Blxckie
{{Short description|South African rapper and singer (born 1999)}}
{{Use South African English|date = January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{infobox person
| name = Blxckie
| image = Blxckie.jpg
| caption = Blxckie in 2021
| other_names = Somnyama, King Bhuxuza, Blxckie Somnyama the Animal.
| birth_name = Sihle Sithole
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|11|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = Sydenham Heights, Durban, South Africa
| nationality = South African
| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|singer|record producer}}
| children = 1
| website = {{URL|https://blxckie.com}}
| alma_mater = University of KwaZulu-Natal
| module = {{infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| label = {{hlist|M4 Entertainment|CCA|Taylor Records|Def Jam}}
| associated_acts = {{hlist|Nasty C|Yanga Chief|CKay|Young Stunna|Dr. Peppa|LucasrapsBaby daiz}}
| alias =
| genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|trap}}
}}
}}
Sihle Sithole (born 24 November 1999), known professionally as Blxckie, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban.{{Cite web|title=The Rise of Blxckie|url=https://www.breakroomafrica.com/music/2021/2/1/the-rise-of-blxckie|access-date=2022-01-02|website=BREAKROOM AFRICA|language=en-US|archive-date=2 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102070130/https://www.breakroomafrica.com/music/2021/2/1/the-rise-of-blxckie|url-status=live}} His debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa.
Early life
Sihle Sithole was born on 24 November 1999 in Sydenham Heights, Durban, South Africa.{{Cite news |last=Mbendeni |first=Alutho |date=2021-07-22 |title=Rapper Blxckie on his album success and new found fame {{!}} Drum |url=https://www.news24.com/amp/drum/celebs/news/rapper-blxckie-on-his-album-success-and-new-found-fame-20210722 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104030902/https://www.news24.com/amp/drum/celebs/news/rapper-blxckie-on-his-album-success-and-new-found-fame-20210722 |archive-date=4 January 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |publisher=Drum}}{{Cite web |title=blxckie's about page on YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/@blxckie_somnyama/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125081245/https://www.youtube.com/@blxckie_somnyama/about |archive-date=25 November 2022 |access-date=3 December 2022 |website=YouTube}} His musical interest started at the age of 6 when he recorded music with his friends.
Sithole enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal with a degree in Psychology, but failed to graduate due to the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Career
In an interview with Akho Mabandla, he commented that he felt there was a disconnect between South African artists and their fans, saying "It's almost like when an artist blows up or gets a little bit of fame, that goes straight to their head. But what they forget is that the fans will always be the thing that stands between you and greatness. As much as they love the music, we need them to keep listening if we want to stick around, and that's what I'm all about."{{Cite web |title=How Blxckie breathed new life into SA hip hop in 2021 |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/how-blxckie-breathed-new-life-into-sa-hip-hop-in-2021-f6982c7f-6a47-4476-8492-ad13eb57b42f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102074103/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/how-blxckie-breathed-new-life-into-sa-hip-hop-in-2021-f6982c7f-6a47-4476-8492-ad13eb57b42f |archive-date=2 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-02 |website=www.iol.co.za |language=en}}
In March 2020, Sithole visited Johannesburg as the country underwent a 21-day lockdown, as a result of COVID. Whilst in Johannesburg, his popularity soared as he released multiple songs on Soundcloud{{Cite web |date=5 July 2021 |title=Meet Blxckie: South African hip-hop's new kid on the block [watch] |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/who-is-blxckie-hip-hop-sa-lucasraps-big-time-shlappa-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104004929/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/who-is-blxckie-hip-hop-sa-lucasraps-big-time-shlappa-watch/ |archive-date=4 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-11 |website=thesouthafrican.com |language=en}} Early that same month, he was named Up Next artist by Apple Music.{{Cite web |date=2021-03-23 |title=BLXCKIE ANNOUNCED AS APPLE MUSIC UP NEXT ARTIST IN SOUTH AFRICA |url=https://trace.tv/people/blxckie-announced-apple-music-next-artist-south-africa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411145521/https://trace.tv/people/blxckie-announced-apple-music-next-artist-south-africa/ |archive-date=11 April 2021 |access-date=2022-01-02 |website=TRACE |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Shumba |first=Ano |date=2021-03-19 |title=SA: Blxckie featured on Apple Music Up Next |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-blxckie-featured-apple-music-next |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727195746/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-blxckie-featured-apple-music-next |archive-date=27 July 2021 |access-date=2022-01-02 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Blxckie Named Apple Music's 'Up Next' Artist |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/blxckie-named-apple-music-up-next/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102070129/https://www.okayafrica.com/blxckie-named-apple-music-up-next/ |archive-date=2 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-02 |website=okayafricasite |language=en}} On 30 April 2021, his single "David" was released.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-30 |title=BLXCKIE drops new single 'David' ahead of debut album 'B4Now' {{!}} YoMzansi |url=https://www.yomzansi.com/2021/04/30/blxckie-drops-new-single-david-ahead-of-debut-album-b4now/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527183236/https://www.yomzansi.com/2021/04/30/blxckie-drops-new-single-david-ahead-of-debut-album-b4now/ |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |publisher=YoMzansi}} The song was certified gold in South Africa.
