MDOOVAR
Mdoovar’s Chom Yam featuring Sir Trill and Mhawkeys has reached over 400 000 views in the last seven months.
Mdoovar says that his grandfather was one of his biggest influences for getting into the music scene.
His mother nicknamed him Father Christmas because he would often give away a lot of his own belongings.
His love for producing was sparked by one of his close friends Sanele Sithole, who also happens to be a DJ and is known as Sun-El Musician.
Mdoovar has said that he would rather be influential and has no desire to be famous.
SIR TRILL
Sir Trill had a falling out with De Mthuda over the shooting of the music video John Wick but we’re able to set aside their differences and create the masterpiece Emlanjeni.
Sir Trill was nominated for best Amapiano Collaboration in the 2021 South African AmaPiano music awards for the song ‘Isingisi’ with Semi Tee & Mdu Aka Trp.
He describes himself as just a boy from the hood and he used to go by the name T- Diablo.
He grew up in Soweto where he started his music career and grew from there.
DA MUZIQAL CHEF
Da Muziqal’s Chef’s real name is Tshepo Bure.
He was born and raised in the heart of Soweto, where he discovered his passion for music.
He featured on the song Emlanjeni with De Mthuda and Sir Trill and has since gained over 2 million views on YouTube.
PRINCE KAYBEE
Prince Kaybee was born on the 15th of June 1989 in Senekal, South Africa.
He has 35 Siblings. His father had 36 children and he was the youthful child and also his mother’s only child.
His real name is Kabelo Motsamai.
He has over 130 000 followers on Instagram.
He was nominated for 5 awards at the 15th Metro FM Awards.
BUSISWA
Busiswa was introduced to Sir Bubzin through a friend while she was performing at a live poetry reading. Sir Bubzin invited her to the studio while he was producing the song “Syaphambana” and suggested featuring her performing poems on the track.
Busiswa received two nominations at the 25th South African Music Awards in 2019 for the Best Dance Album and Best Female category for her critically acclaimed album “Summer Life”.
Busiswa featured on Beyoncé’s “The Lion King: The Gift” album on the song ‘My Power’ back in 2019.
Busiswa released her third studio album in 2020 shying away from her usual Dance and Gqom sounds and crossing over to AmaPiano.
Busiswa received a nomination for Best Female act of 2021 at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
NOMFUNDO MOH
Her love and passion for music started when she joined and sang in the church choir.
She got the nickname “Moh” after her family described her as energetic like a mosquito.
She is in her final year of her bachelor degree in Social Work and is finding it challenging balancing both school and her music career.
She wants people to know they are not alone and this is transpired in her music. She tackles depreciation and issues in young people’s lives through her music.
GWEN STEFANI
Gwen Stefani’s favourite colour is yellow because it makes her happy.
Gwen’s Stefani is not a natural blond. Her colourist, Danilo Dixon, says that he dyes her hair every week with a bleach-free formula.
The song Hollaback Girl came about after Courtney Love dissed her in Seventeen magazine. The former Hole frontwoman claimed that Gwen wasn’t a rockstar and that she’s “just a cheerleader.”
Gwen was up for the role of Mrs Smith. She has starred in a couple of films including The Aviator and Trolls. However, one role she didn’t end up getting was Jane Smith for Mr & Mrs Smith.
Gwen is dyslexic. Despite her reading issues, she has gone on to have great success and pushed through her struggles.
SAWEETIE
In December 2020, Saweetie slammed her label Warner for releasing her song with Doja Cat, ‘Best Friends’, without her permission.
Saweetie and actress Gabrielle Union are cousins.
Saweetie’s real name is Diamonté Harper. Her stage name comes from a nickname that her grandmother gave her as a child.
Saweetie became well known online by posting videos of herself freestyling over old-school rap beats in her car.
After her freestyle over Khia’s 2002 hit “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” went viral, ‘ICY GRL’ was born. She released a studio version with an official music video in October 2017 which has since amassed over 20 million views!
MI CASA
Mi Casa’s Mo-T launched a cancer awareness project in 2020.
J Something moved to Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, South Africa when he was seven years old.
- Duda was born in 1981 on July the 18th at Mathyssen Loop kwaNdebele in Mpumalanga Province.
DR.Duda’s real names are Sipho Philemon Mphahlaza.
Mo-T’sreal name is Moshe Kgasoane.
YOUNOTUS
The duo played in front of a huge international crowd at the official New Year’s Eve party at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate in 2019.
In 2016, the duo featured on “Please Tell Rosie” by German DJ/producer Alle Farben, which peaked at number 2 in Austria and number 3 in Germany.
The song “Please Tell Rosie” earned the duo a nomination for “Best Single” for the 1LIVE Krone radio award.
In 2019, they were nominated for the German radio award 1LIVE Krone in the category “Best Dance Act”.
After another collaboration with Alle Farben and Kelvin Jones named “Only Thing We Know” in 2018, they released a cover of Liquido’s 90s top hit “Narcotic” together with Janieck and Senex who was former frontman of Liquido.
