New kid on the block Batondy wants to promote Venrap internationally.
Rotondwa Silimela, better known as Batondy, from Ha-Bengwa village at Tshaulu outside Thohoyandou, started singing hip-hop in 2010 when he was 22 years old.
"When I grew up, I was a fan of all music. I later developed a keen interest in hip-hop music, especially Venrap. Although I started as a fan, I later realized that there was something missing in this music. I realized that most of Venrap was not appealing to the older audience and many people because of the language used in it."
He added that he then decided to start a career in singing, with the aim to improve "on this music so that it can be accepted by everyone."
In 2010, Batondy joined New Sound Records in Sunnyside. He then worked with household names of Venrap such as Fizzy, Cash Flow, Face Boy, Prefix and others.
Early this year, he recorded his single called Chitangong, which became a hit. The single, which was named after the Phalaphala FM sports presenter, Thina Ramantswana, was very popular at the station. "Since the release of this single, I am now able to perform at serious gigs organized in Vhembe and Gauteng. Wherever I perform, people are excited about my music."
He is now planning to release an album, Venrap Solution, in November and he said that his aim was to see Venrap being recognized worldwide.
Batondy, who has a B Com degree in tourism from the University of Venda, says "education must be the first priority before music. Being a musician without education can be very frustrating. You do not need to be a musician to make money, but you must have a qualification that can sustain your life." Batondy is working for a travel agency in Pretoria.