Reason
Born on June 30, 1987, in Tembisa, South Africa, Sizwe Moeketsi grew up in Katlehong, a township in the Johannesburg region. Early on, he captured the energy of the streets: rap battles, radio jingles, dreams of escape through writing. He chose the name Reason (“the reason”) as a tribute to his belief: “everything happens for a reason.” This humble foundation shapes his voice, his words, his style, a blend of raw rhymes, township life, and a determination to show off.
In 2004, Reason made his first appearance on mainstream radio station YFM, paving the way for his career.
The following year, 2005, he recorded his first tracks as a battle rapper and began collaborating on the South African hip-hop circuit. He worked with artists such as Stogie T, Moneoa, ProVerb, DJ Maphorisa, Kwesta, and HHP, strengthening his network and credibility.
In 2014, he released the album Audio High Definition, with its powerful content and strong identity. It features the tracks “2 Cups Shakur” and “Glasses to The Ceiling” (ft. Locnville). In these sounds, we see Reason honing his writing, shedding facile illusions, and embracing the complexity of his environment.
Then came a major turning point: with the rise of Amapiano, a deeply South African Afro-piano genre, Reason decided to reinvent himself. He adopted the alter ego Sizwe Alakine, a more embodied, more versatile, more “township futuristic” name.
In July 2021, under this name, he released the song “Khanda Shisa.” This marked the beginning of his conquest of the Amapiano territory, while maintaining his rap heritage. In this new role, he builds bridges between hip-hop and Amapiano, between committed lyricism and dance rhythms. His old and new names coexist, but the energy remains the same: to tell stories, to shake things up, to connect.
His lyrics draw on the reality of Tembisa/Katlehong, highlighting economic challenges, blended families, and perseverance. For example, in his single “Endurance,” he describes his difficult beginnings, the pressure to “find a job” rather than rap.
He is authentic: not a manufactured marketing product, but an artist from the streets who has risen to the top.
Reason is more than just a South African rapper. He is a musical architect who forges bridges between raw rap and vibrant Amapiano rhythms. From Tembisa to Katlehong, from battle rap to the mainstream, from Reason to Sizwe Alakine. His journey echoes a desire: to stay true, stay mobile, stay relevant. “everything happens for a reason.”
