MC, entertainer, recording artist and media personality
Corporate event organisers, awards producers, festivals, media houses and clients seeking a polished, high-impact host or performer.
Tebogo “ProVerb” Thekisho is one of South Africa’s most respected Hip Hop artists, broadcasters and event MCs, recognised for his versatility, professionalism and long-standing impact on the entertainment industry. Nationally loved as the host of South African Idols — first alongside Leizel van der Westhuizen from season 6, then solo from season 11 onward — ProVerb brings a refined blend of charisma, clarity and crowd awareness to every stage he commands. His ability to engage audiences authentically has made him a top choice for corporate events, awards ceremonies and national broadcasts.
As an MC, he has fronted major events including the Miss South Africa Pageant, the SACSC Spectrum Awards, FHM’s Sexiest 100 Women event and UNICEF’s African Youth Day celebrations in Ethiopia. His presence is defined by polish, preparation and a natural sense of rhythm that seamlessly bridges entertainment and formal proceedings.
ProVerb’s music career includes three acclaimed studio albums — Book of ProVerb, Manuscript and Write of Passage — as well as a widely downloaded mixtape, Off da Books.
Tebogo ‘ProVerb’ Thekisho is a South African Hip Hop recording artist, MC, lecturer, brand ambassador, television and radio personality best known for hosting South African Idols from season 6 when he co-hosted with Leizel van der Westhuizen, and from Season 11 onwards, he went solo.
ProVerb has hosted various events as the Master of Ceremonies, including FHM’s sexiest 100 women in the world 2010, The SACSC Spectrum Awards and in 2007-2008 he was invited by UNICEF to MC the African Youth day celebrations in Ethiopia Addis Ababa. He hosted the ‘Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant 2010’ alongside former Miss Universe, Michelle McLean.
His Music career boasts three studio albums (Book of Proverb, Manuscript and Write of Passage) and one free for download Mixtape (Off da books). He has received multiple nominations for all the projects respectively, including: Best Male Artist, Best music video, Mixtape of the year and best African South.
ProVerb has also collaborated with a host of artists both locally and abroad and has performed alongside some of the world’s greats. 2006 Saw him travel to France and Spain as part of a delegation to represent South Africa at a world Hip Hop Summit.
His television appearances include SABC’s ‘Scamto Ground Breakers’ which saw him travel to Uganda and India respectively as a part of an exchange programme. He hosted a Hip Hop Show on Channel O – ‘Head Rush’ for 4 years and a Nationwide Hip Hop talent search segment on SABC 1’s Jam Alley.
Born and raised in Kimberley, ProVerb went to Joburg in 1999 to pursue his tertiary studies. In 2003 he completed a diploma in Sound Engineering, immediately thereafter producing the biggest breakfast radio show in Gauteng ‘The Freshest Breakfast Show’ hosted by DJ Fresh (in 2004).
Three years later he advanced to a national radio station ‘Metro Fm’ where he was a technical producer for the drive time show – ‘The Avenue’ with Glen Lewis and Unathi. While there he pursued an on-air radio career. He then moved Highveld Stereo (now 947).
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This 1h26m conversation between DJ Sbu and ProVerb traces the evolution of one of South Africa’s most respected media figures, using his memoir The Book of ProVerb as the spine of the discussion. ProVerb begins by revisiting his earliest years in Kimberley, describing an athletic childhood, boarding school life and the early sparks of music shaped by long drives with his father. He speaks about discovering performance through school assemblies and later finding hip-hop culture after moving to Johannesburg in 1999.
He details entering rap battles at YFM’s Rap Activity Jam and Metro FM’s Rap Plot Wednesdays, which quietly built his brand before mainstream audiences knew his name. A chance studio encounter with Amu led to the milestone record Attention, the collaboration that officially launched him into South African hip-hop. The episode then widens into his parallel rise in radio and television, beginning with DJ Fresh giving him his first technical producer role and leading to Channel O presenting and ultimately a decade-long run as Idols South Africa host and co-producer.
DJ Sbu guides ProVerb into deeper territory as they discuss fame, identity and the pressure of a public life. ProVerb speaks honestly about his divorce and the suicide attempt that followed, explaining how public scrutiny compounded private pain and created a moment where his sense of purpose collapsed. Surviving that moment, he says, forced him to rebuild from the foundation up and pursue peace rather than external validation. This theme becomes one of the book’s central lessons.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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