On Monday, 21 August, South African hip-hop artist IFani – real name Mzayifani Mzondeleli Boltina was interviewed on The Hustler’s Corner SA by DJ Sbu and got candid about some of the factors that contributed to him stepping back from his career and laying low.

The 37-year-old Mthatha-born hip-hop rap artist is best known for his banger hits titled Shake, Chocolate & Vanilla, Ewe, and several others. He left the music industry for nearly six years due to the immense pressures of the music industry and other personal reasons.

During an interview on DJ Sbu’s podcast, IFani said that he didn’t intentionally take a break from making music and revealed that his daughter was born and “life just happened”. On top of that, he had been clashing with the late rapper, AKA – real name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes who was killed on 10 February in Durban.

At the time, the late rappers AKA, HHP, ProKid, and Khuli Chana were the big dogs in the rap game, IFani recalled. He shared that he and AKA didn’t get along and that took him by surprise because it was as though the slain rapper was intimidated by him stepping into his territory – music-wise of course – which was not even possible as a Xhosa rapper whose music was popular mostly in the Eastern Cape.

“That thing really got me confused. It got me lost as an artist and as a human being… that wasn’t the only thing, that was just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said.

IFani didn’t want to get into too much detail about his beef with AKA and looked extremely uncomfortable even sharing the little that he had. DJ Sbu on the other hand added that it wouldn’t be in good taste to speak ill of the late rapper as he wouldn’t be able to tell his side of the story.

IFani
IFani slams record label for hogging his money. Image via Twitter @Ambitiouz_Ent
MORE ABOUT THE XHOSA RAPPER
IFani expressed that his need to soul search also influenced him to take a step back from music. Eventually when he had, he said there were some perks including learning more about the people that he surrounded himself with and seeing their true colours and intentions.

“There were times I didn’t want this fame no more,” he added.

The Xhosa rapper had previously relocated to Port Elizabeth to get away from the big city, Johannesburg, ZiMoja reported. His career has since been on a slippery slope as he had previously attempted to make a comeback in the music scene. However, this time around, the Milli hitmaker’s music career has not taken off. Instead, he has been at loggerheads with his former record company Universal Music which has reportedly blocked him from receiving his money for one of his well-known songs.

The Inde hitmaker promoted his upcoming music in style, getting a mini makeover we didn’t see coming.

He had to promote it from the gym, and many were impressed. Taking to social media, he shared a video in the gym while lifting weights and captioned it: “Fetching my life! KWELIZAYO drops 25th of August.”

 

 

No doubt the video has since gained thousands of reactions and comments since it dropped on the internet.

In the backdrop of the now-viral video, some poked fun at his choice of gym wear. He was cladding a designer shirt, woollen hat and shades. He was way too smart for the gym.

Heavy K teases ‘Kwelizayo’
Heavy K teases ‘Kwelizayo’ with a workout video. Images from @HeavykDrumboss
The star has been off the hook of late and kept his private life under wraps, leaving many to guess.

Despite being among the most celebrated musicians, the star hasn’t dropped music lately, leaving many concerned. After all, it seems he was cooking something for his fans and promised Mzansi a hit.

ALSO READ: Heavy K defends Chris Excel – but backtracks soon afterwards

CAREER
Heavy K had his shot to fame in 2007 when he produced Professor’s smash hit ‘Lento’ at 16.

Six years later, he went on to drop his studio album Respect The Drumboss. Since then, he has been winning big as a producer and singer.

JOSEPH SHABALALA: MUSIC IS MY LIFE
The documentary is titled ‘Music is My Life – The Story of Joseph Shabalala‘ and will soon light up our living rooms according to FilmOptionInternational. This two-hour masterpiece was meticulously filmed over a span of five years.

It promises an intimate portrayal of the man who captivated the world with his legendary group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Joseph Shabalala’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is a story that has tugged at the heartstrings of fans across the globe. It’s a tale of talent, passion, and perseverance that touched the souls of millions.

Joseph Shabalala posing in front of records and with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Image: Instagram via @ladysmithblackmambazo60
Joseph Shabalala posing in front of records and with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Image: Instagram via @ladysmithblackmambazo60
ALSO READ: Thandiswa Mazwai to give an exclusive preview of ‘Sankofa’ Album’

RARE FOOTAGE
His remarkable contribution to Paul Simon’s groundbreaking ‘Graceland‘ album catapulted him to fame, and his music became a bridge between cultures. Directed by the exceptionally talented Mpumi Supa Mbele, this documentary promises to be a visual masterpiece.

