Taxi industry inspired rapper Nene

THE country’s first “Inkabi” rap taxi driver, now turned hip hop artist – Big Zulu – was in East London this week to promote his latest single Donsa Nkabi.

The KwaZulu-Natal rapper, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, said his music was inspired by his rural upbringing and the taxi industry.

Speaking yesterday while on his promotional tour, Nene said “Inkabi” was a slang term used in the taxi industry to describe a lethal hitman.

As a punchline fanatic and Zulu language advocate, Nene said he aimed to use words in his music to give hope and motivation to people who had come from a similar background.

“Unlike other rappers, I was not born in the township, I don’t do Kasi rap. I come from the rural areas and I grew up surrounded by taxi men,” said Nene, who worked as a taxi driver for five years.

“We had a taxi business at home and I would drive the taxi during the hotter seasons. That taxi life is what I know and that is what inspires me,” he said.

Now based in Johannesburg, Nene said being signed to one of the country’s biggest labels has not changed anything about his life. He still prefers to spend time with taxi drivers.

“You will always see me at the hostel or taxi rank. I hardly go to the suburbs. I believe that in order to stay relevant and true to your craft, you must always stay connected with what inspires you,” he said. Nene received his big break last year after catching the ear of Ntokozo Sithole, personal trainer to Universal Music affiliate Demor Sikhosana, while performing at an event. Sithole then went on to play Nene’s music to Sikhosana who offered him a recording deal. “I have been making music since 2008 but Donsa Nkabi is the first single since I got signed to Universal Music.” Nene said he would be coming back to East London to do a show when his album is out. —