Since their formation in 2001, Driemanskap has remained one of the most electrifying forces in South African hip-hop. Comprising members Ma-B, Redondo, and Dla, this three-man crew has built a reputation for hurricane-like performances and a lyrical style that’s as raw as it is revolutionary.
From the gritty streets of Gugulethu to the grand stages of Europe, Driemanskap has carved out a legacy rooted in authenticity, activism, and artistry.
Spaza Movement Pioneers Driemanskap stands at the forefront of the Spaza movement, a proudly South African hip-hop subculture that blends isiXhosa, English, and Cape Flats slang into a powerful lyrical tapestry. Their music doesn’t just entertain—it educates, provokes, and represents.> “Hip-hop is about addressing important issues and representing where you’re from,” says the crew, whose work continues to reflect the lived realities of township life.
Global Recognition & Collaborations
Their journey from local park jams to international acclaim is marked by standout moments:- 2005: Opened for Dead Prez at the Baobab Festival, stealing the show.- 2006: Commissioned to produce a soundtrack for SABC2’s Keeping It Real.- 2012: Featured in a global Reebok TV campaign.- 2013: Completed two full European tours, supporting collaborative albums KWAAI Worldwide and Cape Town Effects.They’ve shared stages with global icons like Alicia Keys, Femi Kuti, Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, and South African legends including Simphiwe Dana, Cassper Nyovest, Khuli Chana, and Ringo Madlingozi. Discography & Milestones- Mixtapes: Battle of Gugulethu Vol. 1 & 2- Debut Album: Igqhabukil’iNyongo- Follow-Up Album: Hlala Nam — a bold, independent release that solidified their place at the top of the SA hip-hop scene.They’ve also graced stages at major festivals like the Cape Town Electronic Music Festival and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (2016), performing alongside Lizz Wright, Cassandra Wilson, and Mafikizolo.
Community Activism & Youth Empowerment
Beyond music, Driemanskap is deeply embedded in community development:- Founding members of OYI (OutSpoken YOUTH Initiative), tackling youth issues in Gugulethu.- Partners with Young in Prison, conducting workshops in juvenile detention centers.- Supporters of orphanages and old age homes.- During the COVID-19 pandemic, they partnered with Lumkile’s Book Joint to run programs for children aged 6–14.- Extended their outreach to Zambia and Zimbabwe, working with kids in refugee camps.> “We don’t just rap about change—we live it,” says the crew, whose activism is as relentless as their rhymes.
Connect with Driemanskap
Email: driemanskap@gmail.com – Social Media: – Facebook: Driemanskap Twitter: @Driemanskap
Driemanskap continues to prove that hip-hop is more than music—it’s a movement. With their feet firmly planted in the soil of Cape Town and their voices echoing across continents, they remain a force for culture, consciousness, and community.
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.
