SZA
SZA co-wrote the track ‘Consideration’, which she landed up giving to Rihanna’s for her 8th studio album ‘Anti’ to impress rapper and producer, Pharrell Williams.
SZA was raised as an orthodox Muslim and found inspiration for her stage name from the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA. The R stands for Sovereign, the Z for zig-zag and the A stands for Allah.
SZA initially wanted to work at an aquarium and studied marine biology at University.
SZA wolfed down two marijuana-laced brownies and had a bad reaction which in turn got her fired from the clothing store Diesel.
In 2014, SZA co-wrote Nicki Minaj and Beyonce’s hit song ‘Feeling Myself’.
WIZKID
Wiz Kid first started singing at 11 years old under the stage name Lil Prinz.
The first album Wiz Kid released was with a band he formed called Glorious 5 and sold 10,000 copies.
In April 2012, E.M.E signed a joint deal with Wizkid with Akon’s Konvict.
Wizkid’s first International Collaboration was with Akon on ‘Don’t Dull’ the Remix.
Wizkid is the first African pop star to perform/sell out Royal Albert Hall in London.
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.
STOGIE T
Stogie T’s estimated net worth is 12 million dollars. He racked up this impressive net worth from performances, album sales, YouTube views, endorsement deals, properties and investments.
Stogie T’s real name is actually Tumi Molekane.
Stogie T attended Bible school and received his certifications in theology.
Freestyle Friday started as lockdown content but is now a fully-fledged TV show.
Stogie T’s Freestyle Fridays’ on social media began as lockdown content to help South Africans get their groove on from home and has now become an official TV show.
Stogie T has started working on starting a podcast network, a venture in which he collaborates with Culture Capital.
NASTY C
Nasty C started rapping at the tender age of 9 years old.
Nasty C was heavily influenced in his sound by his older brother who was once a producer.
In 2019 Nasty C was the only South African artist nominated for a BET Hip Hop award in the Best International Flow category.
From the beginning of his rap career, Nasty C has been influenced by hip hop greats such as T.I.
Nasty C’s role model is none other than our very own AKA. Nasty C got to meet and open for him in 2013 at his Alter-Ego nationwide album launch.
INTABA YASE DUBAI
Intaba YaseDubai landed a deal with one of SA’s leading record labels, Ambitiouz Entertainment.
Intaba YaseDuba began his music career back in high school when he was in Grade 9.
Intaba YaseDubai’s stage name is rooted in wanting a name as majestic and expensive as the Dubai skyline. He has described his name as an experience he wants his listeners to have.
Amabunjwa was the first record label Intaba YaseDubai was signed under by ‘Maskandi’ artist Phumlani Imfezemnyama Khumalo’s. This is where Intaba released his EP titled, Calarfoniam which was released in 2019.
Intaba YaseDubai was not always adored by fans, his stage performances were either cut short or he would get kicked off stage because the audience would not respond to his sound.
RAZZI RAZZ
Razzi Razz’s real name is Kelly M Alexander.
In 2002 Razzi entered his then school’s l talent show & won.
In 2017 Razzi signed to Universal Music Group & released “It’s About To Go Down” in 2018, which did very well on MTV Base, MTV & BET.
Razzi Razz has worked with a host of musical talent from upcoming to superstar level such as Nigerian superstar Ice Prince, Mo Cheddah, SA rap legend Mr Selwyn & SA music legend Chicco Twala.
TEKNO
Popularly known as Tekno Miles, born Augustine Miles Kelechi Edgar is also known as the Golden Boy of Africa and Slim Daddy.
Tekno was born on the 17th of December 1992.
Tekno enrolled in a music school at the young age of 8, where he learned and mastered the rudiments of playing the piano and guitar.
Tekno Miles was scouted by popular comedian, Julius Agwu at an event in Abuja. Tekno had thrilled the audience with his performance of a song titled “Onye Ne Kwu”, his cover of Ice Prince’s “Oleku”.
Tekno Miles is not only a superb musician-producer but an amazing dancer as well.
MAFIKIZOLO
Throughout Mafikizolo’s career, they have won three SAMA’S. They were nominated for numerous local and international awards such as the BET Awards, an All African Music Award and a Black Canadian Award.
