As I sit to write this, the original “Honne,” released in February this year, has already amassed a staggering 1.9 million views on YouTube and over 780,000 streams on Spotify. Those are exceptional numbers for an emerging artist like Ziggy4x, prompting a question: why remix a song that has already achieved such remarkable success? To me, the answer lies in the rich tradition of remix culture, especially within Hip Hop. Remixes breathe new life into the original track, merging nostalgia with novelty, creating a soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh. That’s precisely the alchemy at play in the “Honne Remix” by Ziggy4x, featuring Priddy Ugly and Maglera Doe Boy.
Released at the stroke of midnight, the “Honne Remix” brings together a vibrant blend of artistic voices and cultural perspectives. Ziggy4x represents the streets of Manenberg in Cape Town, Maglera Doe Boy channels the spirit of Maglera in Klerksdorp, and Priddy Ugly captures the energy of Kempton Park in Johannesburg. With Heritage Day just around the corner, this song is a testament to the rich tapestry of South African identity. Ziggy4x stands tall, delivering lines in Afrikaans and English, giving voice to the often-marginalized colored communities in South Africa. Maglera Doe Boy flows seamlessly between English, Afrikaans, and Setswana, while Priddy Ugly primarily raps in English with bursts of Setswana and Afrikaans slang. The result is a fusion that celebrates the “Rainbow Nation” in true style.
What makes “Honne” particularly compelling, since its initial release in February 2024, is its production. Built on an infectious drill beat, the track is characterized by dark, gritty undertones with heavy 808s and sharp, staccato hi-hats, crafting a haunting and intense atmosphere. The remix, however, amplifies this with a raw, unfiltered edge as Ziggy4x, Priddy Ugly, and Maglera Doe Boy take turns sharing their unvarnished life stories and stark realities. The infusion of local languages and slang not only makes the song resonate more deeply but also ensures it stays etched in the memory of its listeners.
The rap interplay between Ziggy4x and Maglera Doe Boy is perhaps the most captivating moment in the song, particularly given the almost mirrored backgrounds of both rappers, who come from neighborhoods marked by violence and hardship. Their exchange is an energetic blend of multilingual slang, cultural references, and street imagery, portraying a global yet gritty worldview. Maglera’s lines are peppered with international references—from the Gaza Strip to Tel Aviv, and Bella Hadid to Louis Vuitton—painting a picture of a cosmopolitan, street-savvy persona. Ziggy’s verse blends Afrikaans and English, bringing a local flavor that underscores a life filled with hustle and tension. Maglera’s return to the mic explores a life where luxury (“Dcoga Louis,” “Pari,” “Italy”) is constantly in tension with the violent realities of the streets. He masterfully juxtaposes high fashion against street life, capturing the contradictions of modern urban existence, dense with cultural layers and street codes.
Ziggy4x deserves applause for his relentless drive. Not only did he drop the remix today, but he also released the visuals for it simultaneously. This dual release creates a holistic and engaging experience that maximizes impact across platforms, holding audiences captive and ensuring the song lingers in their minds—a feat Ziggy4x has certainly achieved with this remix.
In 2024 alone, Ziggy4x has blessed us with four remarkable singles, each a testament to his determination and artistic prowess. Beginning with “Honne,” featuring KultureGang, BakerGotTheKeys, and AlwaysTheSuspect in February, followed by “Slat Los” with 25K and Loatinover Pounds in June, “Kyk Uit” with KultureGang and LudaG, and now the “Honne Remix” with MagleraDoeBoy and PriddyUgly. With these consistent releases, one can’t help but wonder if all this is building up to a full-length debut project from the Cape Town native. But one thing is crystal clear—Ziggy4x is a rising star whose every move reveals his essence as a street warrior, a “gangsterbaby” with an unstoppable drive.
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