From the dusty streets of Tembisa, an uncut diamond in the form of Thabo Mahlwele AKA Touchline emerged. Touchline is able to weave words together, creating a fresh and flexible flow, and allows for his listeners to relate to his music through his realness and relatable story-telling.
A true poet, Touchline is blessed with the gift of bringing realness to his content which allows him to bring out the deep emotion from his listeners hearts as they are able to picture and draw relevance with his storytelling verses.
Not wanting to subscribe to commercial hip-hop, Touchline focused on his craft by social justice through his lyrical content underground for the next few years.
His tribute to the late and great Mama Winnie Mandela caught the attention of many. After the news had broke, Touchline wrote a letter to Mama Winnie, paying tribute to her, being thankful for all she had done in hopes of us being free. This beautifully written letter caught the attention of many and resulted in his video being played on ChannelO, Trace Africa, Live Amp and YoTV..
Since 2018, Touchline has released 2 projects including his first Mixtape S.O.O.N (Something Out Of Nothing) which definitely turned heads, and he snatched Hype Magazine Freshman in 2018. Touchline dedicated S.O.O.N to his fans by sharing freestyles on some of his favourite instrumentals . From the first track S.O.O.N he already captures your attention with the line, “I heard that you’ve been praying for a rapper that actually represents you, not those that tweet humanity but their music neglects you”.
It was the 2nd project that catapulted Touchline higher, dropping 18 FLOW in November 2018, he landed on SlikourOnLife’s “Verse of the Month” Twice and copped his first award for the “Hennessy People’s Choice Award” for SlikorOnLife’s “Verse of The Year” for his heartfelt single titled “5 Grand” and is one of his most digitally streamed songs. From Trap, Trapsoul to Afro-beats Touchline is not boxed in by one specific genre. From gracing massive stages like Back to the City & Castle Lite Unlocks this young Artist has been making waves in the music scene and Touchline doesn’t intend on slowing down!! With his two new critically acliamed releases Nyakaza and Kapeesh its clear for all that Touchline is here to stay.