Born Abongile Gando on August 15, 1991, in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, Zowa Zar carved out a unique space in South Africa’s music scene. Now based in Johannesburg, he stands as one of the most versatile voices in the Xhosa Trap movement, blending his heritage with modern urban sounds. His affiliation with 1TT RECORDS has amplified his reach, allowing him to merge cultural authenticity with energetic rhythms that resonate across the country’s urban landscape.
A Multidimensional Sound.
Zowa Zar’s artistry is not confined to a single genre. His music is a fusion of Xhosa Trap, R&B, Trap Soul, Amapiano, Afro House, Drill, Dancehall, and Gqom, reflecting both his versatility and his refusal to be boxed in. His sound is defined by heavy percussion, layered textures, and raw emotional delivery, prioritizing storytelling and cultural resonance over rigid genre boundaries.
Standout tracks such as Washa, Madiba Dance, Savage Freestyle, Shuthe (Remastered), Mqolo, Lil Shorty, Trap God, and Mamasita Pt. 2 showcase his ability to move seamlessly between moods and styles. Collaborations with ST KING on Galaxy Drum and The Gods further highlight his collaborative spirit and rhythmic innovation.
Beyond the Stage.
Zowa Zar’s influence extends beyond performance. As the founder of 1TT RECORDS, he is committed to nurturing emerging talent, ensuring that the next generation of artists has a platform to thrive. He also curates the Afro House and Afro Mode charts on Volumo, shaping the sonic landscape for listeners across Africa.
His radio program, the Ziyakhala Experience, now in its second season, delivers deep house selections that strengthen Johannesburg’s electronic community while staying true to his Eastern Cape roots.
Awards & Recognition.
Zowa Zar’s impact has been recognized with multiple awards and nominations: – 2026: Nominated for Best Hip Hop Artist at the 7th Annual Mzansi Arts & Media Awards. – 2025: Winner of an Artes Award in Johannesburg (Singing, Songwriting, DJing). – 2025: Nominated for Best Hip Hop Song at the SA Upcoming Music Awards (SAUMA) for Mqolo. – 2025: Three nominations at the Timeline Radio Awards (More Streams on Spotify, Best Hip Hop Song, Best Male Artist).
2026 Releases & Momentum.
Zowa Zar continues to push boundaries with his latest projects: – God Mode EP: Featuring NepKid and Manekoo, this project immerses listeners in high-energy trap soundscapes. – Madiba Dance (with Fricky Savage): A dance-ready anthem that blends local rhythms with global appeal. – Empra EP: A major release gaining traction on streaming platforms, showcasing his growth as both producer and songwriter. – Mamasita 2 EP: Released on June 5, 2026, further cementing his reputation for consistency and innovation.
Cultural Impact.
Zowa Zar’s journey reflects the evolution of South Africa’s urban music scene. By weaving Xhosa heritage into modern trap and electronic genres, he bridges tradition and innovation, creating a sound that is both deeply local and globally relevant. His work resonates with audiences who crave authenticity, rhythm, and emotional depth.
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.
