Versatile South African artist Big Zulu is no stranger to bending genre boundaries. Known for seamlessly blending Hip Hop and Maskandi, the iNkabi Nation rapper recently addressed his decision to feature several Amapiano artists on his latest Hip Hop album — and the answer speaks to his deep respect for music beyond labels.
In a recent interview with SA Hip Hop Magazine, Big Zulu revealed that his collaborations are rooted not in popularity or genre trends but in artistic depth and versatility. “With me, it’s not because it’s an Amapiano artist,” he shared. “I just listen to an artist and check how deep they go — and whether they understand music to a certain extent.”
According to Zulu, he looks for artists who can cross musical boundaries, much like he does in his own discography. He highlighted that some Amapiano musicians, like Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter, possess a strong grasp of musicality and emotion that translates across genres.
“Some of these Amapiano artists are very open, very versatile. They’re able to fit into other genres easily. I’ve featured on Amapiano songs myself, like Sithi Shwi and Nkosazana Daughter’s Umfazi Wephepha, and I’ve even done Gqom collaborations,” he said.
Big Zulu went on to explain that music shouldn’t be boxed into strict genre categories, and artists shouldn’t be either. His goal is to bring together talent that adds substance and emotional weight to a song, regardless of the genre they’re known for.
His latest Hip Hop album features a wide range of Amapiano vocalists and producers, which surprised some purists in the Hip Hop community. However, Zulu’s fans have applauded his genre-blending approach and respect for musical diversity.
This isn’t the first time Big Zulu has embraced musical fusion. He’s long been celebrated for infusing Maskandi and traditional Zulu elements into contemporary Hip Hop, creating a sound that is uniquely South African.
As genres continue to evolve and merge, Big Zulu’s collaborative approach positions him as a key figure in the modern African music movement — one that values artistry over labels and authenticity over conformity.
