Melodscape

MASERU- Cheez Beezy’s musical journey is one of faith, resilience and self-discovery. From his first studio session in 2013 to the release of Thapelo, his latest album, the artist has navigated the highs and lows of the music industry with a prayerful heart.

FROM CHEESE BOY TO CHEEZ BEEZY Before the world knew him as Cheez Beezy, he was simply “Cheese Boy”- a nickname that followed him from primary school through high school but since he despised the label, he did not like what it represented. “I did not like the meaning of Cheese Boy,” he explains. So, when he stepped into studio for the first time as an independent artist, he rebranded into Cheez Beezy and the name stuck, and so did his passion for music.

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A LIFE ROOTED IN MUSIC

Music runs in his blood. As he was born into a Gospel family, Beezy was performing by the age of five, backing up his parents on stage. “My whole life has been about music,” he says. The early exposure to Gospel not only shaped his sound but also his lyrical integrity. “I am very picky about what I rap about and the words I use,” he notes, highlighting the influence of his upbringing on his artistic choices.

THE MAKING OF THAPELO

The seeds of Thapelo were planted in 2020, long before Cheez Beezy joined his previous label, Penya Play. Inspired by his life experiences, the album reflects his lessons, thoughts, and emotions. However, after being signed, his reality changed, “I never got to speak more on my life before the label because I was now experiencing new things within it- both good and bad.”

The album’s title, Thapelo, is very personal. It means “prayer” in Sesotho and happens to be Beezy’s real name. “Whatever you go through in life, just do not forget to pray,” he emphasizes, capturing the core message of the project.

The creative process was equally spiritual. “When making each song, my producer and I had to be in the right mood, usually alone in the studio,” he explains. But like life itself, it never really is just smooth sailing, “Sometimes we would be going through things, but we had to make it happen regardless.”

CHALLENGES WITH THE LABEL

While Thapelo is deeply personal, Beezy did not have full control over its final form. The label’s executives interfered with song arrangements and even added artists without his consent. “The music executive was tampering with arrangements of the songs,” he recalls, revealing the struggles of artistic control in a corporate setting.

Visuals for the project were another battle. The album’s cover art? Not his choice. “I had nothing to do with it. I do not even like it,”he admits. “My voice was not heard.” He had pitched a different concept, but it was dismissed. Ironically, after his departure from the label, the same executive came back asking for the very artwork he initially proposed.

Despite these hurdles, Beezy has remained committed to his vision. For the Thapelo visuals, he worked with Mpho Tau from Space Agency, who was brought in by the label to assist artists. “We shot the ‘E tla buleha’ video on our last days at the label, he shares. With no budget, he selected a nearby nature spot and organised extras. “We walked there to shoot,” he says. The end result? An amazing visual experience that exudes “calmness and hope.”

THE MUSIC AND THE MESSAGE

Thapelo is an emotional rollercoaster- both in content and sound. “It has different kinds of emotions and different kinds of sounds,” Beezy expresses. A standout track, Imbokodo, is particularly personal, as it reflects his upbringing and family life.

But beyond personal storytelling, Beezy hopes Thapelo serves a greater purpose. “I am hoping it grows Sesotho music recognition in Africa and across the globe. I hope it heals someone and inspires someone out there.”

LESSONS LEARNED AND ADVICE FOR ARTISTS

Having been through the highs and lows of the industry, Beezy is clear on one thing: the music business is just that- a business. “Take this very seriously. Music is a multi-billion industry. Everything MATTERS,” he warns. His advice? “Lawyer up!Never sign contracts you do not understand. Not everything that glitters is gold.”

Despite the industry’s pressures, Beezy stays grounded. “I just stay true to myself by being myself. I do not pressure myself with industry expectations.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

When asked about the future, BEEZY remains philosophical. “Only time will tell,” he says. One thing is certain: whether through music or personal growth, CHEEZ BEEZY will keep moving forward-with prayer, hard work, and hope leading the way.

Photo credits: Unknown

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