Taded’s journey of hustle, hip-hop, and empowerment
“As an artist, I believe music should be relatable. I share my journey in the hope that it helps someone because I’ve learned I’m often not the only one going through similar experiences. That’s why I always aim to convey a deep, uplifting message.”
“Listening to my first project and the music I’m making now, there’s been quite a transformation. I’m more comfortable letting people into my personal life. When I started, I had little knowledge of the industry, but as I grew into it, I realised that dreams come true with hard work and determination,” says Taded.
When it comes to raw talent fused with relentless hustle, Taded is a name that stands out. Born Mpho Ncholo in 1999, he has evolved from an inspired teenager to an artist with a vision of leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire.
“As an artist, I believe music should be relatable. I share my journey in the hope that it helps someone because I’ve learned that I’m often not the only one going through similar experiences. That’s why I always aim to convey a deep, uplifting message,” he explains.
Taded ventured into the music world at just 15 years old, inspired by his cousin Gauta. He took his first steps with his debut song, Hooked, in 2018. “Listening to my first project and the music I’m making now, there’s been quite a transformation. I’m more comfortable letting people into my personal life,” he shares.
He is a strong advocate for collaborations; however, he first needs to be a fan of the other artist’s sound and creativity. “I enjoy collaborations because they’re always creatively different,” he explains.
Taded is also the co-founder of Young Press Entertainment, which recently launched the first-ever Kwatsaduza Hip-Hop Rapathon—a showcase of unsigned local talent. His dream is for this platform to expose artists to new audiences and opportunities.
“I see it becoming one of the biggest hip-hop competitions within the culture. I see it changing lives, exposing competing artists not only to a wider audience but to bigger opportunities, including brand deals—not just in South Africa but internationally as well. I am always doing my research, and as an artist, I create trends too. I put my honest opinions and ideas out in the open,” says Taded.
He currently works at Glen Radio Station in Soweto as a presenter. “These ventures don’t steer me away from my line of work—they add to it. Presenting, helping out where I can, and growing myself as a brand are all part of my journey. I’ve recently been hosting a show that focuses on empowering creatives globally, particularly female creatives, and I had the honour of interviewing the iconic Fifi Cooper. The show has been running for a year, and I’ve managed to shoot 100 episodes live. People tend to believe that males dominate the industry, but I’ve come to learn that women work just as hard, making a significant impact,” he says.
Demonstrating his versatility, Taded recently made his acting debut in the short film Shattered Loyalty, directed by award-winning director Brandon Olifant. Playing a gangster role, his performance took many by surprise. “It was my first casting, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” he reflects.
To his younger self, he says, “You did it, boy! After all those risks, the self-doubt, and the small things no one noticed—things are happening now. Your life has changed, and they see you now. Thank you for never stopping believing in the dream.”
“Success once meant getting 50 streams or appearing on radio and TV. Today, it’s about turning dreams into reality while staying surrounded by genuine people,” Taded concludes.
As his story continues to unfold, one thing is clear—his journey is far from over, and his impact on the culture is undeniable.
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