Bergville-born rapper and record label owner, Big Zulu, will celebrate his 40th birthday with his oBonjaneni village people, eMazizini, Bergville, this weekend in a feast where several cattle will be slaughtered.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES Independent Newspapers
Bergville-born rapper Big Zulu will mark his 40th birthday by celebrating with the community where he grew up on April 4.
The musician, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, said he plans to host a birthday celebration at his family home in oBonjaneni village, eMazizini, in Bergville.
"I will be thanking the gift of life and the Lord for keeping me and blessing me this far," said the rapper, who founded Inkabi Records.
He added that several cattle will be slaughtered for the birthday feast.Since announcing the event, he has already received four cattle as birthday gifts.
Among those who have contributed are house musician Malungelo Sir with a gift of one cow and Benny Spice, donated three cattle.
Big Zulu grew up in a poor household in Bergville and began supporting his family at a young age by working as a taxi driver.
In earlier interviews he revealed that he'd brace the snow-crested Drakensberg Mountain barefoot as the family couldn't afford him shoes.
His passion for music later led him into hip hop after he was inspired by the late ProKid.
Today, he is one of South Africa’s most sought-after rappers performing in isiZulu, with major hits such as Imali Eningi, Home, Umbayimbayi, AmaMillion and Umuzi eSandton and many more.
Through Inkabi Records, he also mentors and manages several artists, including Lwah Ndlunkulu, Siya Ntuli, Xowla and Fanatic SA.
The birthday celebration is expected to bring together fans, friends and community members as the rapper returns to his roots to mark the milestone.