10 Things You Didn’t Know About Scar

Scar is one of Botswana’s few lyrically-gifted MCs whose knack for unleashing a powerful rendition on stage is unparalleled to none.  Scar is one of few local artists who have been nominated for the Channel O Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards. He released the first successful Hip Hop album in Botswana and is one of only a handful of local artists who owe their success to the art. Learn more about this versatile artist below.

1. His real name is Thato Matlhabaphiri

2. Scar did his primary schooling at Ben Thema, proceeded to Moselewapula Junior and completed his secondary schooling at Ledumang Senior before heading to UB (University of Botswana)

3. His introduction to Hip Hop came while at Moselewapula Secondary School in the late 1990’s thanks to another local rapper, Kast, who was his senior. Kast subsequently introduced him to P-Side, a 20-something member group based in Partial (Gaborone

4. This talented artist first broke into the local dog-eat-dog music industry in 2001 and trod where the angels feared by becoming one of the first few individuals to release a Hip Hop offering.

5. The first single ‘Metlholo’ got 3 Channel O Award nominations for best Newcomer, SADC, and Hip Hop, and in 2007 he got an opportunity to perform alongside Mr Doe at the Channel O Awards.

6. The following year he released his 2nd and most successful album which led the corporate world to take notice and he even got an opportunity to be a judge on Idols Africa where he got to travel first class across the continent.

7. Yarona FM also came knocking on his door and offered him a 6pm-10pm slot co-presenting with Sesame Mosweu, which was followed by the breakfast show ‘The Real Enchilada’ with Tumie Ramsden.

9. The Molepolole born rapper became the first local rapper to be signed by the cell phone giants in a deal that saw the Orange company selling Scar branded cell phones, the Scar Pack.

9. He is the brains behind Fashion and Dining Mondays that takes place at Jessy’s Bistro in the CBD, Gaborone every Monday. This is initiated to appreciate Botswana’s fashion and food industry under a unique setting.

10. To avoid exploitation and ill-treatment from promoters, Scar has already started hosting his own shows.