By: Natasha Archary
Paballo Basetsana Mothapo, better known as Pabi Cooper, is bringing all levels of Isphithiphithi to this week’s Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30.
The 21-year old is more than just a pretty face and sultry voice. Not only does Pabi have a new single out, “Banyana Ke Bafana”, but she’s also launched her own record label Cooper Ent.
Talk about the girl being on fire!
The track features amapiano heavyweights, Focalistic, Ch’cco, Luudadeejay and Nobantu Vilakazi.
Reminiscing on her childhood in Soshanguve Pretoria, Pabi Cooper shared with DJ Keyez that her deep love for football started when she was a youngster.
“Playing football with the other kids on the streets, gave me my love for football. I love it, I used to play almost every day. It was how I passed most of my time. And I loved being a goalkeeper because I hated running.”
Pabi Cooper on her childhood
Completing matric at Prestige College in Hammanskraal, Pabi shares that she was a problematic child who had to change schools a few times.
“My mom got called to school a lot. I changed when I got to Prestige and just decided, no it’s time to behave. So, I just focused on football and getting my work done.”
WATCH: Pabi Cooper on The Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30
In March Pabi celebrated her 21st birthday in Zone 6, Diepkloof, Soweto. The event was a sold-out affair with an immense support for the youngster.
Life is looking up for the artist who attests to working hard, day and night, which is why she’s now reaping her rewards.
On the love front, Pabi is dating fellow artist and fashion personality Benny Afroe. The duo released a single together, titled “Do It Right”.
Pabi scooped Best Newcomer at the 2021 Amapiano awards, and says she didn’t have any expectations when she got into the music industry.
Starting out as a dancer, Pabi was then introduced to many amapiano artists who introduced her to various producers and other artists who helped her fine-tune her skills.
“I recorded two songs and send it to Dadda, and he set me up with a gig with DJ Tira. The toughest part was to convince my mom that this was a legit gig. Like Dadda had to give my mom his ID number because she was worried, you know. But then, she said I must go and I went to Durban and I got into the recording with DJ Tira. And he went live and the entire thing blew up and I just wanted it to be low-key but that was how God wanted it to be.”
Pabi Coober on how she blew up
Pabi has since gone Platinum and Isphithiphithi currently has over 6.8 million YouTube views.