Meet Benjamin Skhosana, aka Sonthruthu, the rising Ndebele rap sensation who’s flipping the script on traditional music and setting the South African scene ablaze.

Since picking up the mic in 2006, Sonthruthu has been on a mission: To blend the rich heritage of Ndebele praise poetry with the hard-hitting beats of modern rap. The result is a fresh, bold sound that’s winning hearts and turning heads.

His 2019 debut EP, Ihlanya Eligodly, was a game-changer, earning him a loyal fan base on YouTube and Spotify.

“Music is how I bring my culture to life,” Sonthruthu said. “I want young people to be proud of where they come from and to see our stories told in new ways.”

Inspired by legends like Sisco Tee and traditional imbongos, Sonthruthu’s music is a vibrant fusion of past and present, culture and innovation.

He’s not stopping there. His upcoming album, Emsamo, set to drop in 2026, promises to take his storytelling and sound to the next level.

“Emsamo is my evolution, more powerful, more real. I’m ready to show the world what Ndebele rap can really do.”

The countdown has begun. Keep your ears open and your speakers ready; Sonthruthu is here, and he’s just getting started.

Follow his journey on YouTube at @sonthruthu and catch his tracks on all streaming platforms.

Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram or TikTok

Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za