Latest news with #TheBigBroTheory
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kwesta drops 'The Big Bro Theory', a powerful tribute to his artistic journey
The offering, which Kwesta has proclaimed be his "homecoming" album, consists of 12 tracks and features an array of collaborations with notable local artists, including the exciting track 'Ghost' with Blxckie, 'Out of Love' with Amanda Black, and ' Joy ' with Nkosazana Daughter, which was released a month ago. The album not only marks a new chapter in his illustrious career but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to his lasting legacy and influence within the hip hop landscape of South Africa. Having carved his name in the industry for over 15 years, Kwesta embraces an esteemed role as a Grootman (big brother), taking pride in the narratives he has shaped and the lessons he has learned along the way. As he puts it, 'I've grown, I've led, I've learned. This album is me owning that journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It's the theory of what it means to be a Big Bro, musically and personally.' Kwesta expressed his excitement about the release, stating: "Thank you to everyone that's been riding with me for all these years, it's not a short time, it's been 18 years and you've shown me nothing but love and I appreciate every single one of you. He elaborated on the depth of this project, saying: "This album, 'The Big Bro Theory' is really a culmination of all these years, all these sounds that we've built up as we were going, that you've loved, that you've supported. "This is, you know, 'OG Kwesta', this is 'new-ish Kwesta', this is 'try something new Kwesta', but all in the hopes of moving the culture forward.
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kwesta's new album 'The Big Bro Theory' signifies growth and legacy
The Big Bro Theory represents a homecoming for Kwesta, one that reflects both his personal growth and his pivotal role in shaping the sound of South African hip-hop. Picture: Instagram/kwestadakar Image: Instagram/kwestadakar South African hip-hop heavyweight Kwesta has released his sixth studio album 'The Big Bro Theory'. A much-awaited project, this is Kwesta's first solo project since his 2021 album release 'g.o.d Guluva'. However, the top rapper hasn't been sitting idle, in 2022 he released a collaborative album 'Speak N Vrostaan'. Born Senzo Vilakazi, the multi-award winning rapper has evolved into a big brother of the music industry, something he says started after the pandemic, without his permission even. Kwesta opened up about the transition he found himself in at his listening session for 'The Big Bro Theory'. Attended by some of Mzansi's top entertainers Yanga Chief, Moozlie, DJ Zinhle, Morda, and L-Tido to mention a few. In a discussion, moderated by fellow rapper and podcaster Zingah, Kwesta broke down the 12-track album, taking guests behind the making of the album. Kwesta explained that after Covid, he found himself feeling lost like they couldn't find themselves in the new environment, with new talent taking over the hip-hop scene and the shift among South African listeners. He explained how transformation ultimately revealed maturity and perspective. How some people now doing well will later look back at the older generation with mixed feelings. Ultimately, for Kwesta the process instilled his belief in his legacy, acknowledging that some influential figures left a real mark, even if not everyone recognized it at the time. The new album sees, Kwesta accepting his big brother role and comfortably stepping into his new position as a big brother in the industry. He has learned to let the kids be, do things their way and be at arm's reach when needed. 'What I like about this album,' he said thoughtfully to IOL, 'is that it's focused on the youth, but still from the perspective of someone trying to be a good man.' Kwesta admits that he is still learning how to be a mentor, despite his 20 years in the industry. 'I know from being young myself, that I hate anything that's forced on me, so I don't want to force, whatever I think I know anyone. 'I gotta find a delicate way to send a message without taking away from who I'm sending the message,' he shared. One way, Kwesta has evolved is in how he moves as an artist. In 2019, he announced his decision to stop performing in clubs. His partnerships started getting more lined with the building of a strong brand, which he has successfully done. Brand Kwesta has aligned with top brands such as French cognac brand Bisquit & Dubouché, and most recently motoring brand Jaecoo South Africa. 