There is no doubt that Hip-Hop is one of the biggest genres in the world, with origins that date back decades. The genre gained so much popularity it now has a direct impact on urban culture, fashion and lifestyle. With all this influence, it is impossible not to wonder which new acts will be the new leaders of this genre. Moreover, which up and coming female artists will triumph, dominating this heavily male-dominated space?
Times are changing because now, with the rise of female Hip-Hop artists, they are gaining the same level of respect, recognition and acceptance on the stage and on the airwaves.
Female artists usually have to work twice as hard to prove themselves in the industry, especially in the world of rap as the biggest faces in rap music are men. Women continue to defy the odds. And this review is shining a light on South African hip-hop artist, Ney as she gets set to release new music this month with ‘Vuka’.
Ney, who’s also widely known as Anele Zondo, is a South African television personality, and an actress turned musician. Hailing from Newcastle in KwaZulu Natal, Ney set her sights on starting out in the industry as a television presenter on the music show Massive Music and as an actress on the South African hit telenovela The River.
She furthered her career and entered the world of music as a female MC. She released her debut single ‘Ingwe’ featuring South African artist Given Zulu in November 2021 which garnered her entry into the music industry. Her music video for the single topped music video charts on the major music platform Trace Africa. And she has since collaborated with artists such as fellow rapper Nadia Nakai, DJ duo Tango Supreme and Amapiano producer Tony Duardo.
On 1 April 2024, Ney took to her Instagram to announce that she would be releasing an EP titled ‘Vuka’ which she defines as “The era of awakening”. Less than two weeks following the announcement, she released not only one but two singles off the upcoming EP titled ‘Simon Says’ and ‘Itching’, which features hip-hop artist Maglera Doe Boy. She has also revealed her track list which features a host of other South African artists such as Sauwcy, Roiii and SuperCye.
Her music showcases a unique blend and approach to Hip-Hop — she proudly raps in her native language isiZulu and her ability to create a catchy flow and rhythmic adlibs is something that is extremely distinctive in her sound. Her choice of collaboration is widely inclusive, as she excels in involving more female artists in her music irrespective of their own respective genres which is something that is rare in hip-hop as female artists are often pitted against each other.
Ney has definitely had an amazing transition from television to music, which is beautiful to witness as she sets to solidify her place in the hip-hop arena. She prides herself in her various crafts and that is an art form like no other. She sets to turn around the narrative in Hip-Hop, which promises to instill confidence in other aspiring Hip-Hop artists and musicians to step out and create a name for themselves in this male-dominated music world.
There is room enough for everyone on the table with South African hip-hop because each one enters the scene with their own sound, fusions and variations with other influences for South Africa, Africa and the world.
Ney’s debut EP titled ‘Vuka’ set to drop on 24 May 2024 on all major music streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and Tidal, and is currently available to be pre-added with two pre-released singles on the EP already available.