Over the past few years, musician, radio presenter and television host ProVerb has built up an empire. He remains at the top of his game as host of the ever-popular reality series ‘Idols South Africa’, a prolific rapper and business mogul. Now, he’s ready to share the side of him that isn’t common knowledge as he prepares the release of his autobiography ‘The Book Of ProVerb’.
Tebogo Thekisho, better known as ProVerb, first caught South Africa’s attention in 2005 with the release of his now classic debut hip-hop album, The Book of ProVerb. As a teenager he sought music wherever he could find it, and recorded his first demo at age 15, using his mom’s hi-fi. From there, he hustled his way into a multifaceted, award-winning media career in music, radio and TV, crafting a reputation on platforms such as Channel O, Jam Alley and YFM. For over a decade he has been a regular on TV screens as the host of Idols South Africa.
In this memoir, Tebogo pays tribute to the people who’ve helped make him the person he is, especially his parents, his grandmother and his siblings. He shares the lessons he’s learnt through the different phases of his life with infectious positivity, but also gets frank about the dark times he’s endured, including his painfully public divorce and attempted suicide.
He speaks with candour about his suicide attempt in 2015, and how no one realised the extent of his depression until he overdosed. With October being Mental Health Awareness month, it’s worth knowing that this kind of scenario plays out more often than we think, particularly in men, who are three times more likely than women to take their lives. ProVerb was fortunate to come through, and he’s used the experience to grow and home in on the most important parts of his life. The Book of ProVerb is a memoir, a hustle manifesto, and a wholesome guide to life from one of South Africa’s brightest stars.
‘The Book Of ProVerb’ is out now at all good book stores and online retailers.