'The fact that brands still want to work with brand Kwesta after 18 years? I must be doing something right.' Kwesta credits authenticity for his staying power. 'I don't chase brands. If a brand's vision aligns with mine, we work together. It's always about finding that shared message and moving together. As with any evolution, there's always a risk that fans may feel left behind. But Kwesta isn't pretending to be the same man he was when he started. 'To be honest,' he says, 'you can listen to the album and react honestly. I'm not asking anyone to feel what I want them to feel. I'm growing, into new things, out of old ones. That's just life.' For 'The Big Bro Theory', Kwesta worked with artists he admires, speaking passionately about their talents and contributions to his album. Rapper Kid X features on track five 'Contra'. Kwesta calls 'Father of Zen' his favourite rapper from his generation, opening up about their deep friendship and respect for each other. Kwesta went on to declare rapper Touchline, as his favourite rapper among the new school generation of rappers. Touchline who attended the listening session, listened on as Kwesta big bro called him his favourite rapper. 'I'm not in any way trying to put him in a position of pressure. 'I'm blatantly saying that if I was to leave the game tomorrow, any day and Touchline was the last rapper left I would be fine with how it.' Other features included, Blxckie, Ndabezinhle Mtungwa, Nkosazana Daughter, Makwa, Thabsie, Blaq Diamond and Amanda Black. 'The Big Bro Theory' gives listeners a mature, Kwesta one, Senzo Vilakazi, who's evolved and is in a good place in his life. He doesn't need rap gimmicks and never has and 'The Big Bro Theory' reminds you why he is Kwesta. IOL Entertainment
News24
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Kwesta embraces ‘grootman' status as he marks 15 years in SA Hip-Hop
When he started out, he made predominantly party songs about drinking alcohol and having a good time on the tracks Ngud, Mayibabo, and Nomayini to name a few. But 15 years later; with a wife and two daughters, Senzo 'Kwesta' Vilakazi (36) is all grown up and 'more chilled and in pursuit of happiness and peace' and embracing the grootman status which comes with wisdom. He has no regrets about his journey and career decisions he made in his early life and mid-20's. 'I was telling stories about how we lived in that time, but I am past that stage now. I won't make that music anymore,' he tells Drum. 'We were making classics, but we made some messed up music, party music. The Kwesta that is here, is not the same guy from back then. Now I can't do that anymore.' On 9 May, Kwesta revealed his brand new project titled, The Big Bro Theory, which is a tribute to his enduring legacy and influence, and his personal growth and role in shaping the sound of South African hip-hop. With over 15 years in the game, Kwesta proudly embraces he is happy to still be relevant enough to release music and share his wisdom. Read more | Scotts Maphuma acknowledges mistake in heartfelt apology to disappointed fans 'I've grown, I've led, I've learned,' he told his fans at his listening session held at Azur by Monarch in Sandton Johannesburg. This album is me owning that journey, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It's the theory of what it means to be a Big Bro, musically and personally.' Read more | Metro FM's youngest winner Naledi Aphiwe reflects on her stardom - 'I wish my mom was here' In the project, he features Blxckie, Kid X, Ndabezinhle Mtungwa, Nkosazana Daughter, Thabsie, Blaq Diamond, Amanda Black, and reunites with his long-term friend and producer Makwa. Kwesta says he has grown and no longer feels pressured to be anything besides happy. 'I just want to be happy and the music I sing about is positive and uplifting,' he tells Drum. 'We had a great run making music, now this sound represents how far I've come. I never imagined I'd be called a grootman or let alone a veteran, but I've earned the position and I receive it gladly and I'm opening the path for the next young Kwesta to come up.' He has had the most selling album which won him several awards, but he says it has never been about that for him. 'It has never advanced me as a being, spiritually or otherwise. Yes, we made a lot of millions, but I was never rich, we ploughed what we made back into the culture and business as much as we could. Which is how we managed to bring people like Rick Ross to the township, it was not for free.'
