Meet 043 Ghxst, the enigmatic Eastern Cape-born rapper whose name is as much a statement as it is a symbol of his journey.
Born and raised in eQonce (King William’s Town), 043 Ghxst’s musical roots trace back to high school choir rehearsals and spontaneous performances at school sports events. “That’s where I learned to harmonise verses and back vocals,” he reflects. But it was Johannesburg—a city known for shaping South African talent—that helped him “find himself,” grounding his sound in lived experience and emotional truth.
The name 043 Ghxst is a nod to his hometown’s area code and his elusive nature. “I show up when I have to,” he says, describing himself as someone who moves like a ghost—present, yet unseen until necessary. That mystique carries into his music, which he calls “mood swaying”—tracks designed to transport listeners into a “mini utopia” for a few minutes at a time.
His creative process is as fluid as his sound. Collaborating with close allies like Navykidd, Sectionyouforreal, and longtime friend Kenzx, Ghxst builds songs from scratch, letting the beat guide him. “It’s super organic,” he says. “No pre-planning. I just let the energy take over.”
His debut project, “It’s Raining, Come Play Outside,” marked the beginning of his musical journey. “It was raw and rough around the edges,” he admits, but it captured him at his “purest form”—a young artist wrestling with internal battles and choosing music over school without regret.
Since then, Ghxst has released EPs and the single “Jungle” featuring Flash Ikumkani, a standout from his album PAIN. Each project reflects a chapter of his life, from chaotic synths and distortions to soft piano melodies. “It’s therapy sessions compressed in a beat,” he explains.
Authenticity is his north star. “I try to be relatable always,” he says. “I want to be an ambassador of being real.” That honesty comes with responsibility. “Kids, adults, and youth are watching me,” he acknowledges. “Being myself means being mindful of my actions.”As South African hip-hop enters what he calls a “new level”, Ghxst is excited about the wave of emerging talent, especially Dyna Steez, whom he calls a “superstar in the making.”Musically, Ghxst draws inspiration from Ye, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, and early 2000s R&B. These influences echo through his emotionally charged soundscapes and genre-blending style.
Now, with a new 043 GHXST album nearly complete, he’s ready to reintroduce himself. “It’s already sounding great,” he says with a grin. “I’m entering different bags. I listen to the songs every day.”
From the quiet corners of eQonce to the buzzing streets of Joburg, 043 Ghxst is proving that sometimes, the most powerful voices are the ones that don’t need to shout.
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.
