Landrose on This Chapter Is Personal, resilience and his vision for 2026
Bars n Rhymes chats to South African hip hop artist Landrose on his latest work, language as cultural expression, and the journey ahead.
South African hip hop has always been built on resilience, but few artists articulate that reality as plainly as Landrose. Active in the culture since 2010, the Tembisa born rapper has weathered the kind of highs and lows that quietly shape an artist’s character long before the spotlight arrives. His latest body of work, This Chapter Is Personal, released late last year, marks a turning point, not just musically, but emotionally.
Rather than chase trends or dilute his message, Landrose uses this project to speak candidly about his personal life, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the determination that has kept him moving forward even when progress felt slow.
“This chapter is personal,” he explains. “My intention was to speak about my personal life so my supporters could understand my position both in music and in life. I have had difficulties navigating this musical journey, but I kept going even when my tyres were flat. I am not giving up. This is personal to me now. I am not wasting any more time.
The album reflects a period of introspection and recommitment. It is less about proving a point to the industry and more about grounding himself in purpose. For Landrose, music is not an optional pursuit, it is central to who he is.
“I was not blessed with this gift just to sit around and give up on it,” he says. “It is meant to uplift people and not just myself. As challenging as it is, I cannot see my life outside of music. This is who I am.”
That sense of calling has pulled him back repeatedly during moments of doubt. Each time he considered stepping away, something shifted. “Every time I thought of doing something else, I would get a miracle that reminded me this is what is meant for me,” he adds.
A key thread running through Landrose’s work is language. His 2020 release The New National Anthem sparked national conversation for its use of multiple South African languages, positioning him as an artist deeply aware of hip hop’s cultural responsibility.
Asked whether language is a creative choice, a political statement or a reflection of identity, his answer is simple, all of the above.
“After seeing the impact of The New National Anthem, I understood that I have a cultural responsibility to make the best use of our languages,” he says. “People feel acknowledged and seen when you use their language. It brings us together. That is who we are. It does not get more patriotic than that.”
At the same time, he does not shy away from the joy of creativity. “It is also a creative choice,” he laughs. “Who would not want to sound good in multiple languages?”
Beyond the booth, Landrose has steadily expanded his presence within the culture. From live performance to hosting major platforms like Back To The City, he has learned that hip hop offers more avenues for growth than many artists initially realise.
“There is more to this gift than just stepping in the booth,” he says. “Building my identity has shown me that I can be the face of different avenues in this culture. My talents qualify me for more than one role.”
As the South African hip hop landscape continues to evolve, Landrose believes the next phase requires artists to look inward as much as outward. His focus is clear, mental health matters.
“We need to protect ourselves first,” he says. “Before we take care of the music, we need to take care of ourselves. If we create from a place of positivity, we will produce better results. Energy is everything. If you are going through something, speak about it. Do not hold back.”
That perspective has been shaped by experience. In an era dominated by algorithms and numbers, Landrose has learned that impact is not always visible online.
“You cannot measure your own impact,” he reflects. “When the algorithm is not in your favour, it is easy to think people are not hearing your work. But when a crowd of over 18,000 people shows you love, you realise you are not standing still. You are getting somewhere.”
Looking ahead, Landrose hopes listeners connect more deeply with the stories he continues to tell. His goal is not only to be understood, but to offer comfort to those navigating similar challenges.
“I tell my stories through the music,” he says. “I hope people who deal with the same things find comfort in it and become the best version of themselves. That is what my music is about.”
As for what comes next, Landrose keeps it characteristically light, but confident. New music, new visuals and carefully planned campaigns are on the way. For now, he encourages listeners to stay tuned. “Stick around,” he jokes. “You will find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z.”
Landrose’s latest music video from This Chapter Is Personal is available on YouTube, offering a visual extension of an album rooted in honesty, resilience and self belief.
