Zakwe plans to ‘revive’ local hip-hop with ‘Hip-Hop Fridays’

by Nomonde Simelane

Music is one of the many things South Africans excel and take pride in, however, what was once a booming hip-hop scene at its peak, is now left in a state of uncertainty, as debates grow about whether hip-hop is really dead in the country. Zakwe, born Ntokozo Zakwe is one of the many veteran hip-hop heads that have openly fought for hip-hop to return to its glory.

As an artist who came into fame through his unique ability to deliver world-class bars and rhymes in his mother tongue, isiZulu, at a time when it was not popular to do so, Zakwe has always been an advocate of opening doors for the younger generations, and those who just like him, are not exposed to as many opportunities in the music industry.

To bridge the gap and put South African hip-hop back at the top where it belongs, the rapper aims to reinvigorate the local scene with an initiative he coined ‘Hip-hop Fridays’. This initiative will not only bring an important element of entertainment but will address the more pressing issue of filling the necessary gap to take local hip-hop to the next level.

Sharing the news via X (formerly Twitter), Zakwe shared his plans of connecting the older generation of rappers with the new school youngins.

“Let’s revive local hip-hop. I sooooooo wanna bring some ol’Skul cats here, bridge the gap with the youth…. siyaqala Friday mhlaka 6 Sept… A new home for all you Hip Hop lovers!!!” the rapper captions.

Since sharing the news, Zakwe has wasted no time announcing Hip-hop Fridays first guests, which include his partner-in-crime Duncan and the Shoda ngami hit-maker Loki.

“#HipHopFridays is bringing @lokitunez home, next week Friday at @batby_theharbour don’t miss out yal!!!” he shared.

 

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Also see: Zakwe on a mission to shake off 12kgs ahead of Big Zulu’s celebrity soccer match