Xolani Mbhele, better known by his stage name “Mc Exe”, is the newest local talent to hail from the sunny shores of KwaZulu-Natal’s Sapphire Coast.
A hip-hop artist and radio presenter, Mbhele has fought many struggles to get to where he is. Coming from a family of seven, Mbhele and his siblings were raised by a single parent. “I have always had a passion for music from an early age. My mom used to sing to me, my brothers and sisters every time we were sad. It was what made me want to write my own lyrics so that I could express my deep connection to my family and to life,” Mbhele said.In June this year, Mbhele got to fulfil his dream of working with music producer, DJ Mrena, when he was afforded the opportunity to record his first album. “It was one of the best opportunities I could have been given as a local boy that came from an impoverished background in Isipingo Rail and then moved to the Highflats in Mhlabashane Mission. This opportunity opened many doors for me in my life and my music career,” said the 23-year-old. Mbhele’s single titled “Don’t go” from his debut album called “Inspiration” released on 25 September and received great reviews by local artists such as Big Zulu, Duncan and Zakwe Musihuliq. “I remember listening to tracks by the very talented underground artist, Akalicious, and I remember thinking to myself that I want to be a somebody one day and what do you know, I am now a recorded artist,” said Mbhele. Mbhele said a lot of his inspiration comes from his childhood memories, his supportive family and his trials and tribulations that he has had to face as an adolescent. “It hasn’t been easy to become a local artist, I never got the opportunities to go out there and experience life, I never got to get a tertiary education and neither was I able to get professional training. My music is what I would call ‘raw’ and real which is a true reflection of who I am and where I have come from.”
Mbhele said he is working towards becoming a professionally recognised artist such as his idols the late Pro Kid, Zakwhe and Duncan. “I am currently unemployed and I volunteer at MSC Radio where I aim to inspire and uplift the youth through music. I was lucky to have been given a slot on the online radio station where I am able to express myself in ways that were previously not possible. Through my time at MSC, I hope to gain as much experience and knowledge about music and the industry so that I can pave the way to becoming the artist I know that I can be,” said the father of one. MSC Radio’s Nitha Haripersadh said: “This young man came to me with a lot of hope for the future. By nurturing his God-given talent for making music, he was able to grow his confidence by hosting his own show on a public platform, a chance he was never given before. When I look at Xolani I see a young man that has all the capabilities of becoming a great man that will surely attain success in all his endeavours.”
Through his association with the radio station, Mbhele was introduced to Councillor Asghar Khan who is also the chairperson for the Qaasimul ilm Foundation. Through his long-standing relationship with Cllr Khan and the foundation, Mbhele was able to volunteer his services and his time to working with the community of Umzinto during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mbhele was a part of many food drives that the foundation was involved in during a time of need for those less fortunate. Cllr Khan said: “Xolani and I have a great relationship. He is one of our senior volunteers at our foundation and always puts others before himself. He is such a humble and dedicated young man that I believe shows a lot of promise and through his association with our foundation and me being a municipal councillor, I am pleased to announce that Xolani is one of the candidates of the Al Jama-ah political party that will stand for elections for Ward 13 in the upcoming municipal elections.” When asked why he chose to venture into politics, Mbhele said: “If you want change you have to be the change. I am proud to be a person of the people. Through my hardships I will strive to enrich the lives of my community through my music and my love for my community.” With a promising career ahead of him, this talented young man is all set to become the “somebody” he wishes to be.