On 10 May 2021, he announced a single "Ye ×4" featuring Nasty C and the release date via his Instagram account.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-11 |title=New Blxckie x Nasty C 'Ye X 4' Drops Friday |url=https://hypemagazine.co.za/2021/05/11/new-blxckie-x-nasty-c-ye-x-4-drops-friday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925152852/https://hypemagazine.co.za/2021/05/11/new-blxckie-x-nasty-c-ye-x-4-drops-friday/ |archive-date=25 September 2021 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Hype Magazine}}{{Cite web |title=Blxckie and Nasty C Prove Durban Really Got The Juice in New Single 'Ye ×4' - OkayAfrica |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/amp/blxckie-and-nasty-new-single-ye-x4-2652982102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527185134/https://www.okayafrica.com/amp/blxckie-and-nasty-new-single-ye-x4-2652982102 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |publisher=OkayAfrica}} The song was released 14 May 2021. "Ye×4" was certified double platinum with sales of over 40,000 units.{{Cite web |last=Keteyi |first=Oluthando |date=2022-05-24 |title=Blxckie celebrates 10 plaques in one year and bags brand deal |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/blxckie-celebrates-10-plaques-in-one-year-and-bags-brand-deal-51eb0694-765f-434e-9871-a06a68f57ab2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527185134/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/blxckie-celebrates-10-plaques-in-one-year-and-bags-brand-deal-51eb0694-765f-434e-9871-a06a68f57ab2 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |publisher=Independent Online}} His debut studio album B4Now was released on 21 May 2021. It features appearances from artists such as Nasty C, LucasRaps, FLVME, Rowlene, and LeoDaleo.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-05 |title=Blxckie announced as Apple Music's next Africa Rising Artist and it speaks volumes about his current influence |url=https://texxandthecity.com/2021/07/blxckie-announced-as-apple-musics-next-africa-rising-artist-and-it-speaks-volumes-about-his-current-influence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102075322/https://texxandthecity.com/2021/07/blxckie-announced-as-apple-musics-next-africa-rising-artist-and-it-speaks-volumes-about-his-current-influence/ |archive-date=2 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-02 |website=Texx and the City |language=en-US}} The album was certified gold in South Africa with sales of over 10,000 units.
