Bravo Le Roux talks about his music career and fatherhood
Born Sinesipho Peter a.k.a Bravo Le Roux, a talented South African hip hop artist and music producer. Born and bred in the vibrant township of Khayelitsha - Cape Town, Bravo often times describes himself as a 'township bru,' reflecting his humble beginnings and the cultural influences that shape his art.
The stage name 'Bravo Le Roux' originated from Bravo's early days as a young soccer enthusiast at Kleinmond Pimary School, where the nickname stuck and eventually became synonymous with his musical identity.
With a unique sound that blends hip hop rhythms with authentic township storytelling that resonates with audiences, Bravo Le Roux has been making waves in the South African music scene with collaborations from well established artists.
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In an interview with DRUM, Bravo told us how his passion for music started and how he grew very fond of being a creative.
'I used to play soccer for the Football Foundation in Gansbaai, a development for Newcastle from Britain. I played for the national team, the under 13-14, and that's when I also had the opportunity to partake in the soccer world cup in 2010. However, as I grew older music kept on tightening its grip on me then I outgrew my love for soccer, and I eventually gave music a chance,' he said.
Bravo described his creative process in songwriting as natural, saying he doesn't think much but just allows his heart to lead him.
'I don't write a lot of songs, most of my songs are freestyle. I believe ideas, information or archives, have been left for us by our ancestors, so everything is in the universe, you just need to catch it. So, when I'm creating music, I'm very present, I listen to the universe, I listen to myself, my deeper self, I try to gather memories from experiences. Try to think how something made me feel and I tell a story based on that then just build from it.'
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As Father's month is celebrated in June, Bravo shared his thoughts on what it means to be a father. For Bravo, being a father is about more than just providing; it's about being present and being a source of love and protection for his daughter. He emphasises the importance of keeping things real and authentic with his child.
'I honestly don't want to be a musician to her. I don't want to be a superstar to her. I don't want to be Bravo Le Roux to her. I'd like her to figure out maybe 12 years later who her dad actually is. My primary role is to be her father and not a well-known figure. I want to instil or teach her values by being her dad, and one of those many values would be for her to know God, His kindness and grace, those are the values that really matter to me. I'd like her to get close to God and know that's actually our father. Lastly, I'd really like her to be a kind person, to extend kindness to others and to be very graceful,' Bravo said.
He added that his approach to parenting is centered around giving his daughter the freedom to grow and develop into her own person.
'To be honest, I don't have any unrealistic expectations. It's my first daughter, it's my first time being a dad, and the moment I have expectations, I might get disappointed when they are not fulfilled. I am in her life to accompany her to become whatever she needs to become. It's not the other way around. I need to be there for her, to guide and support her.'
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Addressing the current state of affairs in South Africa, particularly the GBV crisis and what measures can be taken, Bravo expressed a powerful viewpoint.
'GBV is really a crisis, and I don't think anyone should have to go through that, be it men or women, no one at all. And at home growing up I've experienced GBV in many layers, one of the reasons that made me not to want have kids as it really affected me. However, I think everything that needed to be done has been done. Women have done everything possible to keep themselves safe from violence. I believe now that there's nothing women can be told on keeping themselves safe as they've done it all already.
And I'm raising a girl in this very vile world and society, and I'm forced to have such conversations with her but where do I even begin having a conversation with my child on protecting herself from being molested or abused? So, it really cuts deep and sad that we now must teach our sisters, daughters and mothers how to fight just to stay alive. Men just need to do better and stop abusing women,' he emphasised.
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As Men's Mental Health Awareness is also observed in June, Bravo shared his thoughts on the importance of men prioritising their mental well-being.
'Men need to find safe spaces where they can be vulnerable. When you feel pain, you need to let it out so find a safe haven, even if it's in brotherhood, where you can meet every other day to just talk about stuff in an effort to not suffer alone. Also don't be sad or sulk about something forever, that causes your life to be stagnant which could lead to depression, if you want to be sad about something, do so but don't dwell or sulk about it for too long. Get back up, dust yourself and be happy for a new dawn, as worse as it is, someone out there has it worse than you,' he said.
He concluded by saying he prioritises his mental health by not succumbing to the pressures of the industry.
'I prioritise my own mental health by not comparing myself to anyone. I make music because it makes me feel good, not because it makes me relevant or famous. So, if I release a song and it's not gaining traction as much, then it's okay I don't have to compare myself to anyone else, because the moment I do that, I'm no longer living authentically as I'll want to step up and be in that person's level - not that it's a bad thing being inspired but when it's done under pressure it costs you and I don't do that.'
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