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Our Head Barman, Tebogo ‘Young-T’ Mashego is a man of many talents…  Not only can he pour the perfect pint and mix up delectable cocktails, but he can also write and perform some seriously ‘sick’ raps. They say dynamite comes in small packages, and this is very much the case with Young-T. From the moment you first meet him, his infectious smile and bubbly energetic personality instantly pull you in.

Hailing from Belfast in Mpumalanga, Young-T has been making music from the age of 15 when he first fell in love with the mic. He says it has given him an outlet to share his innermost feelings and to inspire others in his community.  

“There have been experiences in my life that have not been ‘nice’ and being able to write and rap about it has given me the space to overcome my past difficulties,” says Young-T.  He currently supports his grandmother, mother and two kids, but still manages to make some time to pursue his love of making music.

“I want to show my community that working in hospitality is what you make of it. If you are passionate about what you do and work hard, you can always find ways to inspire, train and uplift others around you,” says Mashego. 

He is very proud of his career path thus far, having worked at various hotels and lodges as everything from a waiter to a conference co-ordinator. Yearning for change and wanting to push himself with a bigger challenge, he joined the team at Kruger Shalati and Kruger Station in early 2020.

Young-T also pays homage to his team and managers at Kruger Station and Kruger Shalati in the track – thanking them for the “second chance” they have given him.

“I am so passionate about my position here”, says Young-T. “The best part of the job, for me, is being able to service the many visitors from all over the world, who come to the Kruger for a phenomenal experience.”

He hopes his track, Life in Hospitality, can inspire others to follow in his footsteps and show everyone how life really is what you make of it!  If you bring the passion and the smiles, success is never far behind.