One on One with Pro

With the release of his fifth studio album, Snakes & Ladders, Soweto born hip-hop powerhouse Linda Mkhize, aka Pro, is forging ahead.

His latest album has sold over 16 000 units since its release in October last year and it could easily reach gold status within the next few months.
Making it onto the scene as Pro Kid in 2005, the wordsmith has sustained his unyielding grip on Mzansi hip-hop’s hardcore audience.
The 29-year old is revered throughout  the local hip-hop industry,  commanding the kind of street credibility that has seen some die-hard hip-hop fans describing him as South Africa’s answer to the legendary Tupac.

Currently, Pro, or ‘Dankie San’ as he is popularly known, is in talks with American rapper Bow Wow regarding a collaborative project.
We caught up with him, to find out how his career is blossoming.

We’ve heard that you’ll be recording a song with Bow Wow. Can you confirm that?
Pro: Yes that’s true. We actually had a small management problem late last year, which sort of delayed things, but we are talking again.

So the possibility is still there?
Pro: Yes, we last talked end of January and he is still keen. We haven’t set a date yet but the possibility is there.

Ok. Some fans may want to know why you dropped the ‘Kid’ from your stage name.
Pro: (Laughs) I get that a lot and my answer is simple: First there was Puff Daddy then P. Diddy, Jay-Z then Jigga etcetera. I’m no longer a kid anymore so I decided to change my stage name.
Personally, I think you’re the best vernacular rapper to ever come out of SA, would you agree?
Pro: (Laughs) Well Yes, I can second that if you say it first.

I have also heard some people debating who is better,  you or Tuks.  Do you think you guys are comparable at all?
Pro: I haven’t really thought about it in that sense because  it’s not all about competition in this game. I have nothing but respect for Tuks and I don’t think we are comparable at all.

When you were making Snakes & Ladders, what was your goal, what did you want to do with this album?
Pro: I wanted it to be big and to be able to highlight my experiences in the industry.

And how did you ensure that?
Pro: My trick to capturing people’s attention is to be topical and relevant. I rapped about everyday life and people are listening because they can relate.

Nice. So what’s your favourite track on this album and why?
Pro: ‘Budget speech’, because it generally portrays everyone’s dreams. It talks about getting bigger things in life and I’m sure that’s what everyone wants.

Do you see yourself as a commercial rapper or underground?
Pro: Well, I have gone both ways in my career so Pro in not an underground dude, neither is he commercial. He is just a mainstream rapper.

I like that. So how long does it take you to write a song?
Pro: Well I don’t have a specific time. It just happens you know, it may take a few minutes, days or even months. Like right now, I just came out of a meeting and I already have some lines in my head.

Besides yourself, which other rappers would you recommend?
Pro: Zulu Boy, HHP, Silkour and Khuli Chana.

Any Mixtapes on the horizon?
Pro: Definitely, I got a mixtape in the pipeline, its gonna be released in June and its titled ‘Off The Shelves’.

‘Off the shelves’?
Pro: Yes, I call it ‘Off The Shelves’ because it’s going to be released online only. If you look at current trends, you’ll see that the CDs are slowly dying so I’m trying to adjust to that.

Do you see yourself resorting to online albums anytime soon?
Pro: Well I wouldn’t give a solid ‘Yes’ but eventually musicians are going to find alternative means of staying profitable in the industry. So if that’ll be the option I will certainly do it.

Where can fans get more of your music and photos?
Pro: Facebook: Pro Dankie San.

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