South African artist Tshego has explained why he prefers to identify as a musician rather than a rapper. Speaking during a recent episode of 5 Hip Hop Nights with DJ Speedsta, Tshego opened up about the pressures that often come with being labelled strictly as a rapper and why he believes the title “musician” gives him more creative freedom.
During the conversation, Tshego made it clear that he does not see himself confined to one genre or identity within the music industry. The artist said, “I’m not a rapper, but a musician,” before expanding on the reasons behind his statement.
According to Tshego, many rappers place a specific kind of pressure on themselves that he chooses to avoid. He explained, “I don’t put the same type of pressure on myself like a lot of rappers do.” The artist suggested that the expectations tied to hip hop culture can sometimes create unnecessary tension among artists, especially when debates around status, respect and influence begin to dominate conversations in the industry.
Tshego also referred to the current climate within hip hop, where disagreements between younger artists and veteran rappers have become more visible. While discussing the matter, he said, “I think we’ve been seeing it right now in the industry.” His comments appeared to reference the ongoing clashes between younger musicians and established figures in hip hop, a topic that has continued to spark debate across social media and within the entertainment space.
The musician went on to explain that identifying as a musician instead of strictly a rapper allows him to operate without feeling restricted by the expectations often associated with hip hop culture. He explained that the broader title gives him the freedom to experiment creatively and make music that feels natural to him without having to meet the standards or pressures attached to a particular group or community.
“As a musician, I feel like you give yourself the space to do whatever you want, whatever you feel comfortable with. You’re not a part of any society,” Tshego said during the interview.
His remarks highlighted the difference between viewing music as a form of unrestricted creativity and viewing it through the lens of genre-based expectations. Tshego’s comments also reflected the growing number of artists who are choosing to move beyond traditional labels and focus on versatility in their careers.
