Growing up, I was fascinated by Xhosa rap. When you listen carefully, you realise how much meaning sits in the language.
It is not just about rhythm or delivery but about stories that reflect real lives.
Artists like iFani and Yanga Chief have made the genre accessible while still keeping its message intact. Their work showed that Xhosa rap could reach wide audiences without losing its depth.
I also remember the impact of Driemanskap and artists like Pzho from Nakedmynd, who helped make Spaza Xhosa rap part of everyday hip hop conversations.
Spaza Xhosa rap is a distinct subgenre of South African hip hop that gained prominence in the Cape Flats and the Eastern Cape, particularly in the 2000s. It is known for its boom bap sound and strong isiXhosa lyrics.
The music often focuses on social awareness, identity and daily struggles, delivered in a way that is rooted in hip hop culture. That foundation is still felt today, and it is encouraging to see younger artists keeping the sound alive while adding their own perspectives.
I recently came across Expowzza, one of the new voices worth paying attention to.
In October last year, he released his debut EP titled “Street Talk”. The project blends direct lyricism, pride in isiXhosa and self-produced beats.
It feels grounded in lived experience, giving voice to the streets, the hustle and the heritage that shapes the music.
Expowzza, born Entle Mjali, is 23 years old. He was born in Mthatha and raised in Queenstown, and he represents the next generation of artists carrying forward the storytelling tradition of hip hop.
Raised by a single parent, his journey has been shaped by resilience and cultural pride. These elements come through clearly in his music, which feels personal without losing its wider relevance.
Before music took over, soccer was his first love. It defined much of his childhood and early teenage years. After moving to Queenstown at the age of 14, he began to focus more on music, using it as both an outlet and a calling.
In 2017, inspired by Xhosa rap pioneer Kanyi Mavi and artists such as Ma E, Moozlie and KO, he started writing his own material. Through hip hop, especially in isiXhosa, he found a way to tell his story and honour where he comes from.
His breakthrough came with the single “War”, which has surpassed 85,000 streams across digital platforms. The song introduced him to a broader audience and marked a turning point in his career.
Since then, he has continued to build momentum, refining his sound and strengthening his presence as both a rapper and producer.
Looking ahead, Expowzza has expressed interest in collaborating with artists such as Sjava, Mnqobi Yazo, Anzo and Musiholiq.
Outside of music, he enjoys reading, films and anime, particularly Naruto, which inspires ideas around loyalty and determination.
He has said that if music were not part of his life, he would probably still be on the football field. With a clear sense of purpose and respect for the culture he represents, Expowzza is steadily positioning himself as one of the most promising new voices in Xhosa rap.
