Sensi Rankin

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SENSI RANKIN – RAGGAMUFFIN KING

A singer, songwriter, and performer with a distinct raggamuffin style, captivating stage presence, versatility, and a deep, textured range fusing Hip Hop, Afrobeats with Dancehall Reggae. Sensi Rankin is set to lure audiences into his universe and leave a bold impression on the Reggae Dancehall scenes in both Lesotho and South Africa. He may be hailed as the first Reggae Dancehall artist from Lesotho to achieve commercial recognition. He is one of a select few of Dancehall Reggae artists in the country, and raggamuffin is the distinguishing feature of his style, which is discernible in his debut album Afro Raggamuffin King.

Born Motebang David Mongake in New Europa, a neighborhood in Maseru, the capital city of the Kingdom of Lesotho, he grew up singing in choral groups, an intuitive act that would serve him well later and steer him towards his focal point of being a fully established musician.  

He completed his elementary schooling at Mejametalana Primary School in the Berea district of Khubetswana. After completing High school at Maseru Private Academy, Sensi  Rankin made his first move to South Africa to enroll at Creare Training Center School of the Arts, in Bloemfontein from 2008 to 2010. He then began playing music as soon as he entered the School and earned Level 4 in Vocals, Percussion; Level 1 Music Composition, and Music Education Formula 1. All this while intensely contemplating the music-making process because the art of music was fiercely brooding in him at that time.

While in Bloemfontein, Sensi was drawn to the entertainment capital of South Africa in Yeoville, an inner city neighbourhood of Johannesburg, widely known and celebrated for its diverse, Pan-African population. That is when he decided to pursue Reggae and Dancehall as a genre, influenced by the kind of lifestyle he encountered in Yeoville. He met his mentor Mr. Gabriel Brown, popularly known as Elder Blue, who repatriated from Claredon, Jamaica. Elder Blue introduced him to Reggae and Dancehall, not just the music, but the culture as well as the patios and lifestyle. He began performing in various Johannesburg clubs, primarily The House of Tandoor in Yeoville. Additionally, he performed frequently at the popular Thursday Ragga Nights hosted by African Storm Sound System at Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Sensi briefly returned to Lesotho, where he started his acting journey. He appeared in the Lesotho and DSTV soap opera “Our Times” as one of the featured actors. It was during this period that he became a member of RaggaVybz, one of Lesotho’s prominent Reggae Dancehall Crew, which included Chere Selectah Cheh Mongangane, Don Guru Banton, Selectah Biggz, AP General, Mellow Apocalypse, Selectah Talisman, and himself Sensi rounded up the group of 7. They performed at different festivals. One of the most memorable of them being The “All-White Party” where they performed alongside the Internationally recognised Recording Artist Sizzla Kalonji at the “Summer Mashup”, and the Powertainment Africa Unite festivals.

He competed in the Vodacom Step Up Music Competition in 2019 and finished in the top five. He performed at the 2021 Lesotho National Stadium closing ceremony for the AUSC Region 2020 Africa Olympics. He opened the show for the well-known Malawian superstar Gemini Major and Internationally recognised Zimbabwean Reggae artist Winky D at the Africa Unite Festival in Rustenburg’s Ben Marais Hall. In Lesotho, he shared the stage with notable Jamaican artists including Mega Banton and Turbulence, who were hosted by Powertainment. His memorable performance was in Rustenburg performing alongside Jamaican female artist Macka Diamond and Chivia from the US. He cites the 11th Annual Reggae Sumfest where he performed alongside the SAMA (South African Music Awards) winner Bongo Riot, as one of the Highlights of his career to date.

RaggaVybz was given the opportunity to play at the 2016 Annual Africa Unite Festival in Leribe, Lesotho. Mr. Matla-a-Morena Lethunya, also known as Don Power Rudebwoy Shuffla; the founder of Powertainment Reggae Sound and Bantu Media was impressed by Sensi’s captivating performance. Their connection began there and evolved as a result of their mutual respect. He then started appearing as a solo act at Powertainment events in both Lesotho and South Africa, consequently releasing Jeanette, his debut single, in 2022 through Powertainment. His debut album Afro Raggamuffin King got its official digital release in May 2023 under the aegis of Powertainment Reggae Sound. 

The talented artist is also a benefactor. He has established his own foundation called “Rankin Nation” with the goal of giving young children in South Africa and Lesotho access to essential educational supplies including shoes, socks, books, writing materials, uniforms, etc.

Guided by his personal ethos – Patience Pays – Sensi Rankin is on a mission to live, love and give musically without limitation, he brings a welcome flavor and freshness to the Reggae Dancehall arena. 

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CONTACT SENSI RANKIN

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DISCOGRAPHY

Jeanette – Single 2022 _Powertainment Reggae Sound
Afro Raggamuffin King 2023 – Album _Powertainment Reggae Sound
64 Battalion Riddim _Gideon Force Records

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VIDEOS

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