DA L.E.S
He is estimated to be worth two million dollars in 2020.
In 2008, he became known as a legit rapper and lyric composer through his album, Fresh O Def, which was nominated in the SAMA and MAMA awards.
Mampe was born in Washington DC, America in 1985.
Da L.E.S got involved in making music whilst he was still in America at a young age.
Da L.E.S is just a moniker his real name is actually Leslie Jonathan Mamape.
MOOZLIE
Moozlie was born Nomuzi Mabena on the 22nd of September 1992!
She’s passionate about protecting the rights of women and children in SA.
Brenda Fassie is her ultimate role model. She has always loved her since she was a little girl.
Her motto for life is tattooed on her collarbone in Latin. ‘Where there’s life, there’s hope’ printed in Latin under her clavicle – a reminder to remain optimistic, even through adversity.
She grew up in Rynfield, Benoni, a small suburb in the East Rand. She was raised by her mom and dad and she also has an older sister.
DRAKE
Drake started as an actor in a Canadian teen drama called Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Drake played the role of a basketball star left disabled after a school shooting.
Drake was mercilessly bullied at school for being a mixed-race Jewish kid with acting and hip-hop aspirations.
At 19, Drake moved to LA to be a songwriter and wound up as one of many writers working for Dr Dre’s Aftermath Records.
‘Drake’ is the rapper’s stage name. Forget ‘ChampagnePapi’ or ‘6 God’, his full name is actually ‘Aubrey Drake Graham’.
Drake’s father, Dennis Graham was a drummer who worked with Jerry Lee Lewis while his uncle, Larry Graham, played bass for Prince.
FUTURE
Future’s government name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn.
Future’s former fiancee singer Ciara has a tattoo of the letter “N” on her ring finger for Nayvadius.
His stage name was born when members of the hip-hop musical collective, The Dungeon Family, called him “The Future.”
Future wrote the hook for Ludacris’ “Blueberry Yum Yum.”
As a kid, he learned the lyrics to all of Too $hort’s songs.
YOUNG THUG
Young Thug was born Jeffrey Williams in 1992, in Atlanta and is the second youngest of 11 children.
Young Thug became a Grammy award-winning artist in 2019 for his work on Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” which was named Song of the Year 2019.
Young Thug was featured on the front cover of Dazed magazine in 2015 wearing a Gucci lace top and a sheer tulle dress.
Young Thug has always preferred women’s clothes because they’re slimmer than men’s.
Young Thug caught the attention of Gucci Mane after releasing three instalments of a mixtape series titled ‘I Came from Nothing’.
THE KID LAROI
The Kid Laroi’s idols are XXXTentacion, Lil Peep and Juice World. His debut mixtape F*ck Love (2020) peaked at number one on the Australian ARIA Charts.
The Kid Laroi recorded his debut EP ’14 With A Dream’ when he was just 14 years old.
His great-great-grandfather was Aboriginal he was part of the Kamilaroi tribe, Kid Laroi’s took his name from his heritage.
Laroi has said in interviews that he and his mother sometimes lived hand-to-mouth as his mother sold drugs to get by.
JUSTIN BIEBER
Justin Bieber’s mentor is the famous actor Will Smith. Will confirmed that the pair talks at least once per week.
Bieber is bilingual, speaking both French and English. It is not a surprise since Bieber is originally from Ontario, a French-Canadian province.
Before becoming a famous star, Justin Bieber dreamed of being an architect, stating that it would have been his career choice if his musical career had not taken off at such a young age.
Justin Beiber knows how to play the trumpet, guitar, piano, and drums.
In addition to Usher, Bieber said that his biggest musical influences are Justin Timberlake, Craig David, Chris Brown, and Ne-yo.
SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA
The supergroup placed at number ten on the DJ Magazine Top 100 DJ Poll 2011 and has been regarded as “the faces of mainstream progressive house music.”
The first production released was “Get Dumb”. It was produced with Laidback Luke and released in 2007.
The trio, consisting of Swedes Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Axwell, got together in the early 2000s to play house music and grew to become one of the most successful artists.
Swedish House Mafia collaborated with John Martin on two Grammy-nominated hits. John Martin is best known as the voice on the trio’s hit ‘Don’t You Worry Child,’ which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
MARSHMELLO
Marshmello’s real name is Christopher Comstock.
Christopher Comstock’s career actually didn’t start with Marshmello, but under his other alias, Dotcom.
Marshmello decided to move to Los Angeles, where he pursued his music career.
In 2017, it was announced that Marshmello had become one of the highest-paid DJs in the world.’
Marshmello donated half a million dollars to the KIND Foundation (Kids In Need Defense).
JONAS BROTHERS
Nick, Kevin, and Joe donate 10% of their earnings to charity. They have a foundation called the Change for Children Foundation which aims to support the American Diabetes Foundation.