Blxckie embarked on his B4Now Tour on 26 November, kicking off in his home city of Durban at The Warehouse; that included 10 dates that ran through to December 2021. The tour was supported by A-Reece, Nasty C, Zakes Bantwini, Nadia Nakai, Sjava, Focalistic, Okmalumkoolkat, Big Zulu, Shizze, LeoDaLeo, 031Choppa, Clout Internet Boyz and itsbambino.{{Cite web |last=Rasephei |first=Sekese |date=2021-12-25 |title=Blxckie To Kickstart His Countrywide B4Now Tour This Friday - The Plug |url=https://theplugmag.com/blxckie-to-kickstart-his-countrywide-b4now-tour-this-friday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521122307/https://theplugmag.com/blxckie-to-kickstart-his-countrywide-b4now-tour-this-friday/ |archive-date=21 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=The Plug}}{{Cite web |date=2021-12-06 |title=Blxckie to celebrate debut album with countrywide tour {{!}} Rising Sun Overport |url=https://risingsunoverport.co.za/110940/blxckie-to-celebrate-debut-album-with-countrywide-tour/amp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201003114/https://risingsunoverport.co.za/110940/blxckie-to-celebrate-debut-album-with-countrywide-tour/amp |archive-date=1 December 2022 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=Rising Sun Overport}} He won Freshman of the Year and was nominated for Album of the Year (B4Now), Song of the Year ("Ye×4") and Best Collaboration at the South African Hip Hop Awards 2021.{{Cite web |title=All the drama and who the Artist of the Decade is |url=https://www.news24.com/amp/citypress/trending/sa-hip-hop-awards-all-the-drama-and-who-the-artist-of-the-decade-is-20211211 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211094149/http://www.news24.com/amp/citypress/trending/sa-hip-hop-awards-all-the-drama-and-who-the-artist-of-the-decade-is-20211211 |archive-date=11 December 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=News24}}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-05 |title=SOUTH AFRICAN HIP-HOP AWARDS: NOMINEES LIST |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/breaking-south-african-hip-hop-awards-nominations-boity-big-zulu-blxckie-3-december/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102195842/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/breaking-south-african-hip-hop-awards-nominations-boity-big-zulu-blxckie-3-december/ |archive-date=2 January 2022 |access-date=2 January 2022 |website=thesouthafrican.com}}
In December 2021, he ranked number 1 on MTV Base: SA's Hottest MCs.{{Cite news |last=Shumba |first=Ano |date=7 December 2021 |title=SA: MTV Base announces Hottest MCs of 2021 |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-mtv-base-announces-hottest-mcs-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306161029/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-mtv-base-announces-hottest-mcs-2021 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |access-date=6 March 2022 |work=Music In Africa |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Darangwa |first=Shingai |date=2021-12-06 |title=Blxckie rightfully crowned as SA's 'Hottest MC' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/local/blxckie-rightfully-crowned-as-sas-hottest-mc-71ae80d5-8bc4-45fe-8f17-0cb2a4d284fb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527183236/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/local/blxckie-rightfully-crowned-as-sas-hottest-mc-71ae80d5-8bc4-45fe-8f17-0cb2a4d284fb |archive-date=27 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Independent Online}} "Cold" was released as his new EP's lead single on 3 February 2022, at the time of release he also announced the release date of his EP via his Instagram account.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-09 |title=Blxckie Announces New '4LUV' EP Dropping 18th Feb |url=https://hypemagazine.co.za/2022/02/09/blxckie-announces-new-4luv-ep-dropping-18th-feb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528051615/https://hypemagazine.co.za/2022/02/09/blxckie-announces-new-4luv-ep-dropping-18th-feb/ |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=Hype Magazine}} On 18 February 2022, his EP 4LUV was released.{{Cite web |last=Rasephei |first=Sekese |date=2022-02-21 |title=Blxckie releases his R&B rooted EP 4LUV to celebrate the month of love |url=https://theplugmag.com/blxckie-releases-his-rb-rooted-ep-4luv-to-celebrate-the-month-of-love/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629040423/https://theplugmag.com/blxckie-releases-his-rb-rooted-ep-4luv-to-celebrate-the-month-of-love/ |archive-date=29 June 2022 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=theplugmag}} He later collaborated with fellow South African rapper A-Reece on the song "Sneaky". He would then be nominated as the Best International Flow at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2022.
