It’s been a meteoric rise to fame for South Africa’s newest rap phenom, Blxckie, and the talented producer continues to break the mould…
In the dimly lit studio where dreams are crafted and beats come to life, the young artist known as Blxckie is in his element. Just a few years ago, the name Blxckie was whispered among underground rap circles in South Africa, but today it’s shouted from rooftops, filling airwaves and playlists around the globe. His is a story of passion, grit and raw, undeniable talent.
Taking the leap
The ‘Abekho’ lyricist’s home turf is Durban, a city known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant music scene. Growing up, music was always in the background, a constant companion in his household.
“I listened to a lot of soul, deep house and R&B when I was young. It was played around the house… my bigger brother and so on. That’s what I gravitated to first,” he says. But the muso, nicknamed Somnyama (‘the black one’), fast became interested in writing lyrics to hard-hitting beats. As a teen, he began uploading tracks online, slowly but surely building a fanbase that appreciated his unique blend of melodic hooks and hard-hitting bars.
“I got introduced to FL Studio (Fruity Loops) at an early age, and was just messing around on it with a neighbour of mine, recording over downloaded beats. At the time we were inspired by American hip-hop music but mostly by a local rap group called Squad6ix,” he recalls.
“High school is when I started recording with the intention of putting it out online under the alias ‘Blackie Chan’. And I put out my first single in 2015, on Datafilehost. Things started picking up more around 2019, though, with a collective I became part of called ‘clout internet boyz’. We made music that resonated well amongst the youth in Durban and eventually Johannesburg. I came to Jozi for the first time around then for CottonFest and met Shouldbeyuang and 808sallie.
“Then, I went back about year later and met Yungseruno, Dr Peppa and Lucasraps. Lucas and I put out a song and music video for a song called ‘Big Time Shlappa’, which gained nationwide traction. And in 2021, I released my debut album, B4Now, and have kept going ever since.”
The album was a sonic journey that showcased his versatility, with tracks that ranged from introspective and emotional to high-energy bangers. It’s no wonder he picked up a South African Music Award for Best Hip Hop Album for it.
Every artist has that one moment that changes everything. For Blxckie, it was the release of ‘Big Time Shlappa’. The song, an infectious anthem with a heavy trap beat, catapulted him into the spotlight. The track wasn’t just a song; it was a statement: Blxckie had arrived and he wasn’t going anywhere.
His success led to a flurry of collaborations with some of South Africa’s biggest names, including Nasty C and Flvme, further cementing his place in the local rap pantheon.
IN THE END, I SEE MYSELF AS BEING ONE OF THE BEST ALL-ROUNDER ARTISTS IN AFRICA AND I’M WELL ON THE WAY, WORKING TOWARDS IT EVERY DAY
Developing his sound
Blxckie’s music is often described as a blend of trap, hip-hop and R&B with a distinctly South African flavour. He’s part of a new wave of artists who are redefining what it means to be a rapper in South Africa, infusing their music with local sounds and global influences. But what sets Blxckie apart is his ability to effortlessly switch between genres, creating a sound that’s uniquely his own.
“Pursuing music has taught me that I’m actually very persistent when it comes to making music and achieving all the goals I have that come with it… I did well at school and in university because I thought academics is where my passion is, but when I started making and releasing music, it felt right,” he says. “My sound and lyrics are mostly inspired by the Atlanta hip-hop scene, but I’ve learnt to work on other sounds and themes that reflect where I come from and stories I’ve seen or lived through.
He says he makes music with the intention of invoking some sort of emotion from the person listening, “whether that be something deep and emotional or just very uplifting and fun. What that person could do after listening is what I could describe as my addition to society. I’m also a role model for many kids that look like me to achieve something in their lives,” he continues.
TOURING IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING PARTS OF THIS JOURNEY. I ENJOY PERFORMING. SO HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO IT IN ALL THESE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD IS FULFILLING
His lyrical content is varied, touching on everything from love and heartbreak to the struggles of growing up in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Basically, life is his muse. “In the end, I see myself as being one of the best all-rounder artists in Africa and I’m well on the way, working towards it every day.” Blxckie’s latest EP, see you soon, has been taking over the charts this year, boasting top tracks like ‘all faxx’, ‘show u luv’ and ‘pull up’ – all of which are some of Spotify’s most played hits right now. “I’m finishing up my second album. This EP is a sneak peek into that,” he says.
Catching flights
Signed to Def Jam, earlier this year he went on his first tour with American rapper Bas, alongside Reuben Vincent and Hoosh, at more than 20 venues across the United States. He was incredibly grateful to Bas and the Dreamville family for bringing him along.
“Touring is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I enjoy performing. So having the opportunity to do it in all these different parts of the world is fulfilling,” he says.
“I think the Bas collab was the best, for sure, because through that feature – and also him just being a good person – a lot of doors were opened and I was able to connect with a different type of audience.
CHASING AND ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS DOESN’T NECESSARILY HAVE TO MEAN DRIFTING AWAY FROM YOUR CORE SUPPORT STRUCTURE; THEY REMIND YOU OF YOUR ORIGINAL PURPOSE
Fans can expect more music, more collaborations and more tours, but for now Blxckie is focused on perfecting his craft, pushing boundaries and continuing to be a voice for his generation. “I love making the music, I love performing it and seeing people’s reactions to what I’ve created. I don’t think any of it is ‘irking’. I’m living my dream and there’s nothing to complain about,” he says.
“I’m definitely focusing on growing the brand big enough to put on the best live experience shows I can bring to this country, and also perform out of the country. But I really just want to work on more beautiful music.”
His advice to aspiring young artists grinding out there? Well, he believes in building a legacy that is authentic and staying humble. “Chasing and achieving your goals doesn’t necessarily have to mean drifting away from your core support structure; they remind you of your original purpose… And just remember that everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.”
As the interview ends and Blxckie heads back to work, it’s clear that this young rapper is on a mission. And if his meteoric rise is any indication, Blxckie is destined to become not just a star, but a legend in the making. The world better get ready.
Fast facts
Real Name: Sihle Sithole
Birthday: 24 November 1999 Age: 25
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Home Town: Durban
Q&A
Your Music Icon: Tory Lanez
Fashion Staple: An XL black T-shirt
A Song That Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing: ‘Time’ by Tory Lanez
Describe Yourself in One Word: Greatest
Favourite Travel Destination: Durban, of course!
Vocal Warm-Up Hack: Have some honey
Pet Peeve: Liars
On working with Sportscene Studios
“The ‘Put Me On’ cyphers? That was a dope experience, especially considering the fact that I had entered back in 2020/2021 before I made a name for myself… I believe in the potential of a lot of the young artists in South Africa. So, it was dope to have that platform to give them a chance to showcase their skills. Shoutout to Chaise Williams from Cape Town – who was on my team – for winning the competition!”
Keep up with BLXCKIE
Facebook: Blxckie
Instagram: @blxckie_
X: @blxckie___
TikTok: @blxckie__
Youtube: @blxckie_somnyama
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photographed by: Mishaal Gangaram
Styled by: Katlego Gordana
Digitech: Dayyaan Waja
Lighting Technicians: Hlengiwe Lala & Tsoseletso Lato Mahlatsi
Grooming: Face Beat Studio
Publicist: Kim Sineke
