Siyabonga Nene, famously known as Big Zulu, came from very humble beginnings and is the definition of true rags to riches story. The artist is now rubbing shoulders with big names in the entertainment industry. Let’s take a look at Big Zulu’s business empire and get to know how he has managed to turn his life around and become wealthy.
In 2008 Big Zulu quit his day job as a taxi driver to pursue a career in making rap music which is a dream he always knew he had. The following year the rapper started contesting in battles underground and competed against other rising stars in the music business. He earned himself the title King of rap after winning a rap contest hosted by Back to the City.
Universal Music Records saw his talent and signed him to their label in 2015. Zulu was writing his songs and recording. His first single, called Donsa Nkabi, was released in 2016. Later in 2018, he released the complete first studio album Ushun Wenkabi. His second album came the following year, in 2019, and he featured several famous musicians like Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta and many more.
Two of his singles on the second album were certified platinum. The whole album was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa. Zulu got nominated for four awards in 2019, but unfortunately, he did not win any awards that year.
Big Zulu’s business empire and success as a rapper
The rapper took a step further and left his label to create his label called Inkabi records. After that, he released his hit single Mali eningi which he featured Intaba Yase Dubai and Ricky Rick, which was his lead single. The song brought him the most fame as it was certified double platinum and topped many charts. The song won him an award for best collaboration, and the album went on to win album of the year. He got five other awards because of that album.
Besides being the founder and CEO of Inkabi records, Big Zulu has partnered with Spitz as the brand ambassador of carvella. As someone from humble beginnings, he did not forget where he came from and worked in charity. The rapper donated laptops and printers to Obonjaneni Primary School out of his pocket.
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