Okmalumkoolkat

Born in 1983 in South Africa's Umlazi township, Okmalumkoolkat, also known as Smiso Zwane, emerged as a leading figure in the country's rap scene. He gained recognition for his unique Zulu-centric rap style, highlighted by his appearance in the video for LV's "Sebenza" and his collaboration with Cassper Nyovest on the hit track "Gusheshe." Transitioning from his duo Dirty Paraffin, Zwane explored futuristic sounds on his solo projects, such as the mini-album Holy Oxygen and the mixtape 100k Macassette, leading up to his debut album Mlazi Milano in 2016. His blend of dark gqom beats and imaginative sci-fi lyrics resonated with audiences, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Continuing to evolve his sound, Okmalumkoolkat embraced a fusion of chillwave and trap elements on his 2020 EP Bhlomington, demonstrating his willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. With a knack for incorporating contemporary themes and technology references into his music, Zwane has solidified his status as a boundary-pushing rapper in the South African music scene, leaving a lasting impact with his innovative approach to music production and storytelling.