Litmus test for King 98

Standard Style
Rising hip-hop artiste King 98 faces a litmus test when he launches his debut album titled Francesca encircled by a galaxy of superstars at Wingate Golf Club on Wednesday.

By Style Reporter

King 98

Rising hip-hop artiste King 98 faces a litmus test when he launches his debut album titled Francesca encircled by a galaxy of superstars at Wingate Golf Club on Wednesday.

The album is dedicated to the 21-year-old rapper’s mother. He will be supported by a star-studded line-up of local and international artistes.

Nigerian star David “Davido” Adeleke, who is featured on King 98’s single No Bad Vibes released in January, was the first one to endorse the young rapper’s album launch, which will also be graced by South Africa’s Nasty C and Nadia Nakai as well as locals DJ Silence Dosh, Union 5, Tammy Moyo and Ashleigh Moyo, popularly known as “Shashl” in music circles.

Music seems to have formed a stronger bond between Nasty C and King 98 as the pair has of late been seen mingling with their fans together in Johannesburg, where they are based. In August last year the duo shared the stage at the same venue where Nasty C headlined a charity show dubbed Change a Life Concert.

The Strings and Bling singer also features on King 98’s 12-track album on the song titled Wacko.

“Nasty C features on my album on the song titled Wacko. Other songs on the album include Pardon Me, Trouble, Twisted and Cake. The title track Francesca is a dedication to a great woman, my mother,” King 98 told Standard Style.

The youthful rapper said he was happy that his link with some of the continental heavy-weights in the world of hip-hop was paying off.

“I am happy that I have great mentors who are willing to support me as I launch my career. Hats off to brothers Davido and Nasty C, who are eager to see me rise in my chosen career,” he said.

The former Watershed College student, who is now pursuing an Arts and Culture degree at a South African university, promised to give his best shot at the launch.

He said the title track emanates from his mother’s name because she is the reason why he is pursuing his passion.

“My mom should receive the recognition she deserves for all of the amazing things she has done for me in my life. I can’t thank her enough for all she has done for me and this album is a dedication to her,” King 98 said.

During his last act at Wingate Golf Club, King 98 put on a vintage performing, belting out four tracks Man Dem, Duce, Defeat and Flex, sending the packed Wingate Golf Club into a frenzy.

His manager DJ Simz said preparations for the album launch had gone on smoothly and they now waiting for the “big day”.

“Preparations have been going on smoothly and King 98 is raring to go. He has rehearsed and is promising that he will give all his best,” DJ Simz said.

“All foreign artistes who are billed to perform on the day have confirmed their participation and are flying into the country on Monday and Tuesday. Everything is in place for music followers and we want to make this a day to remember.

“We are not charging any fee for those bringing their cooler boxes and beverages. We want to bring that exceptionality to this show, so that it becomes something to remember.”

“The show kicks off at 12 noon till late hours. Everyone is free to come.”

King 98 broke into the mainstream music industry in style, launching his single titled Defeat on the regional urban music channel MTV Base last year in July.

A month later he flew to Canada, where he shared the stage with Zimdancehall sensation Winky D and DJ Silence Dosh at the Impala Car Rental Africa-Canada Summer Festival in Toronto.