Focalistic Reminisces On The Moment He Realized That He Was Famous.More widely known by his moniker Focalistic, real name Lethabo Sebetso, his first big score came via 2018’s Major League DJz smash 19 Tobetsa, the upstart’s bars leaving a lasting impression on everyone in earshot. Since then, a barrage of standout releases have landed thanks to a relentless work rate.
It is no doubt that Focalistic has become a force to be reckoned with. Speaking on the moment he realised that he was famous, he said: “There was this one time I went to the mall with my mom in mid-to-late 2020, and people saw me and asked for pictures.That’s when it hit me because people seemed to disregard my mom and just wanted my attention.We came out of a shop, and there was a crowd of, like, 30 to 40 school kids wanting a picture. I realised then those things had changed.”
Central to the Focalistic philosophy is the term ‘pina tsa ko kasi’. Shorthand for a musical framework partly laid down on another collaboration with Major League DJz, 2019’s six track collection Asa Trap Tse ke Pina Tsa Ko Kasi, the English translation roughly reads: ‘It’s not trap, it’s from the hood’. Sonically spanning warm Balearic piano grooves, purist kwaito, hip hop and R&B, in reality aesthetics are secondary to message. Identity and staying true to yourself are what’s important.
Nevertheless, he’s arguably most vocal about the fact this is a completely independent operation; he retains full control over every aspect of every project, his image and trajectory.
