Magazine / article / 2025-09-21T01:35:11+01:00 · RADARCharts by REM
TALK TO US EPISODE 16: THAMSANQA by Pro Chxld.
In this candid conversation, Pro CHxLD opens up about his journey from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town’s thriving hip-hop scene, the cultural power of rapping in isiXhosa, and how his faith and community work continue to g
TALK TO US EPISODE 16: THAMSANQA by Pro Chxld
The update
Today, we sit down with a rising force in South African hip-hop whose music is as spiritual as it is lyrical. Hailing from the Eastern Cape and now making waves across Cape Town and beyond, Pro CHxLD has carved out a lane that blends isiXhosa storytelling with contemporary rap rhythms. His artistry is not just about beats and bars—it’s about revival, community, and carrying a message that transcends borders. Checkout his latest Album and celebrate this Episode with him👊🏾
WHERE HE COMES FROM
Pro CHxLD, your journey began in the Eastern Cape before you moved to Cape Town’s buzzing hip-hop scene. How did your upbringing and roots shape the artist we see today?
I was born and bred in the Eastern Cape by my grandmother. She taught me love and respect, and she raised me with prayer and the church. That foundation shaped me from the very beginning. Becoming an artist didn’t change who I am, it just taught me even more about how to work with people.
You’re known for blending isiXhosa with contemporary rap, creating a sound that feels both authentic and global. Why was it important for you to carry your language and culture into your music?
In isiXhosa I find it easier to paint and create a clear picture of my story than when I’m using other languages. I only use other languages as additionals.
Your debut album Watch My Changes turned heads and Uyesu EP was described as “food for the mind, body, and spirit.” When you look back, what do you think set those projects apart in the industry?
I wrote Watch My Changes after a few years of losing my father. I was doing my last high school grades and I was blessed with a daughter, so that was a project where I was noticing the changes to my life and things that were happening around me. Basically, it was me looking back to where I’m coming from and the current living situation. On Uyesu, it was me tapping into other sounds, blending them with my sound, and obviously introducing and establishing myself to the new hip-hop audience.
Hip-hop in South Africa has evolved with unique sub-genres and voices. Who were some of your biggest influences when you first picked up the mic in 2014, and who motivates you now?
Coming to Cape Town from the Eastern Cape in 2014, I thought I was going to do reggae music, because that’s what I was mostly listening to at the time. I had done a few performances at my previous schools, but everything changed when I was exposed to Spaza music and the whole hip hop movement happening back then. Artists like Nqikilitye, AKA, and Maggz were buzzing. To be honest, I wasn’t inspired by specific names—it was the movement itself that made me feel at home.
Beyond music, you’ve been deeply involved with community work—whether through high school tours, your signature Imvuselelo noPro CHxLD show, or serving as a brand ambassador. How important is that humanitarian side of your artistry?
The humanitarian side of my artistry is deeply important, as it forms the heart of my music and public presence. My work goes beyond entertainment—it’s rooted in uplifting, healing, and creating meaningful spaces for spiritual and social revival, making my impact both artistic and transformative.
You’ve already performed with notable names like iFani, Anela Jahmena, and collaborated with Flash Ikumkani. Looking back at these milestones, which moment still feels surreal to you?
Every moment has been special, but watching Anela Jahmena perform still feels surreal to me. Her presence and energy are on another level. But honestly, what surprises me the most is the impact of Imvuselelo noPro CHxLD. Every time we host it, the way people show up, the energy, the healing—it reminds me why I do this. It’s more than just a show; it’s a spiritual experience. Seeing how the music connects with people like that always humbles me.
Before we move forward, could you give a shoutout or even a prayer to the people who have carried Pro CHxLD this far—your fans, your community, and your family?
First and foremost, I want to give all glory to God—without His grace, none of this would be possible. To my family, my day ones, and the community that raised me: thank you for believing in me, even when I was still finding myself. You carried me with your prayers, your love, your patience, and your presence.
To my fans, every single person who streamed a song, came to a show, shared a post, or spoke life into me—you’re not just supporters, you’re part of this mission. Your energy keeps me going when the weight gets heavy.