In 2015, Mafikizolo performed with Akon in Wembley stadium and collaborated with Diamond Platnumz & Dj Maphorisa.
In February of 2015, Mafikizolo embarked on their first South African tour. They launched a six-city tour with the release of their album Reunited.
Mafikizolo’s ‘Thandolwethu’ is co-written by singer and songwriter Msaki.
MIGOS
The Migos real names are Quavious Keyate Marshall (Quavo), Kirshnik Khari Ball ( Offset) and Kiari Kendrell Cephus( Takeoff).
Before deciding on the name Migo’s the group called themselves “Polo Club”.
Biggie and Tupac largely influence their image, saying they love the rap icons’ vintage look of gold, silk and the ancient pharaoh vibe.
The Migos are largely influenced in their style by the late iconic rappers Notorious BIG and Tupac Shakur.
In 2016 Kanye West tried to sign the Migo’s to his record label, G.O.O.D Music but the deal fell through and they signed with Motown and Capitol Records in February 2017
The inspiration behind the name Migo’s is the Spanish word ‘Amigos’ which means friend. However, the word is used as slang and alludes to an abandoned house that is used as a ‘trap house’ to sell and make drugs in.
NJOMZA
Njomza was discovered by the late Mac Miller through her cover songs on Youtube and later signed to his record label.
Njomza Vitia was born in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, to Albanian parents.
Njomza co-wrote the hit songs ‘ 7 Rings’ and ‘Thank U, Next’ for Ariana Grande.
Njomza started her career in music in an alternative band called Scarlett. The band had a strong following but was dismantled in 2011.
In 2015 Njomza’s single ‘Creatures of the Night’ was produced by Mac Miller as well as Earl Sweatshirt.
ARI LENNOX
Ari Lennox was born in Salter in Northern Virginia on March 26, 1991.
Ari Lennox is surprisingly not the star’s birth name. Her birth name is Courtney Shanade. She received inspiration for her stage name from Mary Lennox, a character from the film ‘The Secret Garden’.
Ari Lennox is the first female artist signed to J.Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records.
Ari Lennox was on the soundtrack for the film Creed 2 in 2018 with J.Cole.
Ari Lennox track, ‘ Shea Butter Baby’ was accompanied by a music video on February 20, 2019, and surpassed 3 million views on YouTube within the first week.
Ari Lennox confessed that she used to steal CDs from her dad when she was a child.
JUSTIN BIEBER
Justin Bieber met his now-wife Hailey Baldwin in 2009 at one of his concerts. Making her One less Lonely Girl.
Outside of the studio and stage, Justin Bieber shows off his talent and plays in celebrity basketball.
Justin Bieber won a Grammy in 2016 for his ‘ Where are you now and a Latin Grammy in 2017 for Despacito.
Justin Bieber is one of the Top 10 most-followed accounts on Instagram. He has over 180 Million followers and counting.
Justin Bieber is one of the youngest artists to have five number 1 albums in the USA.
DANIEL CAESAR
Daniel Caesar earned critical acclaim with his 2014 debut EP, Praise Break.
Daniel Caesar 2016 single ‘Get You’ racked up over 10 million streams on Apple Music since its release. In addition, it gained over 25 million streams on Spotify.
Daniel Caesar’s father has been in the Gospel music industry for years. His fathers career in music inspired him to start a career in music as well.
Mary J. Blige Is One of Daniel Caesar’s Biggest Fans.
Daniel Caesar was kicked out of his high school, he was caught selling weed to his classmates.
SAWEETIE
Saweetie’s song ‘Best Friend’ with Doja Cat was released by her record label Warner without permission in December 2020.
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 went viral after she released a freestyle over Khia’s 2002 hit “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)”.
Saweetie rose to fame from posting videos of herself freestyling over old school rap beats in her car.
DRAKEO THE RULER
While Drakeo the Ruler was still in prison he dropped his critically acclaimed album ‘Thank You for Using GTL’ produced by Joog SZN.
Drakeo the Ruler’s real name is Darrell Caldwell
Drakeo the Ruler was discovered by DJ Mustard, who remixed his song “Mr Get Dough”. It became his breakout song in 2015 and has amassed over 6.2 million YouTube views.
