Grizzly bears are renowned as one of nature’s most formidable predators, especially when provoked. Known for their speed, being the fastest of their kind and their unparalleled bite force, they embody raw strength and dominance. It’s no wonder Eswatini-born rapper Grixxly chose to mirror his identity after such a beast. The name suits him, reflecting the ferocity of his lyricism and the way he maneuvers through flows with precision and unpredictability, much like a grizzly’s swift yet calculated strike. This very essence of danger and excitement is what I feel with his latest single, “Si Kasa”, featuring Eswatini’s RnB sensation, Mzwaa; an untamed force paired with soulful finesse.
It was in the fateful year of 2021 when I first encountered the lyrical prowess of Grixxly (born Sibusiso Malambe), an Eswatini rapper who would later etch his name into the annals of my musical obsessions. His debut extended play, “As the Fruits Ripen”, delivered a five-track symphony of thought-provoking verses, wrapped in the rich soundscapes of conscious rap and underscored by themes of growth, self-reflection, and the relentless pursuit of artistry. Self-produced and exquisitely curated, this 15-minute project painted vivid portraits of Grixxly’s journey from the heart of Mbabane, the capital city of the Kingdom of Eswatini. With each track, from the lyrical finesse on the intro “Blank Canvas” , to the ardent hunger for success in “Brema to Rio,” featuring Oriiginelle, to the contemplative poetry of “Said It,” Grixxly laid bare his soul. It became glaringly clear; this was no ordinary rapper; this was a lyrical visionary poised to breathe new life into Eswatini’s burgeoning hip hop scene.
Despite the bold statement he made with “As the Fruits Ripen” , Grixxly then retreated into the shadows, leaving fans, including myself, in quiet anticipation. Perhaps, this withdrawal was fitting, after all, when one has offered the world their tour de force, there may be no immediate need for another proclamation. Yet, Grixxly was never entirely absent from the sonic landscape. In 2022, he produced “A Thou Nyana” , a masterpiece by Oriiginelle featuring Swiss. Then in 2023, Grixxly re emerged on the remix of the same song, collaborating with Milkie, Nino Fresko, and PDot O, delivering what I consider the standout verse of the track. His distinct ad lib, “Ekse, It’s Too Much,” instantly became a memorable signature. Soon after, Grixxly gifted us a reflective single “Feel Me” , a candid reflection on his hiatus from music, personal loss, and the burden of expectations. He wrestled with the painful question of how much one must morph their identity to meet the ever-pressing demands of those around them.
And now, in 2024, the mystique has lifted. Grixxly has returned, fully immersed in his craft, starting the year strong with the release of “MusaWenkhosi” ( which translates to God’s Grace) on the 1st of March. A drill-infused anthem, the song was an ode to divine guidance, introduced to the audience through a gripping gospel themed rollout. In fact, for this rollout Grixxly gave himself the moniker “Bishop Grixx Lee Jakes” , to fit with the theme of the song. The rapper also took this as a chance to introduce his fans to a side of him that they hadn’t yet experienced by seamlessly blending siSwati and English. “MusaWenkhosi” resonated deeply with the people of Eswatini, dominating the local Eswatini Broadcasting Information Services (EBIS) radio charts for weeks on end.
His next offering, “No Mistakes”, a collaboration with fellow Eswatini rapper Amarii, dropped in April, a song I confidently assert as a contender for Eswatini Hip Hop Song of the Year. This flawless track not only cemented Grixxly’s place among the upper echelons but also earned him a coveted appearance on The Nadeska Show on Apple Music as Africa’s Rising Artist of the Week.
Today, on the 25th of October 2024, Grixxly strikes again with his latest single, “Si Kasa” , featuring his Antidote Music label mate Mzwaa. The track permeates with both buoyancy and silent desperation, echoing the artist’s enduring question, “When will the sun shine on us?” Over a self-produced beat infused with horns and piano that dance between the light and the dark, Grixxly demonstrates his masterful flow in siSwati. The emotionally charged beat switches, paired with Mzwaa’s poignant guest feature, create a soul stirring experience that serves as a reflection on the power of perseverance. Mzwaa’s verse elevates the track to new heights as he takes an unexpected swing into rap, showcasing his versatility and joining the ranks of RnB artists who can seamlessly switch genres. In fact, it’s as if Christmas came early, with Mzwaa delivering an unanticipated but welcome gift to his listeners. Grixxly delves into his unyielding dedication to his craft and the faith that his efforts will one day bear fruit. He leaves us with a powerful reminder: stumbling is inevitable, but the journey demands that we press on: undaunted, resilient, and always ready to try again.
As Grixxly remains firmly positioned among Eswatini’s upper echelons , one can only hope the rapper has more music in the pipeline. What’s truly bold about an artist like Grixxly is his refusal to be confined by genre or style. From experimenting with trap beats to delivering thought-provoking lyrics and compelling storytelling, he proves he can do it all. In the meantime, I’ll be revisiting his entire catalog, exclaiming “Ekse, it’s too much!” every step of the way.
Listen to Si Kasa Here: https://paradise.ffm.to/sikasa