Let me pray this over all of you:
“Yanga uThixo anganikhusela, aniqhubele ezindleleni ezinilungeleyo, andise. Yanga angandisa kuthando enindinika lina alibuyise emakhayeni eni, kwiintliziyo zenu, nakumaphupha enu. May you rise, may you heal, and may you walk in the fullness of your calling. Amen.”
Where He’s Going To
Your upcoming project, Thamsanaqa, is set to drop on 14 September 2025. What does the title mean to you, and how does this project build on your past work?
The project was moved to 11th September due to unforeseen circumstances. Moving to your question, the whole album is dedicated to my late father and his name was Thamsanqa. I named my project after him. The project came after a lot of meditations and dreams that made me tap in and think deeply on how great he was. It’s also part of my healing.
In this project, I’ve worked with Wavely.
In your profiling, we saw highlights like being in studio with Black Coffee and working on the USA/SA versions of Nkosi Sikelela. Should fans expect surprises of that magnitude on Thamsanaqa?
No, you can maybe expect those in future. As for Nkosi Sikelela, it was a song made for UMAMA Monument which was happening in USB, and it was for their exhibitions.
Your music is already charting on Trace Urban and Trace Africa, and your sound is reaching beyond borders. Do you see yourself as a cultural bridge between South Africa and the global hip-hop scene?
Yes, I do see myself as a cultural bridge between South Africa and the global hip-hop scene. I bring my roots, my language, and my faith into every beat and bar. My music carries the rhythm and soul of Xhosa identity, while still speaking the universal language of hip-hop.
I’m not here to copy what the world is doing, I’m here to contribute something real from this side of the world. By blending local truth with a global sound, I’m building a connection. I want people to hear not just the beat, but the message… the revival. I believe that’s what makes my work a bridge not just between cultures, but between purpose and sound.
Hip-hop is not just sound—it’s a movement. With your spiritual rap and storytelling, what impact do you hope Thamsanaqa will have on the younger generation coming after you?
They must appreciate their fathers and learn the good from them while they are still alive, because I’ve witnessed later that I had a very smart and loving father that I think I could’ve learnt a lot from. It also gives you hope to believe in yourself and not live by societal standards because people will always talk, whether you’re doing good or bad.
You’re also plugged into fashion, culture, and brand ambassadorships. Do you see Pro CHxLD evolving into a multi-industry figure, and how do you balance music with these other ventures?
Yes! I see music as the core of everything, but fashion, culture, and brand partnerships are natural extensions of who I am and what I represent. They’re just different languages I use to express the same message: purpose, authenticity, and revival.
Balancing it all comes down to alignment. I don’t step into any space just for visibility—it has to connect with the story I’m telling through my music. Whether it’s on stage, in a campaign, or behind a clothing brand, I’m showing up as the same vessel.
So as I evolve into a multi-industry figure, I stay grounded by keeping music at the center, and I let every other venture flow from that source. If it doesn’t add to the mission, I leave it. If it does, I build with it.
Five years from now, what’s the vision? Do you see yourself headlining global stages, launching your own label, or something even bigger?
Yes! Having my own label would be a dream come true. Headlining global stages would be cherry on top.
Finally, with Thamsanaqa on the horizon, what is your heartfelt message to the fans waiting for this body of work?
To everyone who’s been riding with me, I just want to say thank you. Thamsanqa is more than just an album. It’s a testimony, a journey through pain, purpose, and praise. Every song carries a piece of my truth, and I poured my soul into this body of work so that you could feel seen, lifted, and reminded that blessings are real even in the dark.
To my supporters (Ibandla): this one is for you. When it drops, please stream it, share it, and let it live in your hearts. Thamsanqa will be available on all digital platforms, and your support means everything.
I’m also fully open for bookings and performances both in South Africa and globally. Let’s bring this message to your city, your stage, your people. Revival doesn’t stop at the studio, it moves with us.
TALK TO US EPISODE 16: THAMSANQA by Pro Chxld
