Self-proclaimed king of inkabi rap Big Zulu is dispelling the myth that he is a violent, hostile and angry man.
The hulked up 33-year-old muso is not surprised that he has garnered a bad rap all thanks to the word inkabi (hitman) being a recurring motif in his art.
For Big Zulu, it’s about the clever rhyming of words and honouring his heritage of being a former taxi driver – which I respect and understand.
But that doesn’t stop me from poking holes through his street cred. He seems like an open book as he humours me every step of the way.
We delve into a long list of misconceptions about him over the phone. We agree that inkabi is associated with violent crimes and we both condemn violence.
So why romanticise such a provocative word likened to social ills?
“I think the inspiration behind that was more lyrically inspired,” Big Zulu makes his case.
“It’s known in our society that an inkabi kills, but my interpretation of it is that we are killing them with bars and lyrics," he says.
"There has been criticism around it and I’ve come to terms with it. What’s important is that deep down I know that I’m not violent and don’t promote violence.”
Born Siyabonga Nene in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, Big Zulu has always loved music from a very young age. His biggest influence has been maskandi.
But it wasn’t until he moved to the Vaal in Gauteng that hip hop caught his attention. For years he was a taxi driver and he loved it. After years of juggling it with his music, he took a sho’t left to stardom.
“There came a time for me to just purely focus on my music and it became close to impossible with me being at the taxi rank,” he confesses.
It’s a decision that paid off. The musician's debut album Ushun Wenkabi scooped best freshman/newcomer at the 2018 SA Hip Hop Awards.
His second offering Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe features Ntsiki Mazwai, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta and Kid X. It was nominated for best hip hop album at the SA Music Awards (Samas) this year. Yanga Chief walked away with the award.
“My music speaks to the bone, flesh and blood. It’s music that can be listened to by kids and adults with enjoyment because there is no foul language.”
Staying true to his inkabi brand, Big Zulu has been typecast in various roles as a hitman in TV shows such as Isibaya and Isithembiso. Now, he will once again portray a hitman in SA’s most-watched show Uzalo. He started shooting for the character Sobhuza on Monday.
We then shift to his dating history and an alarming 2018 report in Sunday World in which an ex-lover allegedly opened a case of assault against him.
Big Zulu maintains his innocence and claims he has never laid a hand on a woman in his life.
“I have never laid a hand on a woman. It’s painful when you are perceived as violent in the media and people are not really interested in hearing your side."
He admits however that he has had several baby mama dramas from mothers of his “many daughters and one son”. He laughed off attempts to squeeze the number of daughters out of him.
“I try to be a good father, but it’s difficult. At the end of the day kids need love – whether the parents are together or not.
“What messes us up as young people most of the time is any conflict between the parents end up affecting the kids.”
Aside from music and acting, fashion is another thing that Big Zulu enjoys.
I have run into him on many occasions and he always rocks his stylish Brentwood trousers paired with a knitted crew-neck jersey. It came as no surprise when he teamed up with the brand for their latest campaign. He is also an ambassador for Italian shoe label Carvela.
Big Zulu credits his love for fashion to his father.
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