Lihle Smith, known as KB Cooper, is a talented recording artist from Makhanda, blending Hip Hop, Amapiano, and modern South African sounds.
In an exclusive interview with Affirmations Media, KB Cooper shared insights into his music creation process, explaining that a song can originate from nearly anything – it might stem from a personal experience, a dialogue, a feeling, a tune, or even a dream.
“There have been times when I have dreamt an entire song and woken up in the middle of the night just to write it down before I forget,” he told Affirmations Media.
Despite the dysfunctional state of Makhanda, once Grahamstown, it boasts a vibrant arts scene with the National Arts Festival and a strong Rhodes University influence, inspiring locals like KB Cooper to appreciate artists’ storytelling through creativity.
“Growing up in Makhanda, I looked up to local creative artists such as Ayanda Nondlwana from Via Kai’s Movement, Njilo no Dezz, Siyanda, and Joza Raw. Watching these artists from my hometown succeed made me believe that a music career is possible,” he said.
KB Cooper informed Affirmations Media that his artistic journey started with rapping over the instrumental segments at the conclusion of songs where the vocals would gradually diminish. He dedicated time to writing and performing his own verses until he developed sufficient confidence to record alongside his friends.
A significant turning point in his career occurred at the Fingo Festival – established in 2011 as a grassroots creative initiative, the Fingo Festival is a lively, community-driven arts festival that takes place annually in Fingo Village. This festival coincides with the National Arts Festival and aims to provide the community with direct, inclusive, and free access to the arts, thereby fostering social cohesion and transformation.
“When we approached the organisers of the event (Fingo Festival) about performing, we were told that we first needed a recorded song as a demo. That motivated us to search for a recording studio, and we eventually found Danger Zone Records, where we recorded our first song, Kuze Kuse. After submitting the song, it was approved for performance at the festival.”
His first associated group was called ‘Cash Items’, and the name has a funny story on how it came about. When presented with the opportunity to perform at the Fingo Festival in 2017, they did not have a name.
“Interestingly, when the organisers asked for our stage name, we didn’t have one. I happened to have a till slip in my pocket with the words “Cash Items” written on it. I suggested the name to the group, and from that day forward, we became Cash Items. We continued using that name until the group disbanded in 2017.”
He said that the group taught him a lot of valuable lessons about songwriting, teamwork, recording, and live performance. He explained that it laid the foundation for his development as an artist and ultimately inspired him to pursue a career as a solo artist and adopt the name KB Cooper as his stage name.
Years of dedicated effort and meticulous honing of his skills culminated in his first single, ‘Mama’, released in 2017, followed by another track titled ‘Sorry’ within the same year. This initial body of work was subsequently succeeded by his debut EP, ‘P & I Outcomes’, launched in 2021.
KB Cooper explained that ‘P & I Outcomes’ signifies Prayer and Imbiza (Iyeza), which refers to a form of traditional medicine. He indicated that the title embodies two significant belief systems that have greatly influenced him, including his personal interpretation of spirituality—namely, African traditional beliefs and Christianity.
In this project, ‘P & I Outcomes’, he delved into the beneficial elements of both prayer and faith in Jesus Christ while also recognising the importance of ancestry and traditional practices within the African cultural framework. Instead of portraying these elements as conflicting, the project conveys his reflections on spirituality, identity, and the various methods through which individuals seek guidance, healing, and strength, he stated.
Makhanda, located in the Eastern Cape, contrasts with regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Cape Town, which enjoy a thriving economy in the music and creative sectors. KB Cooper shared with Affirmations Media that producing music in a small town present their own distinct set of challenges.
Access to industry opportunities and connections is often limited compared to larger cities like Johannesburg, requiring artists to work harder for recognition. However, these challenges enhance resilience and creativity, as KB remarked to Affirmations Media.
His music encapsulates both the allure and the difficulties of chasing a dream from a location that is not typically acknowledged as a prominent music centre. It conveys a message of hope and purpose in the face of adversity.
In 2022, KB Cooper released his second EP, ‘Trouble in Paradise’, gaining local recognition and earning nominations at the MBF and MAMMA Awards. His achievements in 2022 and 2023 included multiple accolades, such as Best Hip Hop Artist and Amapiano Artist of the Year in Makhanda. He noted that these awards validate his efforts and increase his visibility, expanding his audience beyond Makhanda and the Eastern Cape.
In recent years, he has also shared the stage with renowned artists such as DJ Stokle, Tyler ICU, NaakMusiQ, Dlala Mshunqisi, and Ringo Madlingozi, performing as the opening act at the Makana Music Festival in 2023.
In 2025, he headlined at the Enigma Lounge with T-Man The Vocalist and performed at the Ecawa Music Festival alongside artists like Emtee and DJ Maphorisa.
Earlier this year, KB Cooper further expanded his discography with the release of the deluxe edition of Trouble in Paradise, which enhanced the project from eight tracks to an 11-track album by including three additional songs.
He was also featured in the BBC documentary The Black Power Station: I Rap What I Like, which is an episode from The Documentary Podcast series on the BBC World Service.
This series showcases young hip-hop and music artists in Makhanda, South Africa. The podcast delves into how local youth, including KB Cooper, are transforming the challenges faced by the youth in the city, deteriorating infrastructure, and high unemployment into creative expressions through performances at “The Black Power Station.”
KB Cooper informed Affirmations Media that he is now also concentrating on creating new music and developing his brand as KB Cooper.
“I am also committed to creating projects that highlight the talent and stories coming out of Makhanda,” he concluded.
