For years, Yanga Ntshakaza, professionally known as Yanga Chief, has been celebrated as one of South African hip hop’s most gifted storytellers, a lyricist whose music fuses deep cultural roots with the raw honesty of township dreams.
Yet, despite his undeniable contributions to the game, the rapper admits there were moments he felt unseen and unappreciated.
Speaking during a recent sit-down, Yanga reflected on what he calls one of the most unpredictable but fulfilling moments of his life and career.
Finally feels appreciated
“Life is very unpredictable, you know?” he said, pausing as though weighing his words.
“To be sitting here today, feeling the kind of love I have received, it is different. Compared to other years, when I felt unappreciated or misunderstood, this moment feels special.”
Known for blending Xhosa heritage with sharp hip hop lyricism, Yanga Chief has often been the quiet force behind South Africa’s biggest anthems.
From working alongside industry giants like AKA to curating his own sound that celebrates African identity, his journey has been one of persistence and purpose.
“Every room I have been in, I was always the younger guy, the one who is coming up,” he explained.
“Now, it is weird because suddenly, I am the guy. But it makes you ask yourself, do I want to be like the others before me, or do I just want to continue being myself?”
Deep cultural connection
That internal question seems to define this new chapter in Yanga’s career. After spending time in the Eastern Cape, where he says he reconnected with his roots and clarity, he’s more certain about who he is and where his music needs to go.
“For me, I realised that spending more time with myself and my culture is where I need to be as a musician right now. I have worked with everyone, I have been in Joburg, I’ve done all that. But now, I just want to be authentic. Maybe it is finally my turn. Maybe it is just the season, but I can’t pretend to be something I’m not.”
Yanga’s artistry has always carried a message of homecoming. A refusal to let global hip hop culture erase African identity.
“We were so forced to be American. But now, they have to come to us. They have to chase themselves through us. That is what hip hop means for me now: being able to be myself fully.”
Staying true to self
Even in the face of self-doubt and feeling overlooked, Yanga continues to find strength in staying true to his story.
“I found a home in hip hop because it allowed me to be me,” he said.
“The more honest I am about who I am, the more love I get from the game. That’s what keeps me going.”