After Drakeo the Ruler was released from prison in November 2017, he recorded a 16-track mixtape, Cold Devil, in 10 days, and released it the following month.
Drakeo the Ruler was arrested again in March 2012 for first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The charges were based on the 2016 shooting in Carson, California.
DOJA CAT
Doja Cat is of course only a stage name, her real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini.
Doja Cat is of South African descent, however, she has publicly spoken about her estranged relationship with her father, Yizo Yizo actor Dumisani Dlamini.
Doja Cat began her career by making and releasing music on the online platform SoundCloud as a teenager.
Doja Cat’s career has skyrocketed as she has collaborated with leading female rappers including Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and Saweetie.
Doja Cat achieved viral status in 2018 thanks to her song, Mooo, which she released with a pixelated home music video that showcased Doja’s rapping skills, creativity and singing ability.
BRYSON TILLER
Bryson Tiller’s producer Foreign Tek was accused of stealing J.Cole’s producers Vinylz and Boi-1da instrumental.
Bryson Tiller’s biggest hit single ‘Don’t’ was made on a very low budget of only $600.
Before fame, Bryson Tiller was a struggling musician and often slept in his car.
Drake offered Bryson Tiller a record deal at OVO Sound because he was so impressed by Tiller’s debut album ‘TRAPSOUL’ that he personally texted him with the opportunity. However, after lots of consideration, he turned him down in favour of a deal at RCA.
Bryson Tiller started out trying to become a songwriter before stepping into a singer/rapper role.
AKA
AKA’s real name is Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
He’s collaborated with many other South African artists, including Khuli Chana, Pro, K.O, Stogie T, Anatii, and Nigerian star Burna Boy.
AKA recently lost his fiance Nellie Tembe to a freak accident at a hotel in Cape Town. She fell to her death from the 10th floor.
AKA is a multi-award winner, having bagged SAMAs, Channel O Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards
Aka released an app in conjunction with Vodacom called The AKA Beam World App.
DJ KHALED
During his rise, Dj Khaled produced beats under the name Beat Novacane, for artists like Fat Joe, Terror Squad, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Ludacris and more A-List talents.
DJ Khaled once served jail time in the early ’90s for driving with a suspended license. He served one month in jail.
DJ Khaled has said that his musical influences are the two most iconic titans in American music history, Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones.
DJ Khaled is a published author, he wrote a book titled, The Keys in 2016. The book made the New York Times Best Seller list.
DJ Khaled’s net worth is estimated to be over $35 million.
NAS
Nas has two BET Hip Hop awards and a Sports Emmy award. He’s been nominated for 13 Grammy awards, four of them being for Best Rap Album for his albums “I AM “, “Hip Hop Is Dead,” “Nas” and “Life Is Good.”
Nas also doubled as an actor. He has starred in numerous films like “Belly,” “In Too Deep” and “Ticker.”
Nas made his daughter Destiny Executive Producer on Stillmatic so she would always receive royalty checks from the album.
Nas sold a painting he had done for $14,000 at Art Basel Miami. The profits went to charity.
Nas used to call himself Kid Wave back in the ’90s
JAY Z
Jay Z shot his older brother for stealing his jewellery at the age of 12.
During the early 1990s, Jay-Z would fill in as a freestyling hype man for Big Daddy Kane.
Jay Z spent $28 million (R392 million) on him and his wife Beyonce’s new wheels, a custom-made Rolls-Royce Boat Tail.
Jay Z apologised for how vulgar his chartbuster song ‘Big Pimpin’ released in the early 2000s was.
Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy featured on his song ‘Glory’ when she was just two days old.
ANITTA
Anitta made her debut with another international star, Cardi B, with their single Me Gusta which gained over 15 million views on YouTube.
Anitta was discovered by the producers of Furacao 2000 in 2010 after she posted a video of herself singing on YouTube.
In Alesso’s music video for “Is That for Me,” Anitta suggested part of the video be filmed at the caves in the Amazon rainforest after a fan told her about it on Instagram.
Anitta comes from a very poor background and neighbourhood in Brazil. Her dad wanted her to study business administration because singing was for “rich people.”
Her sensual music video for “Vai Malandra” reached 15 million views in 24 hours.