Yanga Chief, whose given name is Yanga Ntshakaza, is a South African rapper and songwriter who has carved out a significant place for himself in the South African hip-hop scene. Hailing from the Eastern Cape province, Yanga Chief first gained major industry attention after his collaboration with AKA on the hit single "Run Jozi (Godly)" in 2014. Since then, he has established himself as a versatile artist blending contemplative lyrics with a unique style that often incorporates elements of traditional South African music.

Yanga Chief's rise to prominence has been marked by several critical and commercial successes. His EP "Becoming a Pop Star," released in 2019, showcased his storytelling prowess and capacity to create catchy hooks, winning him the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Hip Hop Album. The body of work features hits like "200" and "Utatakho," both of which underscore his lyrical depth and cultural resonance. His subsequent releases, such as "Pop Star" and the more recent singles like "Ntoni Na" (featuring Blxckie & 25K) and "Mdogish" (featuring Tman Xpress), have continued to affirm his status as a leading voice in South African rap, balancing commercial appeal with substantive lyricism. Always evolving, Yanga Chief continues to push the boundaries of the genre and maintains a strong connection with his roots while appealing to a broad audience.

Genres

South African Hip Hop

Xhosa Hip Hop

Latest Release

Imvelaphi

Yanga Chief

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released May 31, 2024