In the gritty heart of Johannesburg’s township life, where dreams are often deferred and survival is a daily hustle, one artist is turning pain into poetry and struggle into sound. Njabulo Tsibu, better known by his stage name SKIIPS (also stylized as skiips.snvl), is not just another rapper—he’s a movement, a voice, and a force reshaping the contours of South African hip-hop.
Born of the Streets, Raised by the Beat.
Hailing from Zondi, Soweto, SKIIPS embodies the raw energy and unfiltered truth of township life. His music is a mirror to the world he grew up in—one marked by hardship, hustle, and hope. “I come from a place where nobody makes it out,” he says, “but I have to go against all odds because this music is the only thing I have to break the generational curse of being broke in my family.”
That hunger for change pulses through every bar he spits. Drawing inspiration from his romantic entanglements, substance struggles, street survival, and the daily grind, SKIIPS crafts music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
A Discography Built on Grit and Growth.
With 13 projects under his belt, SKIIPS has proven himself to be one of the most prolific and consistent voices in the underground scene.
His catalog includes:- Revenge & Revenge 2 (Deluxe)- SNVL Club Party Pack- Passion Ova Paycheques (Standard & Deluxe)- 2 Headed Shark- Bad Things Make Me Feel Good- Lamborghini Music- Wahunna- Goku & Vegeta (Standard & Extended)- I Wish You Would EP- GENESIS EP — his debut under Emtee Records©Each project is a chapter in his evolving story, with GENESIS marking a pivotal turning point. Released in late 2025, the EP is a gritty, 8-track journey through hunger, ambition, and survival, with standout tracks like “Empty Tummy” capturing the emotional and sonic essence of Soweto’s underground rap scene.
Collaborations and Co-Signs.
SKIIPS has worked with a growing list of respected artists, including Navykidd, Flash Ikumkani, and Reloe. But perhaps the most significant milestone in his career came when he joined Emtee Records, a label founded by one of his idols, Emtee.
“Working with Emtee is a dream come true,” he says. “I have to pinch myself sometimes to see if it’s real.” The partnership has not only elevated his profile but also solidified his place in the upper echelon of South African hip-hop.
A Voice for the Generation.
SKIIPS doesn’t chase trends—he sets them. “I’m not going into the studio to make a TikTok hit,” he insists. “I make music that’s gonna resonate with the masses.” His authenticity, combined with his lyrical prowess and production skills, has earned him a loyal fan base and growing industry respect.
He cites Future, AKA, Emtee, Nasty C, Lil Durk, and Gunna as his biggest influences, blending their styles into a uniquely South African sound that’s both global in ambition and local in flavor.
What’s Next?
With 2025 hailed by SKIIPS as “the best year for SA hip-hop in a long time,” he’s not slowing down. In 2026, he plans to release four new projects and feature on numerous collaborations. “Stay tuned,” he teases. “I don’t wanna jinx anything.”And to those who doubted him? “Let them take you as a joke,” he says with a grin. “In the end, you’re gonna have the last laugh.”
Follow the Movement:
Instagram/Twitter: @skiips.snvl – Streaming Platforms: All major services – Label: Emtee Records
SKIIPS isn’t just rapping—he’s rewriting the narrative for a generation born of the streets but destined for greatness.
About The Author
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.
Please stream mag music on Audiomack
https://audiomack.com/ngqayimbanasiyanda
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