Mr Native
Bio
Passion, ambition and drive are just a few of the words that describe Okuhle Phuncu, a 25-year-old musician in the South African hip-hop scene. Born in the Eastern Cape, growing up in Cape Town and currently maturing in Johannesburg, Mr Native’s sound is influenced by blues, soul and old school hip-hop, delivered with a new school hip-hop sound. His productions utilise natural, live instrument sounds over melodic classic samples with a hip-hop bounce, or sometimes a boom-bap influence. His subject matter focuses on personal experiences, ambitions and good moments, delivered with a smooth flow and well-constructed rhymes.
Mr Native is currently rebuilding his music career, returning from a two-year sabbatical. Being in studio since January 2015 developing his sound, he recently released a single titled ‘Tripping Out', written by Mr Native and produced by Sinemincilli ‘Qd.Tonj’ Tonjeni. Together they began promoting the track in June 2015, rebuilding traction on social media and soon on local and national radio. A documentary based on his return was shot by Oz from Blah ze Blah in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and is due for release soon. His other recent singles include ‘Empire’ ft. female vocalist Phindy, ‘JumpOff’ ft. Qd.Tonj and Olo ‘Johnny Handsome’ Phuncu, and ‘Weekend Drive’, the most successful of which will soon lead to a video shoot.
Black Chapter is the production and recording team behind Mr Native. The team comprises of four producers (Johnny Handsome, Qd.Tonj, Success Sakasa, and Sandisiwe Tom), three of whom also handle engineering duties engineers, with specific roles for executive production, sound engineering (recording, mixing and mastering), branding, marketing and business development. Mr Native's brand is expanding to prominent local and national radio and TV playlists, local and international bookings, singles and collaborations. His team believe he will make an impact in the growth of South African hip-hop.