In a genre often dominated by male voices, Trusted SLK—born Sivuyisiwe Silinga—is rewriting the narrative with her explosive debut album, I F I DON’T WHO WILL.
At 30 years old, the Cape Town native now based in Johannesburg has emerged as one of the most compelling forces in South African hip-hop, blending lyrical grit with commercial swagger in a style she proudly calls “hardcore commercial.”
A Voice That Refuses to Be Ignored.
Trusted SLK’s journey is one of tenacity, talent, and trailblazing. Her music is more than entertainment—it’s a statement. With a delivery that’s fierce and unapologetic, she’s earned a reputation for “killing performances,” dropping “tight bars,” and bringing an attitude that commands attention.
Her sound is raw yet polished, rebellious yet refined—a duality that sets her apart in a crowded field. From Battle Rap to National StardomTrusted SLK’s rise began in the trenches of competitive hip-hop. She made the Top 25 on The Hustle Season 2 and broke barriers as the only female rapper to reach the Top 8 on SABC 1’s One Mic Season 3. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she won the prestigious Sportscene’s Put Me On music competition, earning her national acclaim and solidifying her status as a rising star.
Her accolades since then read like a highlight reel:- Best Female Nominee at the SA Hip Hop Awards (2022 & 2023) – Performances at Hennessy Back to the City and Cotton Fest (2022 & 2023) – Featured at the Maboneng Music Festival – Three music videos in rotation on Trace – “Uyathetha” music video produced by Tweezy, now with over 27K views on YouTube – Four-page spread in Hype Magazine’s June issue – Signed a distribution deal with a UK-based company – Founder of Velvet Sundays, an events brand reshaping local entertainment IF I DON’T WHO WILL: A Manifesto in Music Her debut album isn’t just a collection of tracks—it’s a manifesto.
IF I DON’T WHO WILL is a bold declaration of self-belief and perseverance. Each track pulses with energy, weaving stories of struggle, triumph, and identity. It’s a sonic journey that reflects her evolution from underground battler to mainstream contender. Singles like “Uyi One,” “Ndisendleleni,” and “Uyathetha” showcase her lyrical dexterity and emotional depth. The album also features collaborations with artists like PFLONERD, with whom she released the EP Deep Down, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and collaborative force.
A Cultural Architect in the Making Beyond music, Trusted SLK is building a legacy.
Through Velvet Sundays, she’s creating platforms for emerging talent and curating experiences that celebrate urban culture. Her influence stretches from the mic to the marketplace, proving that she’s not just an artist—she’s an architect of the future.With her debut album now out and her brand expanding internationally, Trusted SLK is poised to become one of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists. She’s not waiting for permission.
She’s not asking for validation. She’s doing it her way—and daring others to keep up.
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.
