The rapper and songwriter Big Zulu, known for his hit singles like "Imali Eningi" and "Umbayimbayi", has opened up about his journey to joining the music industry.

In an interview with David Mashabela on the King David Studio podcast, he shared how growing up in Bergville - a small village located in Drakensberg, music was always a significant part of his life. In his village, music was not just entertainment but a way of life.

“Even now, when we’re sitting together with other men, I’m always the first person to break out and start singing,” said Big Zulu, whose given name is Siyabonga Nene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbHu57kXXBU

From a young age, Big Zulu stated that he was exposed to various types of music that reflected different emotions and situations. Whether it was music for fighting, happiness, or love, music was a language that everyone understood and appreciated.

These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career as an artist. He said it was in school, in Johannesburg that the artist discovered his passion for rapping.

Attending hip hop sessions in the Vaal, he sharpened his craft and developed his unique style.

“I used to see kids carrying backpacks, rapping, and I'd ask them what they were doing. So I ended up adopting it,” he admitted.

Despite working as a taxi driver at the time, the “Inhlupheko” hitmaker made time to pursue his music career, often leaving his taxi at the rank to attend rap battles and competitions.

One such competition, the ‘Back to your City’ competition, proved to be a turning point for Big Zulu.

“In 2013, I became the first person to win the Red-Bull ‘Back to the city’ competition,” said the artist.

Even as he gained recognition and honour for his work at the SA hip hop awards, the artist said he would often drive his taxi to events where he would receive the awards.

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