Five minutes with Sama winner Skeleton Blazer on his mission to elevate reggae in Mzansi

Skeleton Blazer is on a mission to take the reggae genre to new heights in Mzansi's music scene with his latest single Vaal Ke Country.  

The Sama30 winner's music career has been shaped by his experiences growing up in Sebokeng, Vaal, where he was exposed to the Rastafari culture that would later influence his unique sound.

Inspired by reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube and Burning Spear, Skeleton Blazer has carved out his own niche in the music industry.  

With a career spanning more than a decade, Skeleton Blazer has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in reggae music including Sizzla Kalonji, Capleton, Jah Mason and Pressure Busspipe. His experience and passion for music have earned him a reputation as a talented and dedicated artist.

With the release of Vaal Ke Country Skeleton Blazer is poised to take his music to new heights and reconnect with fans who have been eagerly awaiting his return.

TshisaLIVE spoke to the award-winning artist about his musical journey and more.

You received Best Reggae Album at Sama30. How did it feel to receive the recognition?

I am grateful and honoured to be recognised as a best reggae musician in SA. I am privileged to receive the award. It means a lot for my career and I hope to produce more inspiring music.

Your music is known for its unique blend of traditional reggae and modern styles. Talk about your creative process and how you approach songwriting and production.

Reggae music is a style I connect deeply with, and I approach it in a unique way. I take the classic, old school reggae sound and give it a modern twist. For me, nature plays a big role in my creativity. The sounds of the wind, birds and even the rhythm of my surroundings inspire the music I create. It’s like combining the roots of reggae with the energy of the world around me today.

What's your take on the state of reggae music in SA? Do you think it's gaining popularity, or is it still a niche genre?

Reggae in SA is definitely growing, but we have a long way to go. If more platforms were available to play our music, it could reach greater heights. We want reggae to grow and thrive like it did during the times of legends such as Lucky Dube and Bob Marley.

How do you think reggae music can be better promoted and supported in SA to reach a wider audience?

It can be promoted through networking, more exposure on radio stations, TV and social media platforms and live performances. The tools are essential to spread reggae music and reach new audiences

Are there any challenges you've faced as a reggae artist in SA, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve faced many challenges, including people who tried to discourage me. I overcame this by organising my own events and seizing opportunities from government-supported programmes. Staying active and creating my own platform helped me push forward.