Welcome to this post about Big Zulu Biography, Age, Songs, Career and Net Worth in 2024, via Afrokonnect. Big Zulu is the stage name by which Siyabonga Nene, a South African rapper, singer, composer, and actor, is known professionally.
After the release of the track “Donsa Nkabi” in 2016, he began to get more attention. Big Zulu has been around for 35 years and was born on April 7th, 1991. This page will include details on Big Zulu’s life, including his biography, age, songs, and net worth.
It will also discuss his personal life. Read on to learn more about Big Zulu, including details on his age, wealth, personal life, music, and more.
Big Zulu Biography, Age, Songs, Career and Net Worth in 2024
Early Life and Background Information
Siyabonga Nene, better known by his stage name Big Zulu, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and actor. He was born and raised in Bergville, which is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Big Zulu was heavily affected by Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s music when he was a youngster, according to him he grew up listening to Isichathamiya and Maskandi music. Because the rapper’s parents struggled to make ends meet, he was forced to start working at a young age to help support the family.
He dropped out of high school and ran into an immediate need for money, so he became a cab driver. The rapper mentioned Maskandi and Scathamiya while discussing the musicians who had the most significant impact on his musical style. Big Zulu is now above 35 years old as he was born on April 7th, 1987. After finishing high school, Big Zulu did not continue his education by enrolling in a postsecondary institution, because he ran into financial issues, which forced him to start working at a young age.
Big Zulu Biography, Age, Songs, Career and Net Worth in 2024
Professional Career in Music Industry
After falling in deep love with Inkabi rap music, the rapper decided to give up his work as a taxi driver in order to devote his whole attention to his music career. The year 2009 marked the beginning of Big Zulu’s career as a songwriter and performer.
After competing in a rap battle tournament hosted by “Back to the City,” he was awarded the title of “King of Rap.” The moniker catapulted him to the forefront of the spotlight in the music business.
On the other hand, it took him another 5 years until he launched his first single, he titled his debut single “Donsa Nkabi,” which was a song that Big Zulu published in 2016. Big Zulu secured a record label contract with Universal Music Records in 2015, his first deal came after having spent a significant amount of time as an independent musician.
His first studio album under the imprint titled Ushun Wenkabi, was released in July of 2018, it included hits such as “Ang’mazi umama” and “Home” that topped several music charts and platforms.
Big Zulu Biography, Age, Songs, Career and Net Worth in 2024
In 2019, he released his second studio album under his own name, titled Ungqongqoshe Wongqoshe. On the album were tracks by Ab Crazy, Mnqobi Yazo, Musiholiq, and Truhitz. Caspper Nyovest also contributed to the success of his project, Big Zulu has given him credit and massive shoutouts for his contributions.
As a result of the album’s many accomplishments, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) awarded it with the gold certification. As the first single for the album, he released his song “Mali Eningi” featuring Intaba Yase Dubai and Ricky Rick on November 20, 2020.
The track premiered at position number 2 in the top 30 charts of Channel 0 and was later recognized as having achieved double platinum status. He made the announcement in January 2021 that he was working on his third album to be recorded in a studio. The third studio album eventually came and his fans were excited with the new release, after making the statement, he followed it up in March of the same year by releasing a song titled “Inhlupheko” which featured Mduduzi Ncube.
The song reached number four on the Shazam rankings and topped the charts on iTunes in South Africa, where it reached number one. He announced the release of a new song named “Umuzi eSandton” on 3 July 2021. In February of 2022, he came out with a song titled “iVolovolo” which featured Xowla. In its first week of release, the song topped the charts in South Africa.
