Ras Jahlil Negasi

Ras Jahlil Negasi, born Clive Muziwendoda Herbst in 1995, is a Swazi hip-hop artist emerging from southern Africa with a growing reputation for his lyrical depth and commanding delivery. The son of local soccer legend Roy Herbst, he began writing rap lyrics in grade 5 and performed publicly by age 13, eventually gaining traction through competitions like Swaziland’s MTN Spotlight Talent Search (where he reached the top 15) and accumulating hundreds of thousands of streams across platforms. Known as “The Prince of African Hip Hop” and “Negasi” (meaning “he who will rule”), the Johannesburg-based artist balances introspective themes with industry-grade production, backed by 16 years of experience and recent releases like *Leviathan Awakens* and *AKASHINGA* that showcase his evolving craftsmanship.

Described by peers as a “humble human who savors his solitude,” Ras Jahlil has built a discography that addresses social realities while solidifying his place in Swazi hip-hop’s vanguard. His 2021 cover of Nasty C’s *They Don’t* marked a professional leap, and tracks like *Shine On Me* and *Starving Artist* reflect his penchant for marrying sharp lyricism with relatable narratives, earning him dedicated listeners and standout placements on genre charts.