A childhood name “Heepo” given to him by his grandfather has latched on to him and has not let go. Mpho Gift Ngobeni commonly known by his stage name “Heepo wa katara” was born in Tshamahansi. He then moved to Mosetjane and was bred in a township called Mahwelereng.
Mpho discovered his love for music after he joined a youth choir. It was after he joined the youth choir that he realised he felt more alive and fulfilled doing music. This discovery ignited a wildfire within him, “it consumed me to a point where my mother decided to buy me my first guitar for my 21st instead of throwing me a party, “he says. According to him, that was the best desicion ever. Like a hungry fire with an unquenchable thirst, music seemed to have a magnetic pull on him. He then realised that doing music was more than just a hobby for him. This led to him quitting his job in 2019 to become a full-time musician and he confidently says God has been faithful.
This man is the embodiment of a coat of many colours. Not only is he a vocalist and guitarist but add producer to the list as well. “I have always dreamt of becoming a producer, bringing a sound in my mind or someone’s mind to life. Experimenting and fusing different sounds to come up with one,” he passionately says. He says being a vocalist, an instrumentalist and a church audio technician paved his way to becoming a producer.
Mpho talks about the role God plays in his music walk. “There are many incredible musicians out there but God sees it fit that I lack no gigs or resources needed to advance my career”, he says. Through music, he says God has connected him with great musicians and companies that he would not have had any connections with had he not adhered to his music call. Speaking of traveling, music has given him the opportunity of sharing stages with big names in the music industry but there’s one performance that vividly stands out in his mind. This was performing at his uncle’s wedding,” the tears my grandmother shed in disbelief of what she was experiencing and the proud look and smile on my granfather’s face aroused all sorts of emotions”, he says. According to him, there’s nothing that beats having support and blessings from family, “I am no doctor neither am I an engineer, but my family is proud of the path I chose,” he says. He joyfully furthermore says”, there is an artist in the house, I am celebrated.”
Life’s journey is not always easy therefore he speaks highly of those who cushion him with their support. His lovely wife who he says takes care of his emotional and mental well-being. Pertaining to music, his younger brother and drummer, Elias Ngobeni also known as Earl Beats and says, “he has taught me a lot from songwriting to arranging.” Dimakatso Baloyi who he says is a music genius,” this man taught me how to play guitar on his keyboard”, he says. Bishop Peter Lebelo who gave him his first vocal lesson and lastly, his Pastor Prophet Thupishi Seanego for emphasizing professionalism in doing things.
Mpho gives his advice to upcoming musicians and says, “possibilities are infinite, against all odds fight for your dream. He strongly emphasizes the importance of maintaining lasting relationships with fellow co-workers and clients and says, “never look down on your fans when things start taking off, they form a huge part of your success. “