It’s not just a glimpse into Shabalala’s public life but a profound exploration of his personal struggles and triumphs. We can expect to see exclusive interviews, rare footage, and heartwarming anecdotes from those who knew him best.

SCHEDULE
The countdown has begun! Set your alarms for Monday, 28 August, at 21:00 because that’s when ‘Music is My Life – The Story of Joseph Shabalala‘ is set to air on SABC1.

It’s a date you won’t want to miss, as this documentary promises to be a touching tribute to the man who touched so many hearts with his music.

GONE TOO SOON
While fans are eagerly awaiting this cinematic journey through Shabalala’s life, some couldn’t help but express a bittersweet sentiment. They lamented the fact that these documentaries often surface only after an artist has left us.

It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of celebrating legends while they’re still with us.

As we prepare to tune in next week, one thing is abundantly clear: “Music is My Life – The Story of Joseph Shabalala” promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a musical genius who brought people together through the power of his voice.

The Generations: The Legacy actor Aubrey Poo tells Sowetan that he first auditioned in the soapie in 2000 before landing the role as Khumo Moroka.

“I also had to sit back and ask myself what it meant for my career to join the show and although it’s taken me 23 years to finally be on Generations, I feel honoured to be a part of this legacy.”

Poo, who recently exited S3’s telenovela, The Estate adds that he feels blessed to be able to jump from one contractual opportunity to the other. He also reveals hat there’s a certain expectation when one joins a soapie as big as Generations.

People expect you to come with certain expertise and experience and the only way one can know if they can achieve such is by throwing themselves into the process.

The star is also famously known for his roles in Isidingo as Gabriel Mothusi, Muvhango as Pule Mohale, The Estate as Castro Kamanga and many more.

The legendary actor Aubrey Poo will debut in Generations: The Legacy in September as a high-powered scion of the Moroka family alongside Rapulana Seiphemo as Tau Mogale and Connie Ferguson as Karabo Moroka.

He reveals that he had two weeks to prepare for the Moroka role as The Estate stopped shooting at the end of June and he started with Generations: The Legacy on 7 July.

Poo adds the best way to prepare for a character is to have as much consultation as possible with the writers who can give you the headspace as much as possible regarding the script and to be able to take on the role as best as possible.

TVSA reports that Poo’s latest character, Khumo Moroka is responsible for running the Morokas mining operations.

Generations production reveals to the publication that they believe the multi-talented actor will bring the natural charm and elegance he exudes to the role of Khumo Moroka.

“His ability to play the scheming villain, with a disarming smile and cunning guile, will no doubt shine through as Khumo reaches for his vaulting ambition.”

Musician Murdah Bongz is a doting dad in his latest Instagram Reel. He is seen driving “step daughter” Kairo Forbes to go roller skating, along with “wife” DJ Zinhle. Kairo is the daughter DJ Zinhle and slain rapper AKA.

Murdah paid lobola for DJ Zinhle. So, she now refers to him as her husband and they have a daughter named Asante together. Murdah is seen showing Asante some love towards the end of the video.

Murdah Kairo Family outing
Murdah and Kairo. image via Instagram @murdahbongz
In the caption, Murdah wrote a little love letter to his family. Take a look…

“Quality time, whilst creating music in the past I never knew how important these moments with family are. I love coming out of my comfort zone lately, it makes life meaningful. Thank you to my family for supporting me during these long hours in studio and on the road. ❤️,” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by MÖRDA (@murdahbongz)

ALSO READ: Nadia Nakai shares update on lost bag from Zanzibar

FANS: ‘FATHER OF THE NATION’
Murdah and Zinhle’s fans took to the comments section of the post to gush over the “father of the nation”.

“You are father of the nation 🥹. From now onwards I’m gonna call you Dad 🤞🏽😢❤️. What a blessing you are to the entire nation dude! 😇 God Bless,” wrote @meander_princess.

“@djzinhle I don’t know what prayer you said but DAMN, YOU SAID IT AND IT LANDED IN GOD’S EARS. What a man you are @murdahbongz, what a father! Sante and Kairo are so blessed to have you both as parents,” wrote @noks_kamajiya.