Discography
The following are some of this legendary Rap King songs that have been released officially and non-officially:
- 100 Bars
- Ang’Mazi Umama
- As’Dlali Ney’Ngane
- Big Zulu Ak’Laleki
- Baphel’Amandla
- Big Zulu Ama Million
- Dear Nhlupheko
- Do You Know
- Ushun Wenkabi – 2018 (ALBUM)
- Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe – 2019 (ALBUM)
- Ichwane Lenyoka – 2021 (ALBUM)
- Ukhamba – 2023 (ALBUM)
- Umuzi eSandton (feat. Lwah Ndlunkulu) – 2021 (SINGLE)
- Ivolovolo (feat. Xowla) – 2022 (SINGLE)
- Voicemail – 2022 (SINGLE)
- 150 Bars – 2022 (SINGLE)
- We run the Road (feat. Patoranking and Nasty C) – 2022 (SINGLE)
- Umbayimbayi – 2023 (SINGLE)
Big Zulu Biography, Age, Songs, Career and Net Worth in 2024
Awards and Nominations
The music of Big Zulu has been nominated for and awarded a number of times. At the South African Music Awards (SAMA), he was considered a contender for the award for Best Hip Hop Album.
At the same time, in the same year, his album Ushun Wenkabi was considered for nominations at the South African Hip Hop Awards in the categories of Best Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
The album Zulu won Album of the Year, while the song “Mali Eningi” won Song of the Year. Zulu also won Best Music Video, Best Male, the Ubuntu Activism Award, Best Collaboration, and Best Digital Sales.
Impact and Recognition
Beyond his musical pursuits, Big Zulu is known for his charismatic stage presence and engaging performances. He has graced numerous stages and music festivals across South Africa, captivating audiences with his energetic delivery and stagecraft.
Big Zulu’s impact on the South African music industry extends beyond his musical contributions. He has become an influential figure, inspiring aspiring artists, and promoting cultural pride through his music. His success has paved the way for other Zulu-speaking artists to gain recognition and appreciation in the mainstream music scene. Big Zulu continues to be an active artist, and fans eagerly anticipate new releases and projects from him.
Personal Life and Relationships
Big Zulu, a rapper from South Africa, is now seeing the South African actress Lebogang Makenete. The happy couple become parents to a little girl. On the other hand, he is a parent to two youngsters. Shaka, his son, was born to him by his concubine Bulelwa Nazo. In 2018, he was taken into custody in Gauteng on suspicion of having physically harmed the woman who was the mother of one of his children.
Big Zulu Net Worth in Rands and US Dollars in 2024
According to recent estimates, Big Zulu has a net worth of $300,000 in 2024, which equals over 5,707,500 Million Rands. He makes a huge chunk of his fortune through his music royalties, performance fees and personal investment, If you convert that into South African Rand, Big Zulu’s net worth will be somewhere around ZAR 5,618,100.
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Social media influence and Handles
You may keep up with your favorite rapper Big Zulu by following him on Instagram at @BigZulu_zn in the meanwhile. Also on Facebook under the handle @BigZulu.
Profile Summary
Birth Name: | Siyabonga Nene |
Date of Birth: | 7 April, 1987 |
Age: | 35 years old |
Nationality: | South African |
Occupation: | Rapper, songwriter, actor, poet |
Label: | Nkabi Records |
Net Worth: | $300,000 (ZAR 3,745,400 to ZAR 5,618,100) |
Summary
Big Zulu, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, is a prominent South African rapper and songwriter. He was born on April 7, 1987, in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Big Zulu gained significant popularity in the South African music industry with his unique style of rapping, which combines elements of traditional Zulu music with contemporary hip-hop.
Big Zulu’s rise to fame can be attributed to his hit single “Ama Million” featuring Cassper Nyovest and Musiholiq, which garnered millions of views on YouTube and topped the South African music charts. The song showcased Big Zulu’s skillful flow, lyrical prowess, and ability to effortlessly switch between Zulu and English languages.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Big Zulu has released several successful singles and albums, earning him a loyal fan base in South Africa and beyond. His music often touches on social issues, cultural pride, and personal experiences, resonating with listeners who appreciate his storytelling abilities and authentic style.
Big Zulu’s notable projects include his debut album “Ushun Wenkabi” (2018), which received critical acclaim and showcased his ability to address sensitive topics while maintaining a catchy sound. He has also collaborated with various artists in the South African music scene, further expanding his reach and influence.
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