Award-winning rapper and entrepreneur Big Zulu, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, has opened up about his journey in building Nkabi Nation into more than just a record label.
Born in Bergville South Africa’s biggest names, including Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, and Makhadzi, delivering chart-topping hits such as “Imali Eningi” and “Inhlupheko.” These collaborations have cemented his reputation not only as a rapper but as a brand and industry force.
When it comes to signing talent, Big Zulu said he looks for both skill and ambition. He cited Lwah as an example: “If it’s not talent, it’s because of love. As Lwah mentioned how she joined Nkabi Records, I saw she’s a female who has talent, and she’s a go-getter. She slept on the couch at Mdu’s place.”
For Big Zulu, Nkabi Nation is bigger than music—it’s a movement. “We are not just a record label. We are a movement. We are the voice of the people, and last night proved that the world is listening,” he added, highlighting the cultural impact and growing influence of the brand.
From his humble beginnings in Bergville to leading a powerhouse record label, Big Zulu continues to demonstrate that success in music comes from a mix of talent, persistence, and staying rooted in one’s identity. Nkabi Nation is a testament to that vision, representing both a platform for artists and a voice for the people.