Big Zulu: Chronicler of Zulu Pride and Everyday Triumph

Siyabonga Nene, widely known as Big Zulu, is more than a celebrated rapper and songwriter from South Africa—he’s a cultural movement. Born in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal in 1986, Big Zulu paved his own path from working as a taxi driver to becoming a musical icon. That solo trajectory earned him the title “Ichwane Lenyoka” (the snake child), a powerful metaphor for survival and self-reliance:

“When I came into this industry... No company took me in and mentored me… My success relied on me and the actions I took.”

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A Rhythm Born of Roots and Resilience

Big Zulu’s artistry is rooted in traditional Zulu music—Maskandi and Isichathamiya—which he interweaves with modern hip-hop to create his unique "Inkabi rap" style. He began writing and performing in 2009, with his breakthrough arriving in 2016 through his debut single “Donsa Nkabi.”

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Albums That Echo South Africa’s Soul

1. Ushun Wenkabi (2018)

A bold debut that set the stage for something special.

1. Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe (2019)

Certified gold and nominated for Best Hip Hop Album at the SAMAs, this sophomore effort featured electrifying tracks like "Ak’laleki," “Ama Million,” and “Vuma Dlozi."

Notably, on “Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe," he fused traditional Maskandi sounds with trap-infused flows. As OkayAfrica articulated, in “100 Bars” he raps:

“Akewume DJ, usufuna ng’nqonqoz’ umshina, uza nomnqondo we Marikana…”

1. Ichwane Lenyoka (2021)

Anchored by the global hit “Mali Eningi” (feat. Riky Rick & Intaba Yase Dubai), the album debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts, was certified gold, and won both Album of the Year and Best Male Artist at the South African Hip Hop Awards.

"Mali Eningi" became a cultural moment: it earned Double Platinum sales, over 20 million Spotify streams, and Snowballed into the viral #DuduzaneChallenge thanks to Duduzane Zuma.

1. Inkabi Nation (2022)

A collaborative masterpiece featuring artists from his label Inkabi Records: Xowla, Mduduzi Ncube, Lwah Ndlunkulu, and Siya Ntuli. The album earned a SAMA nomination for Best Traditional Album.

1. Ukhamba with Sjava as Inkabi Zezwe (2023)

Together, Big Zulu and Sjava released "Umbayimbayi," a triple-platinum smash that dominated South Africa and Eswatini’s charts and introduced their joint album Ukhamba, cementing their synergy.

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Words That Carry Weight

There’s no shortage of memorable quotes from Big Zulu. One particularly cryptic yet stirring line:

“The truth is, I slept with snakes and roosters.”

He described these “snakes and roosters” not literally but as metaphors for confronting fear and enduring hardship—hallmarks of his resilience.

Another deeply personal moment appears in "Baba Ngiyakukhumbula," where he vulnerably explores longing and familial absence:

“…a young man who just wants to make his father proud.”

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More Than Music—A Legacy of Impact

Big Zulu didn’t stop at cranking out hits—he’s a community builder. In 2019, he founded Inkabi Records, nurturing talents like Mduduzi Ncube, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Xowla, and Siya Ntuli.

He’s also active in philanthropy—donating laptops and printers to Obonjaneni Primary School and partnering as a brand ambassador for companies like Spitz and Carvela.

Reflecting on his influence, he humbly said:

“Words can’t express the gratitude I have for all the love and support I’ve had ever since I started [my] music journey.”

His debut single “Donsa Nkabi” (2016) introduced South Africa to his rugged baritone and uncompromising lyricism. But it was albums like Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe (2019) and Ichwane Lenyoka (2021) that cemented his place. The latter produced the viral anthem “Mali Eningi,” featuring Riky Rick and Intaba Yase Dubai. The song went double platinum, sparked the #DuduzaneChallenge, and turned Big Zulu into a household name. Yet, beneath the celebratory tones of success, he never shies away from vulnerability. On “Baba Ngiyakukhumbula” he mourns absence and longing: “…a young man who just wants to make his father proud.”

Big Zulu is also an empire builder. Through Inkabi Records, he has cultivated fresh voices like Mduduzi Ncube, Lwah Ndlunkulu, and Siya Ntuli, proving his vision extends beyond himself. His collaborations, including Inkabi Zezwe with Sjava, highlight his commitment to cultural preservation and unity. The duo’s single “Umbayimbayi” achieved triple platinum status, showing how tradition and modernity can harmonize on a grand scale.

But perhaps what makes Big Zulu truly unique is his ability to blur lines between art, community, and legacy. From donating resources to schools to echoing isiZulu traditions in every verse, he represents authenticity. As he once reflected: “Words can’t express the gratitude I have for all the love and support I’ve had ever since I started my journey.”

Big Zulu is more than a rapper—he’s a storyteller, a cultural torchbearer, and a reminder that music rooted in truth never fades.

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Conclusion: A Cultural Torchbearer

From the dusty streets of Bergville to sold out arenas, Big Zulu’s journey is a testament to authentic storytelling, ancestral soundscapes, and unwavering hustle. His lyrics—whether they conjure economic ambition in "Mali Eningi" or intimate longing in "Baba Ngiyakukhumbula"—are woven into the fabric of South African identity.

He is not just an artist—he’s a mentor, an innovator, and a cultural guardian of isiZulu expression. With every album and exclusive quote, he invites us into his world, defined by courage, tradition, and an unshakeable belief in the power of voice.

Watch the latest of Big Zulu https://youtu.be/PuYMrv70Tzc?si=OgmDVC9m4SaSRhh1