Weekend Turn Up interviewed 031 Goats to check out what’s behind their energy and innovation and found that each of them is motivated by different reasons. Yet it all comes together seamlessly in their work because they’re all on the same mission: to be remembered forever, worldwide, as people who revolutionised the dance and music industry. This power squad from Durban broke out from the Gqom and house scene to elevate the hip hop and dance game. And Aylo, Tayo & Zile have already left a permanent impression on urban…

It takes years to become an overnight sensation – something this hip hop and R&B duo learned the hard way. Currently acclaimed as “the new faces of new wave”, “the next best hip hop duo”, etc, MajorSteez has actually been around since 2015 (originally as a trio), paying their dues and putting in the work. Brothers Sihle and Sandile Mabena gained traction with Lies, featuring Costa Titch and Uncle Vinny; Slime – with Blxckie and a short shot from The Big Hash – then went insanely viral with Asbonge, in…

You know how some voices just wrap their arms around you and you don’t want them to ever let you go? How some verses tell a story that could be yours? Come with us and meet Sbahle SA (real name Sbahle Cele) and you’ll get plenty of both. The first artist to be signed last year (2020) by Blaq Diamond’s label, Umuthi Records, the Umlazi-born singer has been singing since she was in primary school. And experience tells. She spent years performing covers of other singer’s songs – impressively, she’s…

Choosing to be known only by his rap name, 031Choppa is a producer, songwriter, rapper and singer who has worked with Marcus Harvey, Riky Rick, Maglera Doe Boy, Aubrey Qwana, Sjava, Costa Titch, Moozlie and other new wave talents. This man’s rising in power so hard, he could zoom straight past if you so much as blink. Mind you, he is and has always been a fast mover. He matriculated at just 16, leaving Kwamashu in KZN soon after for Ejozi. (Every life experience becomes part of 031Choppa’s musical storytelling…

When five of five favourite things are communication- or people-based, it’s clear what motivates and inspires this Durban-born hip hop, rap and trap artist. He’s come a long way since he started making music in Grade 9, although he was writing songs far earlier. While KZN has produced many successful South African new age hip hop rappers, it’s a tough place to catch a break. Talent often has to take second place to the sheer hard work it takes to get out there and be seen and heard. Shizze pushed…

Powered by adidas, their family and their fans, Desire Marea can’t live without a bit of bling but could happily live offline (for a while anyway) and wishes they could stop doubting and second guessing. But judging by their acclaimed first debut solo album and live performances, we have to wonder why such a talent would confess to a bit of insecurity. Perhaps that’s part of the appeal? Desire is enigmatic and wide-open. A complex, flamboyant free spirit who enjoys simple pleasures like being in a park. A joyful laugh…

Weekend Turn Up, powered by adidas, met with Vigro Deep, highly-respected DJ and record producer to find out where this sensational is headed and his plans to conquer the world. Born in Atteridgeville (as Kamogelo Phetla) he vibed the streets of Tshwane with his style of amapiano, breaking through boundaries and setting South Africa ablaze with an innovative sound inspired by his home city. Vigro Deep is an incredibly hard worker – he became famous while still in school which he left (in 10th grade) to pursue his career. He’s…

Weekend Turn Up interviewed 031 Goats to check out what’s behind their energy and innovation and found that each of them is motivated by different reasons. Yet it all comes together seamlessly in their work because they’re all on the same mission: to be remembered forever, worldwide, as people who revolutionised the dance and music industry. This power squad from Durban broke out from the Gqom and house scene to elevate the hip hop and dance game. And Aylo, Tayo & Zile have already left a permanent impression on urban…

Unexpected, unpredictable, refreshing – That’s Phantom Steeze. This Tembisa-born legend originally rose to fame as a dancer and choreographer, acclaimed for dance campaigns for mega brands such as FUBU, VUZU, Big Brother and Coca-Cola. Although he may have switched from dancing (only) to rap, he never actually stopped moving and it’s an electrifying combo. While he felt he’d “hit the ceiling” as a dancer, he crashed through it as a musician, producer and songwriter. Phantom Steeze has been the creative force behind some of the greatest hits of our time…

When Weekend Turn Up met Tellaman, it was such a laid back, chilled and mellow chat, we could’ve sat around for hours. He comes across as the kind of best friend you wish you had – loyal, inspirational, easy-going yet huge fun to hang out with – especially if a friend could drop the kind of music he does. The man is shining, shining, shining – but it took him 15 years of hard work to get to where he is today. Born and bred in Durban, Tellaman (real name…