When you are constantly in the public eye, navigating the high-speed world of the South African entertainment industry, staying grounded is everything. Recently, Amapiano powerhouse and culture shaker Toss sat down on the Nine80 Network’s My Essentials show to break down the core elements that keep him centered, driven, and moving forward. In an intimate look past the fame, the chart-topping hits, and the relentless touring schedule, he shared his five absolute non-negotiables.
Here is an in-depth look at the five things Toss simply cannot live without.
1. Faith and the Word of God
At the very foundation of Toss’s life is his spirituality. When asked about his top essentials on My Essentials, he immediately pointed to God and the Bible. In an industry characterized by fast-paced changes, unpredictability, and immense pressure, having a spiritual anchor provides him with peace, direction, and clarity. For Toss, the word of God is not just a Sunday routine, but a daily necessity that keeps his spirit aligned and his perspective clear amidst the noise of success.
2. His Partner
Bringing a noticeable smile and a lighthearted vibe to the room during the interview, Toss didn’t hesitate to include his girlfriend on the list. Behind every hardworking artist is a support system that offers peace away from the cameras and the crowds. Having a strong, loving partnership gives him a safe space to unwind, be vulnerable, and share life away from the public gaze, proving to be an essential pillar in his personal life.
3. The Studio
You can’t take the music out of the artist. The creative crucible—the recording studio—made the cut as one of his ultimate essentials. As someone deeply entrenched in the soundscape of South African music, the studio is where Toss transforms raw energy, emotion, and life experiences into timeless anthems. It is his playground and workspace rolled into one, essential for feeding his artistic hunger and keeping his career moving forward.
4. His Car
For someone who is always on the go, navigating between studio sessions, meetings, appearances, and home, mobility is freedom. Toss named his car as a key essential in his daily routine. More than just a mode of transportation, a car acts as a mobile sanctuary for an artist—a place to listen to unreleased mixes, catch a breather between grueling schedules, and maintain autonomy over a fast-moving lifestyle.
5. Family
Rounding out the list is family. No matter how far the journey takes him or how loud the applause gets, staying connected to his roots remains paramount. Family provides unconditional grounding, honest reality checks, and a sense of belonging that transcends any career milestone. For Toss, keeping his loved ones close ensures he never loses sight of where he came from.
The Takeaway
As seen on the Nine80 Network, Toss’s list serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters at the end of the day. While success, music, and material comforts play their part, the core of his life is built on faith, love, passion, freedom, and family.
What does your non-negotiable top 5 look like? Let us know in the comments below!