In November 2023, Blxckie signed a recording deal with Def Jam.{{Cite news |last=Maako |first=Keitumetse |date=2024-02-24 |title=Def Jam signee Blxckie exceeds expectations as he goes on first US tour |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/def-jam-signee-blxckie-exceeds-expectations-as-he-goes-on-first-us-tour-20240224-2 |publisher=News24 |location=South Africa |language=en-ZA}}Towards the end of February 2024, he was announced as supporting act on We Only Talk About Real Shit When We're Fucked Up Tour with Bas, commerced on 3 March in Dallas, Texas, and concluded in New York on 9 April. His extended play see u soon, was released on 26 July 2024.{{Cite news |last=Lesemane |first=Lineo |title=Blxckie drops 'see u soon' – An EP inspired by growth and global travels |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/blxckie-drops-see-you-soon-inspired-by-growth-and-global-travels |access-date=2024-07-27 |work=The Citizen}} In September 2024 Blxckie and his girlfriend welcomed their daughter{{Cite web |last=Mzandisi |first=compiled by Iviwe |title='A new chapter begins': Rapper Blxckie and YouTuber Hermosa Lit share baby news with touching video |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/celebrities/a-new-chapter-begins-rapper-blxckie-and-youtuber-hermosa-lit-share-baby-news-with-touching-video-20240904 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Life |language=en-US}}
= Endorsement =
In May 2022, he was announced as the ambassador of clothing brand Redbat x Sportscene.{{Cite web |last=Jabulani |first=John |date=2022-05-24 |title=Blxckie Announces New Partnership With RedBat |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/blxckie-announces-new-partnership-with-redbat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528043706/https://www.ubetoo.com/news/blxckie-announces-new-partnership-with-redbat/ |archive-date=28 May 2022 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=Ubetoo}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
= Extended plays =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!Title !Type !Album details !Certification |
| Eqnx II
|rowspan="6"|EP |{{bulletedlist|Release date: 2019|Label: CCA|Formats: Digital download, Streaming}} | |
| It Feels Like a Dream
|{{bulletedlist|Release date: 2020|Label: Blxckie|Formats: Digital download, Streaming }} | |
| Blxck Panda {{small|(with Khumz)}}
|{{bulletedlist|Release date: 2020|Label: Taylor Records|Formats: Digital download, Streaming}} | |
| 4LUV
|
| |
| The 4Mula
|
| |
| see u soon
|
| |
=As lead artist=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name |
| scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|ZA |
| scope="row" | "Come With Us" (featuring Shizze)
|2019 | — | | {{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "End Zone" (featuring Slim Ego)
|rowspan=4|2020 | — | | |
| scope="row" | "Uh Huh" (featuring Jon Fxrgo)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Okay B.Y.E" (Priestdebeast, Blxckie)
| — | | |
| scope="row" | "Big Time Sh'lappa" (featuring LucasRaps)
| — | | {{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "Side Piece" (BossyX, Blxckie)
|rowspan=6|2021 |— | | |
| scope="row" | "Stripes" (featuring Flvme)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Do Me" (Sxdie, LuMai, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Kwenzekile" (featuring Madumane, Chang Cello)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Why Me?" (Audiomarc, Nasty C, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Get It and Go" (Priestdebeast, Blxckie, Blikkyy2drill)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "TOXIC" (YGFXB, Blxckie, Leodaleo)
|rowspan=3|2022 |— | | |
| scope="row" | "Khuphuka"
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Focus" (S1mba, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Papa Fetti"
|rowspan=9|2023 |— | | |
| scope="row" | "Stuck (Your Heart)" (Blxckie, Mayten, S1mba)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Loving You" (Elaine, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "BECOME ONE" (Nicole Elocin, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Back and Forth" (Nailah Blackman, Blxckie, J Dep )
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Talk 2 Me" (Nanette, Blxckie featuring BGRZ)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Survive" (Maximm, Blxckie, Khumz)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Godly" (Maximm, Blxckie, PsychoYP featuring Loatinover Pounds)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Back Into It"
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Out the Way" (Eli Sostre, Blxckie)
|rowspan=7|2024 |— | | |
| scope="row" | "Coffin Freestyle"
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "all faxx"
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Baby Jackson" (Blxckie, A-Reece)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Abekho" (Sonwabile, Blxckie)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "Tholakuwe (Herc Cut The Lights, Blxckie, Sjava featuring Young Stunna)
|— | | |
| scope="row" | "South" (Blxckie, Take A Daytrip)
|— | |{{non-album single}} |
| colspan="8" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
=As featured artist=
=Guest appearances=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:18em;"| Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Other artist(s) ! scope="col" | Album |
| scope="row"| "Crown"
| 2024 | 7 |
|---|
Awards and nominations
=== BET Hip-Hop Awards ===
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2024
| style="text-align:center;" |Himself
| Best International Flow
|{{pending}}
{{end}}
= BET UK Hip Hop Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2022
| style="text-align:center;" |Himself
| Best International Flow
| {{Nominated}}
{{end}}
= Clout Africa Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2022
| style="text-align:center;" |Himself
| Songwriter of the Year
|{{won}}
{{end}}
= South African Hip hop Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbrv|Ref.|References}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|2021
|rowspan="3" style="text-align: center;" | B4Now
|Fresheman of the Year
|{{won}}
|-
|Album of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
|2022
|Best Hip Hop Album
|{{won}}
{{end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blxckie}}
Category:South African male rappers
Category:South African record producers
Category:South African songwriters
Category:Musicians from Durban