Linda Mkhize

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The late Linda Mkhize (22 June 1981 – 8 August 2018), better known by his stage name ProKid or PRO is a South African rap legend and producer. He was known for rapping in a mixture of South African township vernacular- tsotsi taal and English his music spoke on township realities ( Kasi lifestyle).[1] Mkhize contributed to the development of kasi rap. His work influenced other artists such as Micky m, Red Button, Siya Shezi, F-eezy, K.O, Maseven, Touchline, Axe Ray, Emdee Obomvu, Emtee, Kwesta and his younger brother DJ Citilyts.

PRO
Birth nameLinda Mkhize
Also known asProKid
Born22 June 1981
Soweto, South Africa
Died8 August 2018(2018-08-08) (aged 37)[2]
Johannesburg, South Africa
GenresKasi Rap
Occupation(s)Rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1994–2018
Labels
  • Gallo Record company (former)
  • TS Record company
  • MFE Records
  • Ivilik Records
Associated acts
  • Redbutton
  • DJ Citilyts
  • Captain 057
  • Zakwe
  • Zuluboy


Life and career[]

Linda Mkhize who was well-known as Prokid or PRO was born and raised in Klipspruit, Soweto. When he was a teenager he would take part in rap battles and cyphers, to showcase his skills. Among other s.a hiphop veterans talking-the likes of PRO VERB, Stogie T and Amu. In 2004 he went on to win an emcee battle competition hosted by Tibo Touch. On the urban youth radio station (YFM), his success on this show is what led to his breakthrough record deal. In 2017, he co-hosted the SABC 1 rap battle competition One Mic for 2 seasons alongside with Big Zulu.[3] He became famous after the release of his first single "Soweto". The song is an ode to his birthplace-Soweto. It was produced by his long time producer and collaborator "Omen The Chef". A follow up on that was a song called, "Wozobona" it gained widespread popularity in South Africa and set path for his debut album, Heads & Tales- which was hailed a classic kasi rap hip hop album and cemented him as a goat emcee.[4]

Discography[]

Studio albums[]

  • Heads & Tales (2005)
  • DNA (2006)
  • Dankie San (2008)
  • Snakes & ladders (2010)
  • Continua (2012)

Death[]

Linda Mkhize died on 8 August 2018 after a seizure, while visiting a friend in Johannesburg CBD. After the announcement of his death, media stations across the country produced tributes to him.[2]

See also[]

Memorial service for Linda 'Prokid' Mkhize

References[]

  1. ^ "Award-winning rapper Linda 'ProKid' Mkhize dies". eNCA. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  2. ^ a b "Hip-hop artist ProKid dies". SABC News. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
  3. ^ "Pro & Big Zulu to judge RAP TV show - Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com". Zkhiphani. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  4. ^ Zeeman, Kyle (2018-08-09). "#RIPProKid: 'I tried to find myself again'- My last interview with ProKid". Timeslive. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
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