Shxngie Stakes Claim to South Africa’s Drill Throne.

Drill music, a gritty subgenre of trap born in Chicago’s South Side, is carving its niche in South Africa, with emerging artists adopting the genre’s haunting beats while softening its controversial lyrical themes. Among the new wave is 24-year-old Shxngie, a Cape Town-based artist whose talent and tenacity have drawn attention from prominent figures in local entertainment.Originally from Zimbabwe, Shxngie juggles his time between working as a barista and pursuing his passion for music. Influenced by his surroundings in Delft and inspired by artists like Chief Keef and Pop Smoke, he’s adapting the global drill sound to reflect South African realities. “My music is motivated by the space around me,” he said, emphasizing that his lyrics are less about violence and more about attitudeDrill music has faced scrutiny globally for its alleged ties to gang culture, with authorities in the UK even imposing restrictions on artists. But in South Africa, artists like Shxngie are reclaiming the genre’s sonic foundations to tell stories of hustle, perseverance, and ambition.Since 2019, he has independently released tracks and gained recognition from industry heavyweights such as DJ Fresh and Scoop Makhathini. “If DJ Fresh says this is a great song… let me just keep on pushing,” he recalled.His visual storytelling is equally compelling. The video for Submarine, directed by Junior Mellography, reflects his hands-on approach to crafting narratives. “It’s about hustling… you must wake up and go hustle,” he explained.Collaborating with producer Prince SA, Shxngie continues to build his name in the genre, proudly embracing a mission to redefine what South African drill can be. “We believe we’re good enough to be the kings of SA drill,” he said with confidence, tapping his fingers to the rhythm of a dream in motion.

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