{"id":26544,"date":"2026-03-27T20:46:19","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T18:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=26544"},"modified":"2026-03-27T20:46:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T18:46:23","slug":"yongz-unveils-her-aspirations-for-sa-hip-hop-within-the-yonda-way-collective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/yongz-unveils-her-aspirations-for-sa-hip-hop-within-the-yonda-way-collective\/","title":{"rendered":"Yongz Unveils Her Aspirations for SA Hip Hop Within the YONDA WAY Collective"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ThatPrettygirlYongz Discusses Her Role in the YONDA WAY Camp & Her Aspirations for SA Hip Hop. Having recently participated in the innovative YONDA WAY VOL. 1 project, emerging Johannesburg rapper, singer, and poet ThatPrettygirlYongz engaged with SA Hip Hop Mag to share her perspective on the evolving landscape of South African hip hop.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Yongz<\/a><\/figure>\n

For Yongz, also known as Yonela Kozana, her involvement in this initiative carries significant personal meaning. \u201cIt means the world to me,\u201d<\/em> she stated. \u201cHip Hop has been my life since forever, and getting to be a part of shaping it in any way is special to me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The YONDA WAY project, led creatively by Zingah and supported by producer Tweezy, gathered nine up-and-coming artists, including Kanekeid, Fistola Inecut, Horid The Messiah, Andy Maveric, Leo Brown, Buzzi Lee, and Leezy Lindokuhle. The collective first caught the public’s eye through Zingah\u2019s YONDR interview series before participating in an intensive three-day studio camp in August 2025.<\/p>\n

Collaborating with established figures like Maglera Doe Boy, Kwesta, Reason, and Priddy Ugly, the artists produced 24 original tracks within a competitive yet collaborative setting. Feedback from a youth Sound Council comprising over 250 young reviewers was instrumental in shaping the project into its final collection of 11 tracks, with lead singles \u201cYONDA,\u201d \u201cGoliwood Living,\u201d and \u201cShe Just Wanna Party\u201d gaining traction.<\/p>\n

Yongz emphasized how the camp nurtured diversity and personal growth. \u201cIt helped me meet a lot of new people whose sounds are unique from mine in a plethora of ways,\u201d<\/em> she articulated. \u201cIt gave people a chance to explore and find ways to fit into spaces that were new and bigger than usual. Everyone\u2019s sound had a place, and their coming together was magical.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Regarding the main themes of the project, she pointed out culture and authenticity as vital elements. \u201cThemes that highlight struggle while showcasing the joy and love one can find in it,\u201d<\/em> Yongz explained.<\/p>\n

The competitive environment prompted her creative exploration in unforeseen ways. \u201cIt made me appreciate my sound while also realizing what I didn\u2019t even know was missing in it,\u201d<\/em> she remarked. \u201cWatching people effortlessly flow on beats that seemed too mellow or too frantic was something that made me realize I\u2019d been holding myself back in terms of what themes I could jump into.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Working under Zingah’s mentorship made a significant impression on her. \u201cHe was kind and eager to ensure everyone got their best out,\u201d<\/em> Yongz recounted. \u201cHe was attentive and inspiring at every turn. He saw everyone\u2019s potential and did everything necessary to bring that out. He wanted us to win, and that made us want to fight for it even more.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

One track that resonates powerfully for her is \u201cShe Just Wanna Party,\u201d<\/em> which she characterized as a lively celebration. \u201cIt represents fullness,\u201d<\/em> she shared. \u201cIt\u2019s about the complete view of what South African music culture is. It\u2019s fun and out of this world. It\u2019s effortlessly cool and bright. It\u2019s what Hip Hop should be.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Responses from young listeners further energized her ambition. \u201cIt made me want to work harder on myself and be more dedicated and consistent,\u201d<\/em> Yongz noted. \u201cIt made me surer of where I wanted to be as an artist.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Dealing with newfound visibility in a burgeoning movement evokes complex feelings. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting and also frightening,\u201d<\/em> she confessed. \u201cEvery artist wants eyes on them and their art, and how the audience receives that is everything. This project made me feel seen, and I\u2019m working on centering what I see and not internalizing what everyone else does.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking forward, Yongz aspires to leave a significant impact on the culture. \u201cI want female rappers to feel like they are a part of the culture and not just guests in it,\u201d<\/em> she stressed. \u201cI want it to be open to alternative sounds and give them the love they deserve. Alternative hip-hop is on the rise, and I want to help leave a spot for other female rappers to step into.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Fans can anticipate more from this versatile artist in the near future. \u201cI\u2019m working on a country rap album that is the old me and the new me all at once,\u201d<\/em> Yongz revealed. \u201cIt was inspired by Beyonce\u2019s Cowboy Carter and Maglera Doe Boy\u2019s street style.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

With YONDA WAY VOL. 1 signaling a new era for South African hip hop, artists like ThatPrettygirlYongz are stepping into the limelight while also making significant contributions toward a more genuine, joyful, and experimental music landscape. The project is gaining momentum through live performances and is anticipated to pave the way for the next generation of talents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n