Langalakhe Mabena
They are brothers for life!
South Africa-based Zimbabwean-bred beatmaker Alie Keys, real name, Almont Mthombeni’s relationship with Mzansi’s multi-award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest, is one bond that was cemented by trust and loyalty between the two for the past decade.
The two have proven to be a force to reckon with in the African Hip Hop scene as they have created several hits together.
Did you know, Alie Keys has produced Cassper Nyovest’s hit songs like Siyathandana, Destiny, Tito Mboweni, Ksazobolit, Good For That, Bonginkosi featuring Zola 7 and Stay Shining by Riky Rick, among many great hits?
How did the two meet?
After sitting for his final exams at Msiteli High School in Mpopoma, the Cowdray Park- bred Alie Keys left for South Africa at 17.
He became part of a four-piece band, the Red Riots, which occasionally played at a joint called Liquid Chefs in Sandton, the same place where Cassper Nyovest frequented and enjoyed hanging around at.
“One day Cassper came to get my number as we were packing the instruments after a performance. It took him two years to call me.
“After the release of Doc Shebeleza in 2014, he gave me a call and gave me a song to rehearse. We then met at the show, and after rehearsing, he was so excited.
“We killed the show, and everyone was talking about the keyboard and how Cassper Nyovest and this live thing connected. From there, his manager came and said we’re now family,” narrated Alie Keys on his first gig with the multi-millionaire.
Alie Keys is a man hungry for success. He doesn’t mind sharing ideas or a plate with anyone as long they share the same vision of achieving success.
He is one of the creative brains behind Nyovest’s Fill Up events which broke records in the South African music industry through shows like Fill Up The Dome, Fill Up Orlando Stadium and Fill Up FNB Stadium.
He is a loyal friend.
When other artistes including Nadia Nakai, Gemini Major and Tshego left Cassper Nyovest’s Family Tree Records, Alie Keys remained with the label, showing how loyal and a genuine colleague he is.
Nyovest is grateful to have gained a brother in Alie Keys.
In 2020, Nyovest paid homage to Alie Keys and said he saved his life.
Alie Keys is among the brains on the production of Cassper Nyovest’s upcoming seventh studio album titled Solomon which will be released on 15 September.
