Refiloe Maele Phoolo (born December 16, 1990) is a prominent figure in the South African music scene, popularly recognized as Casper Nyovest, a talented rapper, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur.
Casper has been active in the music industry since 2004 and has made a name for himself. He is regarded as one of the most successful Bigwig artists in the African music space.
Early Life
Refiloe Maele Phoolo, better known by his stage name Casper Nyovest, Is a [calculate_years datestring=”12/16/1990″] years South African artist born and raised in Mafikeng, a small town in the North West Province of South Africa. He was the second child of Letsebela Phoolo and Muzuki Phoolo, who were both teachers.
Casper grew up in a middle-class family, with a sister named Tsholofelo Phoolo and a younger brother named Khotso Phoolo. Unfortunately, Khotso passed away in 2013 after a long battle with cancer, which was a significant blow to the family.
While at Sol Plaatje Secondary School in Mafikeng, Casper Nyovest was a well-rounded student, actively participating in various extracurricular activities. He was particularly passionate about music and drama and was a proud member of the school’s choir and drama club.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Casper was a talented athlete with a natural aptitude for soccer, cricket, and basketball. He was frequently called to represent his school in inter-school competitions, where he garnered a reputation as a star athlete.
Upon graduating from Sol Plaatje Secondary School, Casper moved to Johannesburg to pursue his dream in the music industry. Initially, he started as a backup dancer for prominent South African artists like HHP and ProKid. However, he soon realized that his true passion was creating and performing his music.
He began producing his music and gradually built a following through his performances in local clubs and events. He honed his skills and style, incorporating his upbringing and cultural elements to create a unique sound that resonated with his fans.
Career
Casper began his career officially in 2011 with the release of his first mixtape, “Illegal Music,” which received critical acclaim and also established him as a rising star in the South African music scene.
In 2014, Casper released his debut album, “Tsholofelo,” which featured hit singles like “Doc Shebeleza” and “Gusheshe.” The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) and earned him numerous awards, including Best Newcomer and Best Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Casper’s subsequent albums, including “Refiloe,” released in 2015, “Thuto” in 2017, and “Sweet and Short,” released in 2018, have all achieved commercial and critical success, cementing his position as one of South Africa’s most influential and popular artists. He has collaborated with numerous international artists, including Wizkid, Davido, and Major Lazer, further expanding his reach and influence beyond South Africa’s borders.
In addition to his music career, Casper is also an accomplished entrepreneur. He launched his record label, Family Tree Records, in 2014, which has since signed and produced several successful artists. He also founded the Fill Up series, a concert series aimed at filling up South Africa’s largest venues with his performances, which has become a highly anticipated annual event.
Casper has won several awards, including SAMAs, MTV Africa Music Awards, and BET Awards. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as education and youth empowerment in South Africa.
On December 22, 2021, Cassper Nyovest participated in a boxing match against YouTuber Slik Talk. The match was held in front of a live audience and was widely publicized on social media. After several rounds of intense competition, Nyovest emerged as the winner, defeating Slik Talk and claiming victory in the match. The event generated significant media attention and sparked discussions online about the rising trend of celebrity boxing matches.
As of 2023, Casper Nyovest remains an active and highly successful artist, continually releasing new music and expanding his business ventures. He continues to inspire and influence the South African music industry and the youth with his unique sound and entrepreneurial spirit.
Discography
Studio albums
- Tsholofelo
- Refiloe
- Thuto
- Sweet and Short
- Any Minute Now
EPs
- Free at Last
- Don’t Fear the Reaper
Collaborative albums
- The Fresh Prince of Maftown (with HHP)
- Doro Mega Super Mix (with Dj Lemonka)
Singles
- Gusheshe (featuring Okmalumkoolkat)
- Doc Shebeleza
- Phumakim
- Tsibip
- Mama I Made It
- Le Mpitse (featuring Riky Rick)
- War Ready
- Ghetto featuring DJ Drama and Anatii)
- 428 to LA (featuring Casey Veggies)
- Tito Mboweni
- Ksazobalit
- Gets Getsa 2.0
- Move for Me” (with Cassper Nyovest featuring Boskasie) (2019)
- Good For That
- Bonginkosi (featuring Zola 7)
- Nokthula (featuring Busiswa)
- Ama Number Ayi ’10 (featuring Abidoza, Kammu Dee, and Luu Nineleven)
Personal Life
Casper is currently in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend, Thobeka Majozi, and the couple tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony in December 2019. The couple has one child, Khotso, who was born in 2020.
Casper has faced some personal struggles, including battling depression and facing pressure in the music industry, but despite his struggles, he has remained committed to his career and has produced music that resonates with audiences across South Africa.
Casper has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including a feud with fellow rapper AKA, culminating in a physical altercation at the 2019 South African Music Awards. He has also faced criticism for his lyrics, which some have deemed misogynistic or offensive. However, he has remained unapologetic and steadfast in his beliefs.
He is also known for his lavish lifestyle, which includes owning several luxury cars, designer clothing, and expensive jewelry. He has also traveled frequently and stayed in high-end hotels and resorts. However, he has also been praised for his philanthropic efforts and has given back to his community through various initiatives and charities.
Overall, Casper Nyovest is a highly successful and influential figure in South African music, fashion, and culture, and his impact is felt both locally and globally.
Social Media
- Instagram @caspernyovest
- Twitter @caspernyovest
Net Worth
Casper is a prominent South African artist who has an accumulated net worth of of US$8 million – US$10 million