Freeky emerges as the reggae voice of South Africa

It has only been five years since South African reggae singer Freeky began his solo career. However, his dedication to his craft and the quality of the music that he has produced as a solo artiste has placed the former Tattoo frontman among the cream of the crop on the growing South African reggae music scene.

The Johannesburg-based reggae singer is rapidly emerging as the leading reggae voice in South Africa. His latest single titled Economic Freedom Fighter on South African reggae producer Robin Mabunda's Freedom rhythm, is currently blowing up the South African airwaves.

Freeky, whose real name is Olihile Afrika, says his stage name originates from the Sotho language of the Sotho tribe, which is one of the many tribes of South Africa. He began his music career during his teenage years as a bass player.

In 2006, he was recruited to be a member of the legendary Sotho band called Ntjapedi. During his stint with the band, he shared stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela and Salif Keita.

He was later appointed to be the leader and frontman for Tattoo, but his time with Tattoo was also short lived, as he decided to go solo in 2007.

Since then, he has been working with Robin Mabunda who has produced a number of successful projects with him. He has also racked up an impressive list of collaborations with several popular Jamaican reggae and dancehall acts, including Sizzla, Lutan Fyah, Stacious and Singer Jah.

Freeky is currently working on an album that will be released next year on Mabunda's Dreaded Sounds imprint.

(from Jamaica Star)