Sizwe Moeketsi (born 30 June 1987) is a South African musician commonly known as Reason, a name he uses as a rapper. He is also known as Sizwe Alakine, an alter ego he adopted after taking up a career in Amapiano.
Reason | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sizwe Moeketsi 30 June 1987 Tembisa, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Other names |
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| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Musical career | |
| Also known as |
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| Origin | Katlehong, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels |
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Early life and education
editSizwe Moeketsi was born on 30 June 1987 in Tembisa, and grew up in Katlehong, South Africa.[1]
Career
editUsing the stage name Reason, his first appearance on mainstream radio was in 2004 on YFM Radio.[1] He started recording in 2005, starting as a battle rapper, and came to prominence after his collaborative work with Ms Nthabi. He has worked with some of South Africa's respected names, including Stogie T, Moneoa, ProVerb, DJ Maphorisa, Kwesta, and HHP.[1][2]
In 2014, Reason released an album titled Audio High Definition,[3] which included hits like "2Cups Shakur" and "Glasses to The Ceiling", featuring Locnville.[citation needed]
After pursuing a career in Amapiano music, he adopted the alter ego Sizwe Alakine, releasing the song "Khanda Shisa" under that name in July 2021.[4]
He has also been known as ReasonHD and gaaaAHDbody,[5][6] the latter name also being the name of a 2014 hip hop track.[3]
Record labels
editReason signed a deal with Warner Music South Africa in February 2022,[7] after formerly recording with Motif Records[8] from 2011,[5] and Promised Land Records.[1][9]
Discography
editAwards and nominations
editAwards and nominations include Hype magazine's King of the Bedroom (2005); Top 5 Hottest unsigned rappers in South Africa (2005) by Hype; YFM Radio's Hip Hop show Rap Activity's Emcee of the Month (2005); and 10 Hottest Rappers in South Africa (2013).[1]
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Recipient/Nominated work | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | South African Music Awards | Best Rap Album | Audio 3D | Nominated | [citation needed] |
| Best Male Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 2015 | Best Rap Album | Audio High Definition | Nominated | [16] | |
| 2024 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best Collaboration | "Imithandazo" | Won | [17][18] |
| Best Amapiano | Won | ||||
| Song of the Year | Won |
Personal life
editReason was married for seven years to Mosa Moketsi and they had two children before divorcing. He also has twins through his relationship with Luthando Shosha.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Gitonga, Ruth (14 May 2020). "Reason". Briefly. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "Reason (Sizwe Moeketsi)". whoproduced.org. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ a b Madisa, Kgothatso (24 November 2014). "'Hottest MC list not true reflection of SA hip hop': Reason". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ de Wee, Naledi (7 September 2021). "'Not a name change': Reason sets the record straight on Sizwe Alakine". The South African. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ a b Puso, Lesego (25 November 2014). "Reason proclaims his gaaaAHDbody". Rosebank Killarney Gazette. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "Audio High Definition by ReasonHD on Apple Music". Apple Music - Web Player. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "Sizwe Alakine seals the deal with Warner Music South Africa [watch]". The South African. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
- ^ "Motif Let Reason And Riky Rick Go While They Still Owed The Label". SA Hip Hop Mag. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
- ^ Promised Land Records on Facebook
- ^ "Reason audio 3D album launch". Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ "Rapper Reason gets personal with new single, Endurance". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ "REASON releases new album 'Audio Re-Definition' | YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE". www.yomzansi.com. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ "Every Reason to 'Love Girls'". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ Langa, Phumlani S. "Does Reason's Azania hit the spot?". Citypress. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
- ^ "'Sizwe Alakine is a South African brand and that's the story we are trying to push': Reason". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
- ^ "These are the 2015 Sama winners". News24. 19 April 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED". Metro FM. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
- ^ "FULL LIST | Kabza De Small, Mthunzi win big at Metro FM Music Awards". Tshisa LIVE. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.