20 Feb 2025

A young dreamer in Lobatse has emerged as a force to be reckon with in both music and pageantry.

Bokang Motswedi, affectionately known as Rhyme Killa, born and bred in a family rich in artistic expression, was raised alongside two sisters. His journey, shaped by the absence of parents, instilled in him resilience, independence and an unbreakable work ethic.

From an early age, creativity became his escape and his passion. What started as simple sketches evolved into dancing and soon, his voice found power in music. Today, he stands as a multifaceted artist., having shared stages with some notable names locally and internationally.

Rhyme Killa’s artistic roots run deep, influenced by family members immersed in creative arts. His music journey began in 2010 with his first single, I’m Coming, featuring Princess G and Wound Blaster.

The electrifying experience of stepping into a studio and hearing his voice professionally recorded, fueled his hunger for more. Talent shows like My African Dream, My Star, and Mokaragana provided platforms for him to showcase his evolving artistry.

But his ambitions stretched beyond music. Inspired by Kesetse Magwadi, the director of Miss Tlokweng, Rhyme Killa ventured into the world of pageantry. His passion for fashion led to the creation of his clothing brand, Be Strong Fear Not, which he successfully marketed through pageants. Over time, he worked with top models, expanding his brand’s reach beyond Botswana.

“My love for pageantry propelled me to direct pageants such as Miss Pitsane, Miss Tatakokwane and Miss Lentsweletau,” he said.

Despite his bold presence today, Rhyme Killa was once a shy and quiet child.

“It took years of self-work and a trusted audience and the mirror in my room to build my confidence and my breakthrough came during a school rap battle, where I clinched victory and earned recognition for my talent,” he remembered.

From there, his leadership skills flourished as he joined and eventually led a dance crew.

“My love for Motswako has always been apparent and my musical style has since evolved, adapting to industry trends and audience preferences. My song writing is deeply influenced by my surroundings and life experiences,” Rhyme Killa shared.

He has had his own fair share of challenges. He said he had to create a delicate balance between artistic integrity and audience expectations. He has also had to deal with financial instability, intense competition, and the struggle to remain relevant.

“Securing sponsors for pageants remains an uphill battle, often delaying preparations,” he said.

Yet, his commitment to the craft and ability to collaborate with seasoned professionals keep him moving forward. One of his most defining musical moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic with, Fa Gole Monate, featuring Flexyville, which was later remixed with sultry flair from Naisi Boi, Figos, Rraagwe Perekisi and Flexyville.

Produced at Decibel Studios in Lobatse by Martin Beats, the song’s infectious energy made it a nationwide and cross-border sensation. Its success cemented Rhyme Killa’s belief in the power of music to unite and inspire whilst prioritising self-care and mental health.

“Being in the spotlight comes with immense pressure, but I stay grounded by maintaining a balance between my passion, personal life, and professional aspirations. I rely on goal-setting, a strong support network, and mindfulness to navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry,” he noted.

As a pageant director, Rhyme Killa seeks more than just beauty in contestants; he values intelligence, charisma and the ability to inspire change. He believes in molding confident individuals who can make a meaningful impact on society.

For him, the most rewarding aspect of pageantry lies in the behind the scenes creativity. Thinking outside the box, introducing fresh ideas and staying ahead of competitors is where he thrives. Juggling music, pageantry and business is no easy feat, but Rhyme Killa manages by staying organised, setting realistic goals and collaborating with like-minded individuals.

He maximises productivity by planning ahead and using every available moment efficiently. His secret to staying mentally and creatively healthy? Prayer and hard work. These two pillars keep him grounded and motivated to push boundaries.

“With my sights set on a stronger brand presence, I envision a future where my music reaches new audiences and my pageantry initiatives grow in scale. My upcoming projects include a second album featuring top local and international artistes. Later this month, I will drop a new track produced by Deejay Zaca, known for his work with Ntate Stunna,” he shared.

On the pageantry side, he is gearing up for a major fashion show in collaboration with local clothing brands, further cementing his influence in Botswana’s creative landscape. ENDS