By Martin Myers

Khuli Chana is one of the originators of the Motswako sound, which fuses Setswana and English. Chana is an award-winning hip-hop artist, songwriter and entrepreneur. He is also a mentor at the new AMPD Studios in Johannesburg, which opened two weeks ago.

When are you happiest?
When I am having a perfect set on stage, the sound is good and the energy of the crowd is wild. I am at my happiest when my daughter tells me she loves me and I really get a kick out of making Wame (my girlfriend) happy – that makes me the happiest dude.
What does music mean to you?
Music means purpose. Growing up in Bophuthatswana with a name like Khulani made me feel like an outcast. Motswako music gave me a sense of belonging, confidence and a purpose to inspire others.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Collaborations, travels and freebies.
What drives you: ego or humility?
The music business will humble you! Ego can’t handle not being on the charts and humility taught me the long game, the value of relationships and how to survive the droughts.

Any funny moments on stage?
Don’t stage dive if it’s not your thing, that’s all I can say.
What is your most treasured possession?
The Jesus necklace piece my lady bought for me. I never take it off.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?
Hennessy and tonic.
What makes you stand out?
I got one of the best flows in the rap game.

Nicknames?
John Cookie, Don Khuliano.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
I would be in advertising or making movies.
Pick five words to describe yourself?
Creative, stylish, calm, timeless, originator.
What song changed your life? 
After I released “No More Hunger” from my first album, Motswakoriginator, my life changed. You can speak things into existence, I haven’t been broke since.

What is your favourite word?
Vagina – I just love how it rolls off the tongue.
Favourite fashion garment?
I love how sunglasses get me into different characters.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means?
Mashankura means money.
Top of your bucket list?
I would love to meet Nas – he is a genius.
Your greatest achievement?
Building my mom a property business.
What is your fear?
Fear itself.
Happiness is?
Balance – finding a sweet spot in this crazy life we are living.
On stage, I tend to?
A lot of call-and-response – when I say “Chana” you say “Power”!

The best life lesson you have been taught?
That you can design yourself – feed into your focus and not your distractions.
Where would you like to be right now?
In a new home with a bigger home studio – I’m working on it.
Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?
I am a resident mentor at AMPD studios with Old Mutual for emerging artists. The journey has just begun and I’m truly honoured to be a part of something revolutionary.
Wishes and dreams?
For my next album to be a huge success and to become a world-renowned creative entrepreneur.

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