BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – “We’re bringing that real Hip Hop back baby!”
This is what Smaggz said after winning the 2023 Spirit of Hip Hop Rap Battle.
Smaggz, real name Makaziwe Ndzimandzs, outcompeted 11 other MC’s in a battle of words,crowd control, as well as rhyme and rhythm at Spirit of Hip Hop which is currently ongoing at the Albert Millin’in Mbabane.
“I’m so excited! When I started I actually thought I wouldn’t win because the competition was so tough. However, as the competition went on, I’m glad that the crowd enjoyed my style of rap over that trap music everyone was bringing,” said Smaggz.
Smaggz was awarded an Outel smartphone, a recording deal with Rare Jam, a feature on the MAYHAM Mixtape II, and a guaranteed spot to perform at the
The first round of the rap battle saw Ace Julz win the crowd with his cadence and boom nap raps, making it to the second round. Rawny Raps was slightly overshadowed by Since 2easy, who made it to the second round of the rap battle with his hoarse voice delivery of trap rap.
Gzzy and 420 Star Gazer gave the crowd a tough time as they had a tie which required for them to do an extra acappela lap of rap to determine the winner. 420 Star Gazer emerged most victorious at the end of their bout.
To get to the semifinals, Smaggz beat out MIC with his song along rap song. Following their bout, Hayley beat out the rapping crooner Sisekelo Shawn. To end the first round of the rap battle, Rexx went up against Naja Predator who was on his kasi rap flows and emerged victorious with his vernacular flows.
In the run up to finals, 420 Star Gazer was booted out by Smaggz, Hailey outrapper Naja Predator, and Ace Julz was defeated by Since 2Easy.
The semi-finals saw Smaggz successfully take out Since 2Easy with his boom bap raps.
The second Spirit of Hip Hop is currently ongoing at the Albert Millin’ Mbabane.
