NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Grammy-nominated artist Masego returned to his Newport News hometown Sunday, joining Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III to donate thousands of dollars worth of school supplies and instruments to students ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year — and the trip down memory lane did not disappoint.
"The memories are pouring out. I'll tell you that I know exactly where I got in my first rap battle," Masego said.
The back-to-school student engagement event was held at Woodside High School, where both Masego and Bethany are alumni. The pair also share ties to Old Dominion University. They partnered with music discovery platform PlusNTrust and instrument retailer Sweetwater for the donation effort.
For Masego, the drive back to his old stomping grounds felt instinctive.
"I saw the exit to get off here I got excited that was cool cause I remembered my muscle memory was like oh I know exactly how to get there now," Masego said.
Being back around students his own age once called home struck a personal chord.
"I don't know I mean, giving back is cool, cause identified with the kids ask questions or how they are. How cool they are like. I'm like I know all of this was cool," Masego said.
The experience left him feeling connected to both his past and present.
"I feel young and unc the same time," Masego said.
Virginia, he said, never stops feeling like home.
"Virginia has a special place in my heart family wise. I treat every show like it's the last show on earth," Masego said.
After the event, Masego headed to Virginia Beach to perform at the Dome.
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