CONSIDERED one of the pioneers of kwaito music, Arthur Mofokate is an award-winning artist, music producer, record-label owner and businessman. The man behind the 999 Music Lable also hosts a weekly sports show on the new 24-hour news channel, ANN7. He talks with Tshepo Mashego

What was the motivation for starting your own business, 999 Music?

When I was young, I had a group of friends and we always had a dream of being on our own and not working for other people. So I saw working for myself as an easy gap to take.

Are you a saver or a spender?

Saver.

What is your biggest extravagance?

Sound and stage equipment. I am in the entertainment space, so that is where I invest a lot. I buy a lot of related equipment because they are assets.

What local goods and services do you miss most when you are overseas?

Food — and I am not a fussy eater. I am so ordinary it is not funny. I am that guy that likes inkomazi; I am that guy that still has pap and vleis. I love normal, simple meals.

How do you prefer to pay for things — cash or card?

I do not like paying for things that are not related to my business. I do not like spending on myself. If I have money, I want to invest it in an artist. If I want clothes, I will get a sponsor. If I need a car, I will do the same thing.

Have you ever been really short of cash?

Yes, even now I am.

Do you give money to beggars?

All the time. I like showing appreciation, even if someone was just watching over my car. I would usually give them my CD. I used to give them postcards, T-shirts — that kind of thing.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt about money?

That it is overrated because you can live without it.

What did your childhood teach you about money?

That you need to continuously work hard for it.

If you won R10m, what would you spend it on?

On artist development. I am not really concerned whether it is a good or bad investment — all I know is that people need help. People sometimes laugh at me and say: “Hey, you discovered Lira and now she’s gone.” But they do not realise I have fulfilled my mission because I have made them happy through my continuous artist development.

Where in the world would you most like to own a house or apartment?

Anywhere, as long as it is in South Africa. I can go anywhere in this country and feel like I grew up there. I cannot rate any one town or township better than any other. I feel at home everywhere and, because I frequent so many places in South Africa, I have become used to seeing myself as a South African rather than a Joburger.

• This article was first published in Sunday Times: Business Times