Focalistic Biography
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lethabo Sebetso |
| Stage Name | Focalistic |
| Date of Birth | 26 May 1996 (28 years) |
| Birthplace | Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer |
| Education | Political Science, University of Pretoria |
| Genres | Amapiano, Hip Hop |
| Record Label | 18 Area Holdings (in partnership with The Vth Seasons) |
| Notable Singles | “Ke Star,” “Fak’mali,” “Tabela Hape” |
| Notable Albums | Sghubu Ses Excellent, Ghetto Gospel |
| Key Achievements | Billboard Top Triller Global Chart #16, MTV EMA Nomination, 7 AFRIMA Nominations |
| Nationality | South African |
| Girlfriend | Pabi Cooper |
Early Life and Education
Lethabo Sebetso, widely known by his stage name Focalistic, was born on 26 May 1996 in Zone 2, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up in a household where his father, Kgomotso Sebetso, was a prominent political journalist working for SABC. Focalistic initially pursued a career in football but eventually shifted his focus to music. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Pretoria, a background that adds depth to his lyricism and public persona.
Career
Focalistic’s rise to fame began in 2016 when he won the Artist on Rise competition. His breakthrough single “Fak’mali” quickly climbed to the top of the YFM Hip Hop music charts, signaling the arrival of a new force in South African music. In early 2020, he took a bold step by founding his own record label, 18 Area Holdings, in partnership with The Vth Seasons, further establishing his influence in the industry.
In April 2020, Focalistic released his Extended Play Quarantined Tarantino, followed shortly by his hit single “Ke Star” featuring Vigro Deep. The track became a massive success, earning a gold certification with over 25,000 copies sold. Its remix, featuring Nigerian superstar Davido, achieved even greater success, charting at number 16 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart in the United States.
Focalistic’s debut studio album, Sghubu Ses Excellent, was released on 4 December 2020, to critical acclaim. His momentum continued to build in 2021, culminating in a performance at the O2 Arena in London alongside Davido, and a headline spot on the AmaFest Tour in the UK, promoting the Amapiano genre on an international stage.
In 2021, Focalistic received widespread recognition with seven nominations at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), including Best Male Artiste, Artiste of the Year, and Song of the Year. He was also nominated for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in African music.
Focalistic’s second studio album, Ghetto Gospel, was released on 18 November 2022. The album’s lead single, “Tabela Hape,” featuring Kabza De Small, Mellow & Sleazy, and Myztro, continued his streak of hit records, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Personal Life
Focalistic has faced personal tragedy, losing his father Kgomotso Sebetso in a car accident in Ga-Rankuwa in 2011. Despite this loss, he has continued to rise in his career, driven by the memory of his father.
In his personal life, Focalistic was previously in a relationship with South African DJ DBN Gogo. As of recent reports, he is dating fellow singer Pabi Cooper, although the couple has kept details of their relationship largely private.
Impact and Legacy
Focalistic has rapidly become one of the most influential figures in South African music. His ability to seamlessly blend hip hop with Amapiano has earned him both commercial success and critical acclaim, making him a pioneer in the modern South African music scene. As he continues to break new ground, Focalistic is not only shaping the future of Amapiano but also representing South African culture on the global stage.
