Hip-hop artist and ambassador ProVerb learnt well from his English teachers.
Tebogo Thekisho, aka Proverb, is considered in music circles to be a focused artist. He grew up in Kimberley but came to Johannesburg in search of better opportunities and he completed a diploma in sound engineeringe in 2003. In 2004 he worked as a technical producer for The Freshest Breakfast Show hosted by DJ Fresh at Yfm. He went on to present a hip-hop show on Channel O called Headrush. In 2005 he landed his first recording deal with an independent label, Outrageous Records, and released his debut album The Book of ProVerb. He went on to join Metro FM as a technical producer for the afternoon drive time show presented by Glen Lewis and Unathi Msengana. On Saturdays and Sundays, he hosted the station’s graveyard slot, during the very early morning, from 3am to 6am. He subsequently clinched a record deal with Gallo records and released his second album, Manuscript, in 2007. It received a nomination for the South African Music Awards. He also released Write of Passage just before he was invited to participate in the reality television show Survivor where he raised money for charity. Thekisho hosted season six to eight of Idols South Africa on M-Net. He now hosts an early morning breakfast show at Highveld Stereo from Monday to Friday and another show on Sunday from 10am to 2pm. He has hosted both the Miss and Mrs South Africa pageants, the magazine show All Access on Mzansi Magic and numerous corporate functions. Thekisho is currently a brand ambassador for Volvo Car South Africa, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and the National Banking Association of South Africa. He also hosts Standard Bank’s internal magazine show BlueWave. He has just released his new album, FourthWrite.
Who inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I was always a creative youngster and had a way with words. I couldn’t sing but at high school hip-hop became my hobby. It was only after I came to Joburg, where I met and began rubbing shoulders with like-minded people, that I realised I could make a career out of hip-hop.
When did you start school?
I started school in 1987 and matriculated in 1998. I started tertiary education in 1999.
Who were your favourite teachers?
My favourite teacher at primary school was Mrs Bateulous, and at high school it was my English teacher, Mrs Pilkington.
What influence did they have on you?
Mrs Pilkington was a very strict teacher who had a profound influence on me. I enjoyed creative writing in her class. She helped me develop my passion for writing and creative thinking.
What were your favourite subject(s) and why?
My favourite subjects were English for creative writing, and business management, just because I used to get it.
What are the things a teacher should never do or say?
A teacher should never be abusive, destructive or break down a young person. A teacher should strive to empower learners and arm them for life ahead.
From your point of view, what qualities should a good teacher exhibit?
A good teacher should be very patient, stern yet fair and, most important of all, they should have parental instincts because they are shaping young minds and personalities.
What message do you have for teachers?
Thank you for your patience and the support. You are the unsung heroes of our nation.