Tywina lamaSokolari (The Covenant of the Sufferers)**In the heart of Cape Town, where the waves kiss the shore and the wind whispers secrets to the mountains, there exists a covenant. Not the kind etched in stone or bound by blood, but one woven from the threads of struggle, resilience, and the rhythm of life itself.Ndlulamthi, an artist , danced through the streets like a spirit unchained. His feet tapped out stories of joy and sorrow, echoing the pulse of the city. Born and bred in the shadow of Table Mountain, he carried the weight of generations—the dreams of abandaziyo, the dancers who came before him.But Ndlulamthi’s heart beat to a different rhythm. Beyond the dance floor, he found solace in the brushstroke, the pen, and the mic. Arts embraced him—the canvas, his confidante; the stage, his sanctuary. His verses flowed like the rivers that crisscrossed the Cape Flats, carrying tales of resilience, love, and the struggle for identity.”Ubulumko bezinja,” he sang, drawing from the well of Xhosa tradition. The song, inspired by utata Rustum Siyongwana’s novel, wove a new narrative.
Ndlulamthi painted the streets with words, bridging the gap between past and present.
His voice, like an imbongi, resonated through the townships, stirring hearts and awakening memories.And the language? It thrived. No longer shunned, it danced alongside beats and rhymes, reclaiming its place in the spotlight. The mainstream listened, captivated by the raw authenticity of kasi life—the laughter, the pain, the resilience. Ndlulamthi’s lyrics became anthems, sung by children on street corners and elders in shebeens.As Youth Month drew to a close, Ndlulamthi stood on a makeshift stage. The crowd huddled, their breath visible in the chilly night air. He raised his mic, eyes scanning faces etched with stories. “Tywina lamaSokolari,” he declared—the Covenant of the Sufferers. A pact to rise above circumstance, to create, to heal, and to honor those who paved the way.And so, under the star-studded Cape Town sky, Ndlulamthi rapped his oath. His words echoed through the ages, binding him to the past and propelling him toward a future where art transcended borders, where kasi stories became universal.The covenant held.
Ndlulamthi danced, painted, and sang—his heart a canvas, his voice a brush, his steps a rhythm. And Cape Town, ever the muse, whispered back: “Babuze… bazakxelela!”—Dance on, storyteller. The world awaits your truth.[Listen to “Tywina lamaSokolari”](https://youtu.be/5HJfUoCXb7c?si=EiUu-JW5Bgn6NBoL) as the wind carries its melody across the city, a testament to the covenant that binds us all. 🎵🌟*Note: The link provided leads to the song, a testament to Ndlulamthi’s journey.* 🎶✨
Siyanda Ngqayimbana A.K.A. Da blaq Bull: From the Streets of Makhaza to Global Hip Hop Recognition
Siyanda Ngqayimbana, also known as Da blaq Bull, is an emerging hip-hop sensation whose journey from the vibrant streets of Makhaza to the global music stage is capturing hearts and turning heads. Born and raised in the heart of 37sec Ghost Town, Siyanda’s narrative is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Siyanda’s love affair with rap began in 2014 while growing up in Site B, Khayelitsha. At the time, he was not yet recording his tracks, instead opting to express his lyrical prowess through freestyle videos captured on his phone. It wasn’t until he moved back to Makhaza in 2017 that Siyanda’s latent passion for music found fertile ground. In an environment where his friends weren’t particularly attuned to the hip-hop genre, Siyanda’s determination to create music was unyielding. He remained focused on his studies until the call of the craft could no longer be ignored.
A turning point came in Grade 10 when Siyanda’s ardor for writing and rapping was rekindled. A chance Facebook post seeking a studio in Makhaza led him to an encounter with fellow recording artist Nasy C Alta. This meeting marked the inception of Siyanda’s professional music journey. Under Nasy C Alta’s guidance, Siyanda recorded his first track, “Bombay,” produced by SO Deno which rapidly gained viral traction within his community. The track’s success not only established Siyanda as a force to be reckoned with but also ignited a fervor for musical expression that couldn’t be contained.
Siyanda’s trajectory skyrocketed when he collaborated with fellow Cape Town artists Mossi l Bay and Cynth Kid on “Ithongo Lemambs,” a collaboration that etched his name into the very fabric of Cape Town’s hip-hop scene. His international footprint expanded further with the release of “War Ready,” a collaboration with American artist Mizzy Hendrix . This transcontinental collaboration was a testament to Siyanda’s cross-cultural appeal, capturing the attention of listeners across digital platforms.
However, the journey was not without its obstacles. As the studio where he had been recording closed its doors, Siyanda’s musical momentum came to a temporary halt. But in 2023, a stroke of luck revitalized his journey. With the support of a neighbor who happened to be a recording artist armed with a laptop, Siyanda produced his latest track, “Testimony.” A song initially written in 2022, “Testimony” encapsulates Siyanda’s resilience and his unrelenting spirit to keep creating despite the odds.
Mark your calendars for September 20th as Siyanda Da Bull drops “Testimony” across all digital platforms. The release promises to be a testament not only to his growth as an artist but also to his dedication to his craft.
Siyanda Da Bull also has thrilling collaborations on the horizon. With a forthcoming track featuring the talented American artist Moonraq, alongside Mizzy Hedrix, Siyanda’s influence is poised to transcend borders. Furthermore, a collaboration with Rap God and kill Kris’s , another exceptional American artist, is also in the works, promising a musical experience that bridges continents.
Siyanda Da Bull Ngqayimbana’s journey is an ode to the resilience and passion of Africa’s rising hip-hop stars. His relentless drive and unwavering belief in his artistry continue to shape his path to greatness. As Siyanda continues to amplify his presence on the global music stage, he remains an inspiration to aspiring artists across the world.
