NguDoni - A knife in a 'Bar' fight - 'Sgebengu'

The definition

The rap world is known for producing classic music like ‘Dear Mama’ by the late Tupac, ‘Stan’ by legendary Eminem and conscious tracks like ‘The People’ by Common and ‘I salute you’ by KingPinn. However, what completes the 360 Circle of Hip Hop is when heads bump. This is when you get tracks, also classic, like Tupac’s ‘Hit em up’ and Common’s ‘The Bi**h in yoo.’ Bring all that heat to Zimbabwe and it is no different. Especially so in Bulawayo, the city of street kings.

The story

NguDoni, is one artist we have featured here and true to his brand, he has dropped another street gangster track titled, ‘Sgebengu’. Aggressive as ever, the song has the dark themes of gangster rap reminding you of that N.W.A. era. The track has the one element I like about a true dis track, when a brother gets off beat just to get a line in. make no mistake, it’s a well written and researched track based on actual events. 

‘Sgebengu’ , loosely translates to gangster or street hoodlum. NguDoni refers to himself as the protagonist in this track. “Limkhuze! Why lingamtsheli? Lentwana idlala lesgebengu.” This is pretty catchy for a chorus. And what of the bars? NguDoni name drops peeps like Jermain and Bubz, now the thing is this, I don’t even know how relevant these kats are to the hip hop game but seems they are an influence to some he refers to as ‘Fossil f**ks.’ BlakAwt is the one I’m putting my money on as the recipient of some of these ‘strays.’ Check the references to ‘Xolani’, Chakka Dolla and the unreleased 6220 track. All these are are associated to the ‘IAMBLAKAWT’ EP maker. Also, this alleged beef has even been featured in a popular Bulawayo Podcast. Click here to have a listen. 

The credit

NguDoni is clearly not afraid of anyone in the rap game. He has been consistent with his brand over the last half a decade bringing it to whoever wanted it. He has never backed down. One thing I do respect about him, he always acknowledges whoever he has mad respect for. In his list are people like Mlue jay, who also has a new track out, K Brizzy, Breemzy and MC Tytoh. Whether you call this d**k riding or not, its still kinda gangster to know who dope and take down who not. Check out the song on the link at the bottom and follow this saga on social media. 

See you on the next one.

Sgebengu - https://audiomack.com/ngudoni-1/song/sgebengu

NguDoni on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ngudoni?mibextid=ZbWKwL

NguDoni on X - https://x.com/NguDoniBYO?s=08

DJ BlakAwt: Road to the Beat Tape

BlakAwt: Beat maker growing hip hop 

Artist: BlakAwt 

Trade: Beat maker/ Producer 

 

Hip Hop is a growing and vibing culture in Zimbabwe. Many artists have gained national and even regional fame.  The modern version of culture comprises of rappers, which encompasses battlers, freestylers and song makers, dancers, graphic designers, graffiti artists, videographers, DJs and beat makers. This article is about the latter. And a name that surfaces is DJ BlakAwt hailing from Mpopoma in Bulawayo. 

 

BlakAwt is a passionate and talented hip hop producer. He is one of the pioneers of gangster Ndebele rap, Mgiqika Cyphers with the late Don. He has been instrumental in inspiring the careers of many rappers from Mpopoma all the way to Emganwini. BlakAwt also produced the memorable track, ‘Twelve disciples of the Cypher’ produced at the former DOPE Studios and featured established kats like Cal_Vin and Floppy X. Lyricists like M-One, Mistar T, Kingson Mac and Psycho Tek  made graceful appearances among the star studded cast representing NK 9 and the Bulawayo culture as a whole. By means of this beat tape, he will be the first to bring Bulawao and Soweto together on one project.

 

BlakAwt, now based in South Africa, has initiated a movement to promote what he calls the most essential component to hip hop, whether underground or mainstream, Beat making. Without beats, most tracks would simply be poetry or lamentations. In this regard, he is putting together a Beat Tape to promote the art and trade of producers. He has put together a group of +35 beat makers, with room for growth, and as a collective will be putting out beat tapes on a regular so that beat makers get recognition, showcase their skills and be able to sell their works so as to make a living. 

 

The idea is to provide a platform for access to not only locally produced beats but to also highlight this as a viable business. Many artists and producers are short changed and under paid. BlakAwt hopes this initiative will see a boost in received revenue towards beat makers and the industry in Zimbabwe as a whole. 

 

The first of this movement will be launched May 2020. Look out for what the beasts in beats have to offer. Keep your pockets full because these producers are promising nothing but fire. 

 

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