Big Zulu, born Siyabonga Nene on April 7, 1986, in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, is a prominent South African rapper, songwriter, and actor. Before his music career, he worked as a taxi driver, a background that deeply influences his lyrical content, often reflecting the experiences of South Africa’s working class.
In 2009, Big Zulu began writing and performing music, drawing inspiration from traditional Zulu music genres such as Maskandi and Isichathamiya. His breakthrough came in 2016 with the release of his debut single “Donsa Nkabi.” He signed with Universal Music in 2015 and released his debut album, Ushun Wenkabi, in 2018, followed by Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe in 2019, which was certified gold and nominated for Best Hip Hop Album at the South African Music Awards.
Big Zulu’s third studio album, Ichwane Lenyoka (2021), featured the hit single “Mali Eningi,” which won multiple awards, including Best Collaboration at the South African Music Awards and Song of the Year at the South African Hip Hop Awards.
In addition to his music career, Big Zulu has appeared in several television shows, including Isibaya, Uzalo, and Ushuni Womhlaba. He founded his own record label, Inkabi Records, in 2019, signing artists such as Mduduzi Ncube, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Xowla, and Siya Ntuli.
In 2022, Big Zulu formed the duo Inkabi Zezwe with fellow artist Sjava. Their debut single, “Umbayimbayi,” released in March 2023, debuted at number one on iTunes Top 50 and Spotify Top 100 South Africa charts and was certified triple platinum. Their collaborative album, Ukhamba, released in May 2023, also debuted at number one in South Africa and Eswatini.
Big Zulu is known for his unique style of rap, often referred to as “Inkabi rap,” which blends traditional Zulu musical elements with contemporary hip-hop. His music, performed exclusively in isiZulu, resonates with a broad audience and has solidified his status as a significant figure in South African hip-hop.
