Local Rapper Zuko The Don is back with a bang today, dropping his inspirational new single “Siya Kolisi”. I was immediately entranced by the atmospheric production off the track and the sample of Rassie Erasmus announcing that Siya Kolisi would play and captain The Springboks in their upcoming Test Series against Ireland in response to misguided criticism of Kolisi, perfectly set the tone for the track. Zuko rides silkily over the beat dropping intricate punchlines at a cut-throat pace, showing his intent from the get-go stating “Cooking it rare because you are what you eat”, Zuko’s lyrical ability and immaculate flow are certainly rare in today’s Hip-Hop game. 

Zuko has been one of my favourite local rappers since I first listened to his debut solo EP Anomaly back in 2022. Having known about him through his hard-hitting verses with Dank Neighbourhood, his introspective and thoughtful lyricism and eclectic yet always fitting beat selection on Anomaly had me hooked on his sound. When I learned Zuko was gearing up to release a new single I was filled with anticipation and excitement about what he had to offer next. The track certainly lived up to my expectations with the ominous strings, pulsating bass line, and captivating drum pattern setting the perfect platform for Zuko to showcase his mastery on the mic.

The track, which is short and sweet at 2 minutes and 36 seconds, is a powerful declaration of self-empowerment, repelling naysayers with vibrant affirmations. A standout line, “See the luck of the Irish is coming up short as a leprechaun right at the business end,” cleverly references the Irish rugby team’s World Cup struggles, demonstrating Zuko’s ability to blend cultural commentary with his unique style. This single diverges from his previous work by seamlessly blending rhythmic fluidity with sharp lyrical content, making it a standout in his discography. The mixing and mastering is top notch with his Dank Neighbourhood bandmates Ryno Smit (recording and mixing engineer) and Marcel van der Veen (mastering engineer) doing their part to create a crisp soundscape and polished feel to the track.

“Siya Kolisi” also highlights Zuko The Don’s knack for elite beat selection and memorable hooks. The infectious line, “I make the hits like I’m Siya Kolisi,” becomes an immediate earworm, adding to the track’s replay value and enhancing its overall impact. This release is poised to resonate deeply with South African rugby fans and South African’s as a whole, capturing the essence of our national pride and personal triumph. This release further solidifies Zuko’s position as a formidable lyricist in the South African Hip-Hop landscape, continuing his tradition of clever wordplay and impactful storytelling. Go stream “Siya Kolisi” on your platform of choice as soon as you can, I can vouch it will inspire you and have a lasting impact.