Nick Jonas, the youngest of the three brothers has performed in several Broadway plays.
Joe Jonas once guest judged on American Idol.
Nick created his own band called Nick Jonas and the Administration.
The brothers are the youngest band yet to be on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
DA BABY
He began his career rapping under the name ‘Baby Jesus’ until 2017.
DaBaby gained national attention in 2017 at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. It wasn’t his live performance that turned heads, though. He was walking around in a diaper.
He was involved in a shooting at Walmart in 2018.
Roc Nation signed DaBaby, but both parties parted ways before the news was announced.
At the beginning of his career, DaBaby had to pay for features, and they weren’t cheap. In a March 2019 interview with The Breakfast Club, the rapper recalled the time he paid Boosie $15K to appear on one of his songs.
LIL WAYNE
His initial rap name was inspired by New Orleans bounce rapper Pimp Daddy, who had a hit single called ‘Gots Ta Be Real’ in the early-to-mid ’90s.
His first album was released when he was 11 years old.
The Young Money leader started carrying a gun when he was also 11.
In 2005, it was rumoured he was replacing Young Jeezy in the group, and T.I. was even supposed to join Wayne.
From 1997 to 2012, Wayne recorded at least 597 guest features.
He once pulled a cleaver knife on his mother’s second husband, Terry.
TYLA
Tyla is her birth name Tyla and her surname is Seethal.
Tyla was born on the 30th of January 30, 2002, making her an ama 2000 baby.
Popular social media star and singer who is best known for her Tyllasa TikTok account where she posts comedy, lip-sync, and singing videos. She has accumulated over 160,000 followers on the platform.
She and her sister have a YouTube channel called Sydney and Tyla.
Her dream collaborations are Wizkid and Doja Cat.
KOOL DRINK
Kooldrink is a South African disc jockey, sound engineer and record producer.
Kooldrink started experimenting with electronic music when he was a kid, securing a resident DJ slot on the 5fm Ultimix at 13.
At 16, Kooldrink participated at the H20 Festival, earning an international recording deal on the strength of his performance at the festival.
Kooldrink has collaborated with some of South Africa’s notable voices, including DJ Maphorisa, Shane Eagle, YoungstaCPT, and Sho Madjozi.
Besides music, the songster has had a stint as a model, appearing on Boss Models South Africa, reportedly the first international agency in the country.
MANQONQO
Manqonqo says that he was ripped off for his hit song Eyadini released in 2018. He claims that he was not paid what was due to him and only received R4000 from the song.
Manqonoqo’s big summer hit Eyadini placed second in the 2018 SABC song of the year contest after Prince Kaybee’s Banomoya.
Manqonqo born, Mlungisi Buthelezi, is from Zwelitsha Adams Mission, the South of Durban in KZN.
Manqonqo started singing in 2014, he then met DJ Airic who was known for producing beats, Manqonqo took the opportunity and asked him to produce beats for him. DJ Airic has been producing his beats ever since.
Manqonoqo’s says that he is inspired by local music artists such as DJ Tira and DJ Cleo
DASON
Dason says that he would describe himself as loyal, patient and kind.
Dason would rather be single and committed to his music-making than be committed to a relationship right now.
Dason’s music career began in 2012 when he was only in grade 7.
Dason says that his proudest accomplishment was featuring on the song Eyadini with Manqonqo.
He is currently working on a brand new single called Skabaxoela, and is planning on dropping it real soon!
WIZKID
Wizkid began his singing career at the tender age of 11 years old. He went by the stage name Lil Prinz.
On his 23rd birthday, he spent N300 million popping champagne.
WizKid’s very first collab was with none other than superstar Akon on his song ‘Don’t Dull’ remix.
He is the youngest African African to get a Grammy nomination and even bagged seven Billboard nominations.
WizKid is the first afro-pop artist to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records.
TEMS
Wizkid’s Essence ft. Tems peaks at #8 on US Apple Music. No other African song has entered the Top 100 of the US Apple Music Top Songs.
Tems was arrested in Uganda while there for a live performance in December 2020 for violating COVID 19 safety laws. Luckily she was released and charges were dropped.
The rising star is well known by her stage name Tems however, her real name is Temilade Openiyi.
Tems single ‘ Try Me’ was released in August of 2019 and has racked up an impressive 4 million views on YouTube.
Before ever rising to stardom, Tems would perform mini-concerts in her brother’s room with her guitar at hand.
MOOSKI
Mooski’s real name is Darien Hinton and he grew up in Alabama.
He is best known for his song “Track Star”, which is going viral on TikTok with a whopping 555.7 million views and growing.
Mooski joined the Marines after completing his high school education. He served there for two terms before getting into the music world.
Mooski has a self-titled YouTube channel, which he opened on October 13, 2020. He uploaded his first song on YouTube, titled “Peak’N”.
His first song also features other rappers such as UnderGod Gwalla and StunnaC4. It helped recognize him as a rising rapper.