The Rise and Fall of Big Zulu: A Tale of Rivalry and Redemption
In the vibrant world of South African hip-hop, Big Zulu
merged as a formidable force, but his journey was not without its controversies.
In August 2022, he released a diss track titled “150 Bars,”
targeting several prominent rappers, including K.O., Duncn, Stogie T, and 25K.
While Big Zulu later claimed it was all in good fun, many fans and fellow artists were skeptical.
The question lingered: why did he choose these specific targets?
As the dust settled, it became clear that for Big Zulu, this was more than just competition.
When other artists retaliated with their own diss tracks, the situation escalated into a personal feud that would shake the industry.
Fast forward to September 2024, and Big Zulu dropped “200 Bars,” intensifying the already heated rivalry.
The lyrics were sharp, the shots fired even harder, and the responses from his targets only fueled the fire.
But what lay behind Big Zulu’s animosity toward some of these rappers?
To understand that, we need to rewind a few years.
Before his rise to fame, Big Zulu was a taxi driver, navigating the streets of South Africa.
In 2008, he made a bold decision to leave that life behind and pursue music full-time.
His dedication paid off when he signed with Universal Records in 2015 and released his debut album, “Kabi,” in July 2018.
His collaboration with K.O. and 25K on the track “Am I Lion” was a significant success, going platinum and reaching number five on the iTunes chart.
However, in 2019, Big Zulu began mentioning his fellow rappers in a more critical light.
In tracks like “50 Bars” and “100 Bars,” he called out Stogie T and K.O., suggesting they were out of touch with the current state of hip-hop.
By September 2022, Big Zulu’s tone shifted dramatically in “150 Bars.”
No longer were his mentions complimentary; they were filled with venom and aggression.
He dissed not only K.O. and Stogie T but also Duncan and others, claiming superiority in a way that shocked the industry.
Lines like “How are you going to save hip-hop when you’re dead yourself?” showcased his ruthless approach.
For many, this was not just a lyrical battle; it felt personal.
The tension in the air was palpable as Big Zulu asserted his dominance over the rap game.
In response, other artists began to retaliate.
K.O. and Duncan fired back, with K.O. even suggesting that Big Zulu was hiding behind his past as a taxi driver.
The stakes were raised, and the disses became increasingly aggressive.
Duncan, in particular, took the feud to another level with his track “Omu,” which translates to “funeral.”
In it, he obliterated Big Zulu, threatening him and mocking his credibility as a rapper.
Lines like “You don’t even know how to rap; you rap like you’re counting numbers,” resonated with listeners, further damaging Big Zulu’s reputation.
The conflict escalated to a point where it became more than just music.
Big Zulu’s past as a taxi driver, a profession often associated with danger and violence, added a layer of fear among his contemporaries.
Many rappers hesitated to respond, knowing that the taxi industry had its own set of rules and consequences.
Nota, a controversial figure in the industry, chimed in, pointing out the hypocrisy of Big Zulu’s attacks while claiming to want to revive South African hip-hop.
He stated, “You can’t make a diss track and then pick up everyone at the end. That’s not hip-hop.”
His words echoed the sentiments of many who felt Big Zulu was just trying to stir the pot for attention.
The more he dissed, the more others felt compelled to respond.
The rivalry had taken on a life of its own, with each artist trying to outdo the other in a lyrical arms race.
Despite the animosity, there were moments of camaraderie.
K.O., Casper Nyovest, and Stogie T would occasionally be seen together, sharing laughter and music, while Big Zulu remained on the outskirts.
It was a stark reminder that the world of hip-hop, while competitive, also had its bonds and friendships.
As 2024 progressed, Big Zulu’s “200 Bars” was met with mixed reactions.
While some praised his boldness, others criticized him for not evolving as an artist.
The lines were sharper, but the message seemed to be lost amidst the chaos of personal attacks.
His former allies were now his enemies, and the industry watched closely as the drama unfolded.
Duncan’s response to “200 Bars” was swift and brutal.
With tracks like “After Tears,” he continued to dismantle Big Zulu, accusing him of using witchcraft to achieve success and questioning his integrity.
The lyrics were laced with personal attacks, and it was evident that the gloves were off.
In a recent interview, Duncan revealed that he initially planned to keep his response light-hearted.
However, after Big Zulu had called him out publicly, he felt compelled to take a more aggressive stance.
“Once he crossed that line, I knew I had to go hard,” he stated, showcasing the intensity of their feud.
As the back-and-forth continued, the question remained: where would it all end?
Would Big Zulu and Duncan eventually bury the hatchet, or would their rivalry escalate into something more dangerous?
Fans speculated about the possibility of a physical confrontation, given the history and emotions involved.
In the world of hip-hop, rivalries can often lead to unexpected alliances or bitter feuds.
For Big Zulu, the path he chose was fraught with peril, but it also offered him a chance at redemption.
As he navigated the treacherous waters of the industry, he had to decide whether to continue the fight or seek a way to mend broken bridges.
The saga of Big Zulu serves as a reminder of the complexities of the hip-hop world.
It’s a space where talent meets ego, and friendships can quickly turn to rivalries.
As the story unfolds, one thing is certain: the South African hip-hop scene will be watching closely, eager to see what comes next in this ongoing drama.
