RazorKutt is a Kwaito duo that boasts the talents of ShotGun (Itumeleng Mapheng) and Mapensela (Bongani Nkosi). On the surface, their story is not unlike those of many groups that get together to make music and take a shot at the big time. ShotGun, a singer in his school choir, was inspired by Hip-Hop to start rapping and composing music at the age of 14. Mapensela, also an active singer and successful talent show contestant, was recognised early on as a young man with a bright future in the arts. The two met in 2000, found that they had a mutual interest in music and decided to try working together. This is where the RazorKutt story diverges from the average “musical journey” story. Because when ShotGun and Mapensela got together something rare and exceptional started taking shape, though it would be many years before RazorKutt was born.
In 2005 Itumeleng moved to Cape Town to study Sound Engineering at Cape Audio College and hone his performance chops at small clubs, restaurants and poetry sessions – sharing the stage with the likes of Driemanskap. Back in Joburg, Mapensela was studying TV presenting, acting and news anchoring at the SABC while continuing to pursue a music career. His efforts led to the formation of the group Imbube. Imbube collaborated with many great artists (HHP, Zulu boy, Young Nations, F-EEZY and Stimela) and released their first album in 2008. 2008 is also the year that ShotGun returned from Cape Town and started engi-neering professionally for 985, Imbube, and F-EEZY.
In 2009 ShotGun produced a track named “ISGHUBU”. The response to the track was phenomenal and the duo knew they were on to something big. RazorKutt was now a reality. Another producer, Proff, joined the team and they set about defining the RazorKutt sound. The result is a mixture of Kwaito, House, Afro Pop and other influences that they call “Feel Good” or “Jukebox” music. RazorKutt’s tracks are chock full of catchy hooks, smart lyrics, raps and melodic, harmonized choruses that bring audiences to their feet. The music has wide appeal and is specifically aimed at giving people a good time. RazorKutt’s debut project “Sgubutation EP” has caught the attention of many industry insiders. RazorKutt’s first single “Hollywood” has already made the top 5 on YFM’s Hot 99 and was subsequently play listed on that station. Stay tuned as the RazorKutt story has only just begun to unfold.
RazorKutt is signed to a South African Record Label – Cooler Productions – which has partnered with CCA, a professional aggregator with extensive digital download muscle to various online stores. The world-class publishing solution is provided by Sheer Publishing.