Richie The Rapper

Thanyani Richard Manoto (born March 29), better known by his stage name
Richie The Rapper (stylized as RichieTheRapper), is a South African rapper,
producer and entertainer. Born in Soweto, Johannesburg he began his music
career in 2012 with the indie record label Majestic City Records.

His professional music career as an artist began in 2012; his stage name is a shortened version of his
middle name, ‘’Richard’’ and the word “Rapper”, seeing that Rap was his primary art form. The name
is also a form of alliteration and oxymoron as RichieTheRapper does not believe in being categorised
as just a rapper but a complete musician. He recorded his first ever EP ‘’RICHIE FOREVER EP’’ in 2012
and managed to gain attention with his singles ‘’Phenomenal’’ and ‘’Grind State of Mind’’ featuring
alternative hip hop band APEX.

RichieTheRapper has performed at various events most notably opening for artists such as Siya Shezi,
Veezo and The Fly Chicks of Muthaland Records at his college Campus in Roodepoort West SWGC in
May 2013.He has also auditioned for The first Ever Edition of X-Factor South Africa only making it as
far as the screening phase which he notes as a great learning experience as the competition was
aimed at discovering singers and not rappers.

He loves being on stage and has performed for many crowds at a variety of
events and locations He is a regular performer at Matlombe Lounge in
Newtown, Johannesburg where artists such as The Muffinz, Musa Sekwene &
H2O have all performed. RichieTheRapper has worked with Cape Town based
artist and sound engineer MongZ Baritone of Basement In the Arts and Redbull Studios Cape Town.

His debut single “Baby Mama Drama” has been played on UJ Fm and he has been play listed on
online radio station VenRap Radio.RichieTheRapper has also been covered by Online Youth Magazine
“Zkhiphani.com’’ alongside his former hip hop collective Shack Empire. Internationally, he has
recently been covered by international web magazine Exposed Vocals for an exclusive interview on
his humble beginnings and music.

Understanding the importance of education especially with relation to doing what one loves, He
holds a Higher Certificate in Audio Engineering from The Academy of Sound
Engineering in Johannesburg, South Africa. He also also an N6 certificate in
Electrical Engineering choosing not to complete his Diploma and pursue his musical
dreams.

This is definitely one artist to lookout for. Conscious lyricism, creative wordplay,
storytelling ability fused with his ability to rap in most South African languages and smooth delivery
added to his time in the music game. When asked about the criticism with regards to his name he
simply answers by saying

“RichieTheRapper’s been RichieTheRapper, Way before Chance took the chance and called himself
Chance the Rapper”.