Thapelo Tlhako (20) also known as ‘Oblamo’ was born and bred in the Alexandra Township “Gomora”.
“Coming from there means nothing is given to you on a silver platter meaning you have to hustle to get what you want, wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth and that encourages me to grind till I live life on the other side of the street which is “impilo yase Sandton”, Oblamo told Mgosi.
The love of music and innovation comes from the American, Atlanta based hiphop group called “migos”.
Speaking to the publication, Oblamo told us that he transitioned from hip-hop to Amapiano. Alakine Sizwe, we see you!
“Back in 2013 seeing as how different they were coming in and how they started to take over the game. I initially started making hiphop in 2016 then later switched it up and started making Amapiano,” says Oblamo.
#1 Why switch from hip-hop to Amapiano?
Having started recording in 2016, initially as a hip-hop artist the now Amapiano musician had a great mind to transition. This is due to the avid interest of the other genre as opposed to his first love for hip-hop music.
#2 How did the name Oblamo come about?
“My stage name ‘Oblamo’ is actually a Spanish slang name meaning ‘go getter’. [I] was watching a documentary one day and heard it being repeated so many times so I actually started doing some digging, finding out what it meant I just took it and ran with it”, he said.
#3 What impact do you wish to have in your neighbourhood?
Especially for the young ones, Oblamo has the desire to inspire and be the one to show them that one can achieve anything and everything they want to achieve.
As long as you put your focus on it, remain dedicated and determined.
He continued, “I want to be able to look at me and see that anything is possible.”
#4 What are your dreams and aspirations?
“My future hopes and dreams going forward is one day a multi platinum selling artist,” Thapelo expressed.
On the same breathe, the musician is currently gearing up for the release of his debut single ‘Gomora’. Which is his most popular song set to drop this month, October.
The artist also included that part of his future plans is performing in different places.
CLICK HERE for more info about the artist.
#5 Who do you look up to locally and globally?
“Locally I’d say I look up to Focalistic and globally I’d say Kanye West because these are people that constantly think out the box. Constantly thinking of new ways to flood the market with their craft and always encouraging up and coming artists to believe in themselves.”
During our interview with Oblamo we also asked who his dream collaboration would be with. He told us that it would have to be with Zuma because his flow game and lyricism is just crazy. Additionally, he feels like if they had to work on something together it would be game changing.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Oblamo is multilingual on the beat
- He can do R&B and Afro pop music
- The artist is also a good storyteller