Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge, professionally known as A-Reece, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer whose introspective lyricism and genre-defying sound have positioned him as one of Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists. Born on March 27, 1997, in Danville, Pretoria, Gauteng, A-Reece was raised in a musically inclined family. His older brother, Phologo Jody Mataboge (P-Jay), is a member of the hip-hop duo B3nchMarQ, and his cousin, MashBeatz, is a renowned producer who has collaborated with him on several projects.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
A-Reece’s musical journey began in primary school, where he started writing lyrics inspired by his brother’s influence. He adopted the stage name “A-Reece,” derived from his zodiac sign, Aries, symbolizing his fiery passion for music. At the age of 16, he was signed to Raw X Productions by South African producer pH Raw X. His debut mixtape, Forever King, was released in 2013, showcasing his raw talent and lyrical prowess.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
In 2015, A-Reece signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in his career. His debut single under the label, “Couldn’t,” featuring Emtee, became a national hit and garnered him widespread recognition. The success of the single led to the release of his debut studio album, Paradise, on October 21, 2016. The album topped the iTunes charts within 24 hours of its release and included notable tracks like “Couldn’t” and “Mgani.”
Departure from Ambitiouz Entertainment and Independent Ventures
In 2017, A-Reece, along with fellow artists Fifi Cooper, Flame, and B3nchMarQ, left Ambitiouz Entertainment due to contractual disputes. He then founded his record label, The Wrecking Crew, under which he released subsequent projects. His second studio album, From Me to You & Only You, was released in 2017 and featured collaborations with artists like FLVME. In 2018, he released the EP And I’m Only 21, followed by the collaborative album Reece Effect with producer MashBeatz in 2019. Afrobios+4360dopes+4MyBioHub+4Celebioza+2Afrobios+2Wikipedia+2Afrobios+2The Famous Birthday+2Celebioza+2Celebioza+1The Famous Birthday+1
Discography and Musical Evolution
Studio Albums
- Paradise (2016)
- From Me to You & Only You (2017)
- Reece Effect (2019) – with MashBeatz
- Fire in the Water (2019) – with MashBeatz
Mixtapes
- Forever King (2013)
- Browniez EP (2014)
- Cutaways (2016)
- And I’m Only 21 (2018)
Notable Singles
- “Couldn’t” (feat.. Emtee)
- “Mgani”
- “Feelings” (feat FLVME)
- “Zimbali”
- “Rio”
Awards and Recognition
A-Reece’s contributions to South African hip-hop have been acknowledged through various awards and nominations:
- South African Hip Hop Awards (2016):
- Lyricist of the Year – Won
- Best Video for “Couldn’t” – Nominated
- South African Hip Hop Awards (2021):
- Lyricist of the Year – Won
- Mixtape of the Year for Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory – Won
- Artist of the Decade – Nominated
- Best Collaboration for “The 5 Year Plan” (feat.. Wordz) – Nominated
- Best Video for “The 5 Year Plan” – Nominated
- MTV Africa Music Awards (2021):
- Best Fanbase – Nominated
- South African Music Awards (2022):
- Artist of the Year – Nominated
- Best Hip Hop Album for Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory – Nominated
Personal Life and Influences
A-Reece’s music is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and the South African hip-hop scene. He often addresses themes of introspection, societal issues, and personal growth in his lyrics. He is in a relationship with Rickelle Jones, and the couple shares a son. Beyond music, A-Reece has ventured into acting, with roles in Netflix’s Blood & Water and Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.
Conclusion
A-Reece’s journey from a young rapper in Pretoria to an international music icon is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication to his craft. His ability to blend local and global sounds has not only garnered him a dedicated fan base but has also paved the way for future African artists on the global stage. With each project, A-Reece continues to evolve, solidifying his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential musical artists.
