Driemanskap

YankuraLX

30 March 2025

Gugulethu’s rap crew broke through when Sphum'eGugs hit SABC 1’s LIVE. Despite struggles, they stay true to their roots. "We push for change—we’re here to uplift, not compromise," says El Nino. 🔥

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Continuing the Legacy of Xhosa Rap

If you grew up in Cape Town’s township hip-hop scene, you know the influence Driemanskap has had. The group—comprising El Nino, Ma-B, Redondo, and Dla—was never about chasing trends. They built their name on hard-hitting Xhosa rhymes, storytelling, and raw energy, giving a voice to the struggles and triumphs of their community.

From their 2009 breakthrough album Igqabhukil’ Inyongo to tracks like Sphum’eGugs, they have always embodied authentic township hip-hop, a genre that captures the essence of life in South Africa’s underrepresented communities.

"We rap for the people. We tell their stories, their struggles, their victories. That’s why Spaza will never die." — El Nino

But staying true to the culture hasn’t always been easy.

Driemanskap, the renowned hip-hop group from Gugulethu, Cape Town, remains a significant force in South African music as of 2025. Known for their authentic representation of Spaza rap—a genre blending Xhosa, Sotho, English, and Tsotsitaal—the group has continued to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Recent Musical Endeavors

In March 2025, Driemanskap released their latest single, "PHAMBILI," featuring Bravo Le Roux. The track has garnered attention for its compelling message and dynamic collaboration. The official visualizer for "PHAMBILI" is available on YouTube.

Prior to this, in September 2024, they released the single "Game of Thrones," showcasing their lyrical prowess and solidifying their presence in the hip-hop scene.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

Beyond their musical contributions, Driemanskap has been active in community initiatives. In July 2023, they collaborated with medical experts to encourage South African youth to register as blood stem cell donors, highlighting their commitment to social causes.

Lineup Changes and Solo Projects

The group experienced a lineup change when member El Nino (Elethu Mpengesi) departed to pursue a solo career. By December 2024, he released the track "Ndinje" in collaboration with Mzukhona, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.

Live Performances and Collaborations

Driemanskap continues to engage audiences with live performances. Notably, they performed alongside Bravo Le Roux on SABC's Morning Live, dedicating their song "Phambili" to national issues, demonstrating their ongoing relevance and commitment to societal themes.

Their participation in events like the Business Premium Jazz Festival 2025 further underscores their versatility and enduring appeal in the South African music landscape.

Looking Ahead

As of April 2025, Driemanskap remains a pivotal figure in South African hip-hop. Their blend of cultural authenticity, musical innovation, and social activism continues to resonate with fans, ensuring their legacy endures in the evolving music industry.

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K.Keed

Mihlali Koyana, professionally known as K.Keed, was raised in the Gugulethu township in Cape Town. She began her career in 2019 with the release of her first single, 'Similes,' and she has since released ALTER-EGO, an 8 track EP earlier this year that features Blxckie, Dee Koala, and Indigo Stella, amongst others. K.Keed: So my musical career began during the summer of 2018. Initially, I wrote poetry and songs as a pastime. I also had two music-loving friends in Gugulethu, so that influenced me to fall in love with music. I didn't have to force myself because writing and rapping come naturally to me. That is the most reliable confirmation you can get. The young rapper has truly established herself in the hip-hop game. Given her career trajectory, there is only one way for her to go: to the top. On A Recent Interview With K.Keed Reveals The Following. Q: had a chat with K.Keed to discuss her music journey and what inspires her. How Did You Come Up With Your Stage Name? K.Keed: It’s not that deep hey. I didn’t want to use my real name because it’s very common. I took the first initial of my surname and my second and called it a day. Instead of using the correct spelling of KID, I changed it to KEED just to spice it up a little. Q: How Did You Become A Part Of The 'Young & Dope' Campaign In Collaboration With Redbat? K.Keed: The ‘Young & Dope“ campaign with Redbat came as a surprise because I had previously worked with the brand on a different campaign. We shot some of the scenes at my house which made the whole experience extra special to me. I shared the spotlight with other three artists - the entire process was just organic. It’s the best collaboration ever as I now have my merch at Sportscene stores nationwide and it has helped getting my music out there as as well. Q: Who Is Your Favorite Local Female Rapper? And Why? K.Keed: At the moment is Indigo Stella because she’s genuinely an amazing artist. I have a musical connection with her and we have a tight bond. I had the privilege of meeting her a multiple times, and each time is special. Only a few artist like her who are versatile yet remain authentic to their music. Q: What Do You Think Makes Your Music Resonate With Your Fans? K.Keed: Firstly, I’m being 100% myself. Secondly, I create the kind of music that will make people think and start a conversation and always add that K.Keed flavour. There’s one thing you can’t fake as an artist, connection - that’s what makes people buy tickets to your show and stream your music. Lastly, I dont mess with quality. There’s no room for compromise when I create music. K.Keed is an artist you shouldn’t be sleeping on right now K.Keed list of collaborations is impressive, and she has worked with Dee Koala on her smash hit single Spazz, among other features. Her career highlights thus far include being invited to perform at The Boiler Room: Contemporary Scenes x Wear Broke and being selected as one of the artists for Redbat's 'Young & Dope' campaign. The Interviewer Had A Chat With K.Keed To Discuss Her Music Journey And What Inspires Her. Q: Let's Start At The Beginning. How Did You Break Into The Music Business? K.Keed: So my musical career began during the summer of 2018. Initially, I wrote poetry and songs as a pastime. I also had two music-loving friends in Gugulethu, so that influenced me to fall in love with music. I didn't have to force myself because writing and rapping come naturally to me. That is the most reliable confirmation you can get. I'm thankful to have discovered my talent at such a young age. I know it can take years for some people to find what makes them feel alive. Q: What Challenges Do You Face As A Female Rapper In The Industry? K.Keed: The biggest challenge as female rapper was finding my voice. Firstly I’m not a very a feminine rapper - my rap style is more aggressive, grimy, cutting-edge, unorthodox and blunt. That already separate me from the rest of other female rappers I know. I’m fortunate to have an audience that resonate with my music. At the end of the day it’s all about that connection. Hip hop is a male-dominated genre so I don’t expect special treatment but be afforded the same opportunities as male rappers. However, I don’t mind being underestimated - there are privileges in being the underdog.

The algorithms are taking over

In the latest episode of Culture on Repeat in Text, we explore a silent but powerful shift happening in our musical landscape. South African hip-hop, once nurtured by vibrant local ecosystems — from community radio to township ciphers — is now being reshaped by global algorithms that prioritize engagement over cultural depth. This piece dives into how platforms like Spotify and YouTube are subtly colonizing our sounds, diluting unique Xhosa storytelling traditions, and threatening the spaces and media that once sustained artists from Driemanskap to Planet Nana. But it also highlights the growing resistance: local initiatives, streaming platforms like eSpazza, and community ciphers fighting to reclaim and preserve our cultural soul. If you care about the future of our music, this is a conversation you need to be part of.