Big Zulu
Siyabonga Nene was born on the 7th of April 1986 in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. He grew up listening to Maskandi and Isichathamiya music during his childhood years. His early influences included Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Phuzekemisi, and Imithente. These artists shaped his musical identity before he ever stepped into a recording studio. The sounds of rural KwaZulu-Natal became the foundation for his future career as Big Zulu.
Big Zulu spent several years working as a taxi driver before making a life-changing decision. He quit driving in 2008 to pursue music full time. Just after leaving the industry, he began writing songs and performing live shows. Four years later in 2013, he won the Red Bull Back to the City competition. This victory marked his first major breakthrough in the South African music scene. His debut single Donsa Nkabi arrived in 2016 and caught public attention immediately.
After years as an independent artist, Big Zulu signed with Universal Music Records in 2015. His debut album Ushun Wenkabi followed in July 2018 with singles like Ang'mazi umama and Home. A second studio album Ungqongqoshe Wongqongqoshe came out in 2019 featuring Ab Crazy, Mnqobi Yazo, FiFi Cooper, Kwesta, Caspper Nyovest, Musiholiq, and Truhitz. The lead single Ak'laleki featured Kwesta while Ama Million peaked at number five on iTunes charts. Sales of Vuma dlozi reached fifty thousand copies earning platinum certification from RiSA. He established his own record label called Nkabi Records during this period.
The third studio album Ichwane Lenyoka released in September 2021 spawned three chart-topping singles. Mali Eningi debuted at number two on Channel 0 Top 30 charts and earned double platinum status. Inhlupheko featuring Mduduzi Ncube reached number one on South African iTunes charts. Umuzi eSandton topped Shazam charts after its release on the 9th of July 2021. At the 27th annual South African Music Awards, Mali Eningi won Best Collaboration category. Zulu received seven awards including Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards.
On the 17th of March 2023, Big Zulu announced a joint album with Sjava called Ukhamba under duo name Inkabi Zezwe. The lead single Umbayimbayi debuted number one on iTunes Top 50 and Spotify Top 100 South Africa consecutively. It earned triple platinum certification within months of release. The album itself came out on the 12th of May 2023 debuting number one in both South Africa and Eswatini. An Inkabi Zezwe tour ran from June
until September 2023 covering major cities. Collaborative projects continued with Undodakazi released on the 10th of October 2025 featuring Nkabikazi.
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Common questions
When was Big Zulu born and where did he grow up?
Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, was born on the 7th of April 1986 in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. He grew up listening to Maskandi and Isichathamiya music during his childhood years.
What career did Big Zulu have before becoming a musician?
Big Zulu spent several years working as a taxi driver before making a life-changing decision. He quit driving in 2008 to pursue music full time.
Which album by Big Zulu earned platinum certification from RiSA?
Sales of Vuma dlozi reached fifty thousand copies earning platinum certification from RiSA. This album established his own record label called Nkabi Records during this period.
How many awards did Big Zulu win at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards?
Zulu received seven awards including Album of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards. These accolades recognized his work following the release of Ichwane Lenyoka.
When was the joint album Ukhamba between Big Zulu and Sjava released?
The album itself came out on the 12th of May 2023 debuting number one in both South Africa and Eswatini. It followed an announcement made on the 17th of March 2023 under the duo name Inkabi Zezwe.