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The Book of ProVerb
Tebogo Thekisho, better known as ProVerb, first caught South Africa’s attention in 2005 with the release of his now classic debut hip-hop album, The Book of ProVerb. As a teenager he sought music wherever he could find it, and recorded his first demo at age 15, using his mom’s hi-fi. From there, he hustled his way into a multifaceted, award-winning media career in music, radio and TV, crafting a reputation on platforms such as Channel O, Jam Alley and YFM. For over a decade he has been a regular on TV screens as the host of Idols South Africa. In this memoir, Tebogo pays tribute to the people who’ve helped make him the person he is, especially his parents, his grandmother and his siblings. He shares the lessons he’s learnt through the different phases of his life with an infectious positivity, but also gets frank about the dark times he’s endured, including his painfully public divorce and attempted suicide. The Book of ProVerb is a memoir, a hustle manifesto, and a wholesome guide to life from one of South Africa’s brightest stars.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 17, 2021
I was so surprised to hear ProVerb wrote a memoir nje especially since he's someone who's so guarded.
Read this book sometime towards the end of the year last year and abandoned it three chapters in. As I felt it all over the place and him only grazing through the surface.
I'm glad I picked it up again yesterday and read it to the end. ProVerb takes us through his upbringing, family, Shares with us his weaknesses and his journey to success. The book, his journey had me deeply inspired. His resilience I the face of adversity was really inspiring.
Read this book sometime towards the end of the year last year and abandoned it three chapters in. As I felt it all over the place and him only grazing through the surface.
I'm glad I picked it up again yesterday and read it to the end. ProVerb takes us through his upbringing, family, Shares with us his weaknesses and his journey to success. The book, his journey had me deeply inspired. His resilience I the face of adversity was really inspiring.
December 20, 2020
In my review of this book I'd like to put a disclaimer that it doesn't make sense to rate a memoir. Especially one written from such a personal sphere. Nevertheless I will give it some 3 stars for how much I enjoyed it.
ProVerb takes us through his family life growing up, his music career, his marriage and his family life as a father. He lets us into the most private crevices of his life and it allows us to understand somewhat the man he was. How in his world nothing was wrong. That his marriage was perfect until he was faced with the reality that there were cracks and they had been showing.
He speaks fondly of his mother and grandmother. He adores his father and nurtures a strong bond with him. You can't help but feel that he had and has the most loving support system.
And as for fatherhood, there is no doubt he is one of the best dads to ever do it.
His music career might be a thing of the past for some of us but for most we remember and know him for his Idols gig.
My favorite part about memoirs is the picture bit. I really enjoy blasting through a person's life through pictures.
I'd say a lesson learned from his story is on perseverance. No matter what life throws at you, its always your will to fight through it that will see you to the other side. The happy side.
ProVerb takes us through his family life growing up, his music career, his marriage and his family life as a father. He lets us into the most private crevices of his life and it allows us to understand somewhat the man he was. How in his world nothing was wrong. That his marriage was perfect until he was faced with the reality that there were cracks and they had been showing.
He speaks fondly of his mother and grandmother. He adores his father and nurtures a strong bond with him. You can't help but feel that he had and has the most loving support system.
And as for fatherhood, there is no doubt he is one of the best dads to ever do it.
His music career might be a thing of the past for some of us but for most we remember and know him for his Idols gig.
My favorite part about memoirs is the picture bit. I really enjoy blasting through a person's life through pictures.
I'd say a lesson learned from his story is on perseverance. No matter what life throws at you, its always your will to fight through it that will see you to the other side. The happy side.
November 10, 2020
There are numerous paths and definitions to success however in our pursuit we might tend to forget to take a moment to breathe, acknowledge the process and show gratitude. Tebogo “ProVerb” Thekisho and Paballo Rampa challenges us on our own definitions of success and reminds us to have faith that we are exactly where we are meant to be because one’s journey is as worthy as the next person.
This effortlessly written memoir offers an array of valuable lessons for anyone seeking inspiration. Proverb’s passion for people radiates in each chapter, exploring topics such as family; power of networking and parenthood. Other themes discussed include entrepreneurship; dynamics of marrying young; financial freedom and dealing with social media.
