Pro (South African rapper)

Linda Mkhize (22 June 1981 – 8 August 2018), better known by his stage name Pro (stylised in all caps) and formerly as Pro Kid, was a South African rapper 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.[2] Mkhize contributed to the development of kasi rap. His work influenced other artists such as Solid Signal, 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 asPro Kid
Born(1981-06-22)22 June 1981
Soweto, South Africa
Died8 August 2018(2018-08-08) (aged 37)[1]
Johannesburg, South Africa
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1994–2018
Labels
  • Gallo Records
  • TS Records
  • MFE Records
  • Ivilik Records
Associated acts
  • Redbutton
  • DJ Citilyts
  • Captain 057
  • Zakwe
  • Zuluboy

Life and career

Linda Mkhize 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. In 2004, he went on to win an emcee battle competition hosted by Tbo 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 two seasons along 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" which gained widespread popularity in South Africa and set the path for his debut album Heads & Tales in 2005.[4]

Discography

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

Death

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.[1]

See also

Memorial service for Linda 'Prokid' Mkhize

References
  1. "Hip-hop artist ProKid dies". SABC News. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  2. "Award-winning rapper Linda 'ProKid' Mkhize dies". eNCA. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  3. "Pro & Big Zulu to judge RAP TV show - Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com". Zkhiphani. Retrieved 16 May 2017.
  4. Zeeman, Kyle (9 August 2018). "#RIPProKid: 'I tried to find myself again'- My last interview with ProKid". Timeslive. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
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