By now, if you’re not Qwelling it on the highest level, you’re certainly living under a rock and entirely out of touch with reality. Founded in 2023 in the heart of Braamfontein, The Qwellers are one of the most electrifying hip hop collectives in South Africa consisting of Hip Hop Artists and producers, are reshaping the culture in South Africa. Their roster reads like a powerhouse lineup: Lowfeye (artist ), LaCabra (artist ), Sastii (artist ), Blue Pappi (artist ), C Side Boys (Jepedoh and DaHoodHope—both artists ), YoungBoyVegeta (artists ), GVNT (producer), SKATLE (producer), and Fanaticalbeing (artist ). Together, they’ve created a movement.
The Qwellers are widely known for their own lingo, with phrases such as “What’s The Qoh”, “Qwel It”, comprising the distinctive click sound “Q”, derived from Nguni languages such as Xhosa and Zulu. This lingo has not only resonated with audiences in Mzansi but has also extended its reach beyond borders.
In 2023, they introduced the world to their signature Isqinsi sound, a bold fusion of Zulu and trap through their debut tape, SUPA BHEXEZA. The project was a statement piece that set them apart, with standout songs such as Broke, Crooks and Isphihli. A masterclass in striking while the iron is hot, this E.P arrived in perfect timing, dropping just as Dangerous, the track by members LaCabra, Blue Pappi, and YoungboyVegeta, was setting social media on fire. With momentum on their side, this release felt like a carefully orchestrated next move.
In 2024, the collective kept the momentum going with standout features. From YoungBoyVegeta’s unforgettable hook on DJ Sliqe’s IMashile to Sastii’s brilliance on Mashbeatz and Wordz’ Halloween from their collaborative work Only the Brave, and even a heartfelt appearance on Sjava’s platinum-certified ballad Typhoon, the collective continues to showcase their versatility. They’ve also dropped fan-favorites like What’s The Qoh and Toyota, cementing their place as hitmakers.
But the momentum did not end there. The camp also hit the streets with their own curated event, Qwelfontein, held across different venues in South Africa such as in Braamfontein, Newtown, and Studio 031 in Durban. The events highlighted their cultural influence, which reached new heights when SABC 1 tapped them for their festive “QwelIt on a Summer Levol” campaign. With over 247k monthly listeners on Spotify and a steadily growing fanbase, the Qwellers are clearly in their prime.
In February 2025, The Qwellers signaled the dawn of a new era, an artistic metamorphosis cloaked in mystery. Their Instagram feed was wiped clean, a digital reset ,hinting at the alchemy brewing behind the scenes. The collective also declared to be on album mode on a series of tweets.
Now, on the 21st of March, they unveil Minciza, a single featuring the magnetic Blxckie and sculpted by the sonic architect Herc Cut The Lights. One can only hope this offering will not only set the stage for their long-awaited debut album but also remain tethered to their signature ISqinsi sound ; a fusion both intricate and unshakably authentic. These are thrilling times for The Qwellers, a collective whose synergy mirrors that of a pantheon of Marvel superheroes, each wielding their own distinct artistry, converging to create something extraordinary. A debut album is no joke. Are you ready to witness a squad of superheroes assembling for their biggest mission yet? I for one, certainly am.
Presave Minciza here: http://africori.to/minciza
