following the success of his previous year's honors. Focalistic's nominations at AFRIMA contributed to his broader international exposure, elevating his profile beyond through collaborations and performances.

African Muzik Magazine Awards

Focalistic achieved significant recognition at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2021, securing two prestigious wins during the 8th edition held virtually on December 12. He won the Best Male in award, outperforming nominees including , , and DJ Shimza. Additionally, the of his breakout "Ke Star," featuring , earned the Best Collaboration accolade, highlighting its cross-continental impact in the genre. In 2022, Focalistic received a for Best Male in at the 9th AFRIMMA, competing against artists such as , , Slap Dee, and . The award ultimately went to . Focalistic has not received further nominations or wins at the AFRIMMA as of 2025.

BET Awards

Focalistic earned his first nomination at the in 2024, recognized in the Best International Act category for his contributions to global and fusion. This highlighted his rising international profile, particularly through tracks like "Biri Marung," a collaboration featuring his distinctive flow alongside and Scotts Maphuma, which showcased his ability to blend South African street culture with broader African sounds. He competed against a diverse field including (), (), (), BK' (), (UK), Karol Conká (), and (UK). Despite the recognition, Focalistic did not win the award, which went to fellow South African artist . He received another nomination for Best International Act at the 2025 but did not win (Ayra Starr won). As of November 2025, Focalistic has yet to secure a win at the .

Headies

Focalistic first gained significant recognition at , Africa's premier music awards celebrating and continental talent, when he won the Best Southern African Artiste of the Year award at the 15th edition held in 2022. This accolade highlighted his rising influence and contributions to Southern African music, marking a pivotal moment in his international breakthrough. Building on this success, Focalistic secured the same honor at the 16th in 2023, becoming the first artist to win consecutively in the category and underscoring his sustained impact across the African music landscape. The award emphasized his role in elevating and fusion to global audiences.

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