At just 20 years old, Qhamani Sambu is carving out a powerful name for himself in South Africa’s vibrant Gqom movement.
Hailing from J Section in Khayelitsha, Sambu is not just an influencer—he’s a dancer, vocalist, and MC whose passion and perseverance are turning heads far beyond his neighborhood. A Voice Born in the Beat Sambu’s journey began with skepticism from his community, where support for local talent can be scarce.
“People made fun of my song before it was even finished,” he recalls. “But I trusted myself. I knew one day it would make sense.” That day came sooner than expected—once the track dropped, the same critics became fans, flooding his comment section with praise.His vocal style is rooted in Gqom but uniquely his own, blending fast and slow tempos depending on the beat.
Inspired by legends like DJ Tira, Busiswa, and Mampintsha, Sambu’s sound is both fresh and familiar, echoing the streets of Durban while amplifying Cape Town’s voice.Dancing with Purpose Sambu’s dancing style, “Isbhujwa,” is a Khayelitsha-born interpretation of Sghubhu dance, marked by freestyle moves and raw energy. “The way we move here is different,” he says proudly. “Now I see people outside Cape Town dancing my style.
That’s when I knew I was making an impact.”Whether performing at local events or hearing his songs play from passing cars, Sambu sees the joy his art brings. “When I dance, I dance for people. I see it on their faces—they’re happy.” Fuelled by Support, Driven by Dreams Despite the early ridicule, Sambu credits his supporters for lifting him up. “They always bring positive comments, even when I feel down. That’s what drives me to keep going.” He also draws inspiration from Cape Town’s Gqom pioneer Mr Thela and his mentor DJ Emgee, who taught him how to flow and pronounce lyrics with precision.
Sambu’s consistency and love for the craft are unwavering. “I’m patient. I’m consistent. I love what I do. I will push until I get where I want to be.” A Movement in Motion Qhamani Sambu isn’t just chasing success—he’s building a movement. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of believing in your own voice.
From Khayelitsha to the world, this young artist is proving that Gqom isn’t just music—it’s a lifestyle, a culture, and a force that refuses to be ignored.Stay tuned—because Qhamani’s rhythm is only getting louder.
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.
