Hip hop artist Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye on Thursday denied he was drag racing or under the influence of substances when he allegedly killed four schoolchildren in a road crash.

"I was not under the influence of alcohol. I was not under the influence of any substance and I was not drag racing," he told the Protea Magistrate's Court in Soweto.

"I've worked hard for the youth," an emotional Maarohanye added.

He said he planned to plead not guilty to four murder charges and two charges of attempted murder.

"The Lord Almighty is looking at me right now. I don't feel good," he said.

"I never committed a crime. I didn't intend to."

Learners threaten Jub Jub

He sent his condolences to the families whose children were killed in the 8 March accident.

The soft-spoken Jub Jub, wearing a grey charcoal suit, said he could not say how much bail he could afford.

"I will do anything to get my life back on track," he added, during questioning by his lawyer, Ike Motloung.