In a time when music often serves as a mirror to society’s chaos or a balm for its wounds, a 23-year-old artist from Butterworth has released a mixtape that dares to do both. TW3NTY THR33, a deeply personal and spiritually charged project, is not just a collection of tracks—it’s a three-act narrative of healing, redemption, and divine purpose. And at its core is the artist himself, peeling back the layers of his soul for all to hear.
Aisles of Emotion: The Structure of TW3NTY THR33.
Described by the artist as a “store with aisles,” the mixtape is a curated experience of subject matters and sonic textures. Each track is a shelf stocked with memories, reflections, and revelations. The structure follows a three-act arc, reminiscent of classic storytelling: Descent, Confrontation, and Ascension. But unlike fiction, this story is real—rooted in the lived experience of a young man grappling with inner turmoil and spiritual awakening.
Act I: The Descent — A Hospital Bed and a Prayer.
The mixtape opens in a hauntingly intimate setting: a hospital room. The artist lies in a critical state, while his grandmother prays beside him. Though the moment is literal, it doubles as a metaphor for his mental and emotional condition. This is not just physical vulnerability—it’s the unraveling of a psyche burdened by years of silent suffering. The soundscape is raw, stripped down, echoing the sterile quiet of a hospital ward and the whispered desperation of prayer.
Act II: The Confrontation — Walls, Wounds, and the Weight of the Past.
As the mixtape progresses, the listener is led through the emotional architecture of the artist’s defenses. These are the walls he built to shield unhealed parts of himself—walls made of anger, mistrust, and fear. The middle section of TW3NTY THR33 is its most confessional. Here, the artist confronts the roots of his trauma: abandonment, broken trust, and the paralyzing fear of failure. His bad habits are portrayed as a dark cloud, ever-present, suffocating. But amid the storm, there is a cry—a plea to God that pierces through the gloom.
Act III: The Ascension — Redemption and Divine Dialogue.
The final act is a spiritual crescendo. The artist begins to climb out of the metaphorical pit, guided by the light of answered prayers. The production shifts—brighter tones, more open arrangements, and lyrics that speak of hope, clarity, and purpose. This is not a neat resolution, but a rebirth. The mixtape closes with a call to listeners: to find God within themselves, to seek healing not just through music, but through introspection and faith.
As the mixtape gains traction, it’s clear that this isn’t just music—it’s medicine. And for the 23-year-old behind it, it’s a declaration: that pain can be transformed, that purpose can be found, and that redemption is real.
Butterworth may be the birthplace of this story, but its resonance is borderless. TW3NTY THR33 is a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is light—and sometimes, it comes in the form of a beat, a lyric, and a prayer.
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.
