CYA raps seriously

It began as a dream back in 2009 when Siyabonga Mngomezulu “CYA” wrote his own lyrics, recorded himself with his phone and let his friends be his critics.

He has since soared to higher heights.

Raised in the dusty streets of Ermelo, he developed a love and passion for rap music after listening to artists like F_Eezy, Zulu Boy and Teargas, to name but a few.

He and his childhood friends, Thembinkosi Xulu, Mfundo Nkosi and Musa Mathe, formed a group and named it Game Quest. They went on to make a name for themselves around Mpumalanga, performed everywhere they could and held a number of online interviews.

Fate seemed to have a different plan for the quartet as they split after completing high school.
That did not faze CYA.

He went on to release solo singles that received massive airplay on radio stations. He also had the opportunity to audition for SA’s Got Talent in 2013 and shot his first professional music video.

Speaking to the Highvelder in an email, he said one of his great moments was in 2013 when he entered the “Route 40 Talent Search” at the Casterbridge Music Development Academy where he took second place. That gave him an opportunity to share a stage with internationally renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist Vusi Mahlasela, Prime Circle and ISO at a music festival in White River.

CYA’s musical career took another leap when he was spotted by award-winning theatre actor and radio personality Biziwe Masango that signed him to his company Matwetwe Entertainment. Since then, he has worked with a number of local artists and others on the African continent.Despite the hype and attention he has been getting, CYA says he remains grounded, as there is still a long road to travel, places to see and people to meet. He has seen the good and bad of fame, so he won’t let it go to his head.

“I want to see myself grow beyond the music business, I also want to get involved in the production side of things,” said CYA in a telephonic interview.

He gives a lot of credit to his family that has believed in him and given him a great deal of support.