Like any journey there are a few potholes thus acceptance and adaptability become necessary aspects to enable one to keep moving forward. Proverb’s acceptance of his waning music career and adapting his skills set into the broader entertainment industry-through radio producing, TV presenting and co- owner of a production company- is an affirmation that it is okay to be flexible. In essence, letting go of things that no longer serve you, being at peace with your journey and staying open to new paths are some of the priceless ingredients for success. For instance the author states that he never intended on working for #IdolsSA, however when the opportunity presented itself he captured it (and the rest is His-story)
As many successful people would agree, success is not a one-man-show. Proverb acknowledges the power of collaboration and networking with powerful entertainment figures such as Nimrod Nkosi, DJ Fresh and business partner Gavin Wratten propelling him to greater heights with their support.
Due to a patriarchal setting, men speaking on issues of mental illness may be seen as weakness and shameful. Proverb digs deep in sharing about his depression and attempted suicide showing a level of vulnerability, what can be argued as an indication of enormous strength and courage. Traditional masculinity endorses men to suppress their emotions, an act that usually leads to toxic behavior. The author inversely argues that men should pro-actively verb-alize their truths by consciously locating the source of their pain and to rather see life’s challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
The book leaves us challenged on what is our personal definition of success: Is success about academic achievements? Is it about financial freedom? Is it family stability or about having a healthy mind, body and soul? Whatever one’s definition of success is, this book encourages us to keep the passion burning, to be patient and receptive. In our relentless pursuit of #Winning and achieving #BlackExellence status, we must remember to be fully present in the moment, celebrate the small victories and always show gratitude.
Despite the risk of repetitions due to the unconventional structure to this memoir, overall this is a brilliant book. To those who have followed Tebogo “Proverb” Thekoso’s career this is a mouth-watering nostalgic feast. To those who have been recently introduced to him, this offering is a pool inspiration from one of the most hard working and humble media personalities in South Africa.
Rolland Simpi Motaung 2020 ©
This effortlessly written memoir offers an array of valuable lessons for anyone seeking inspiration. Proverb’s passion for people radiates in each chapter, exploring topics such as family; power of networking and parenthood. Other themes discussed include entrepreneurship; dynamics of marrying young; financial freedom and dealing with social media.
Like any journey there are a few potholes thus acceptance and adaptability become necessary aspects to enable one to keep moving forward. Proverb’s acceptance of his waning music career and adapting his skills set into the broader entertainment industry-through radio producing, TV presenting and co- owner of a production company- is an affirmation that it is okay to be flexible. In essence, letting go of things that no longer serve you, being at peace with your journey and staying open to new paths are some of the priceless ingredients for success. For instance the author states that he never intended on working for #IdolsSA, however when the opportunity presented itself he captured it (and the rest is His-story)
As many successful people would agree, success is not a one-man-show. Proverb acknowledges the power of collaboration and networking with powerful entertainment figures such as Nimrod Nkosi, DJ Fresh and business partner Gavin Wratten propelling him to greater heights with their support.
Due to a patriarchal setting, men speaking on issues of mental illness may be seen as weakness and shameful. Proverb digs deep in sharing about his depression and attempted suicide showing a level of vulnerability, what can be argued as an indication of enormous strength and courage. Traditional masculinity endorses men to suppress their emotions, an act that usually leads to toxic behavior. The author inversely argues that men should pro-actively verb-alize their truths by consciously locating the source of their pain and to rather see life’s challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
The book leaves us challenged on what is our personal definition of success: Is success about academic achievements? Is it about financial freedom? Is it family stability or about having a healthy mind, body and soul? Whatever one’s definition of success is, this book encourages us to keep the passion burning, to be patient and receptive. In our relentless pursuit of #Winning and achieving #BlackExellence status, we must remember to be fully present in the moment, celebrate the small victories and always show gratitude.
Despite the risk of repetitions due to the unconventional structure to this memoir, overall this is a brilliant book. To those who have followed Tebogo “Proverb” Thekoso’s career this is a mouth-watering nostalgic feast. To those who have been recently introduced to him, this offering is a pool inspiration from one of the most hard working and humble media personalities in South Africa.
Rolland Simpi Motaung 2020 ©
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews