Thembisa rapper releases new album
Born and bred in Thembisa, 39-year-old Sboniso Cebekulu, known by his stage name Raptyl, is making significant strides in the music industry.
Born and bred in Thembisa, 39-year-old Sboniso Cebekulu, known by his stage name Raptyl, is making significant strides in the music industry.
His passion for music was sparked in his youth and inspired by his brother, also a rapper.
Raptyl often mimicked his brother’s raps, and through this, he realised his musical calling.
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His musical journey began in the early 90s, attending rap shows with his brother before eventually forming his own group, Skhanda Nation.
The group released several single tracks, gaining local recognition. In 2017, Raptyl released his EP So Far So Good, featuring artists like Sainyova and Smash Bhatata.
Raptyl will soon release his debut album, Isitokvel is a project that brings together a diverse range of musicians from different genres.
“The idea behind the project’s name is I wanted to feature musicians from different genres, much like the people who attend stokvels come together to celebrate what they initiated,” he said.
He will release the album at the end of March.
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In addition to his album release, Raptyl won also for the best vernacular hip hop Award at the MTCMA Awards 2025, which will take place on May 24 at the Dumisani Masilela Hall, 62 President Street, Germiston.
Raptyl’s message to aspiring artists is clear: “Invest your time in your craft and collaborate. To my fans, all I can say is this album belongs to you, especially those who encouraged me to drop it. This is your project.”
