SDMZN Drops Groundbreaking Singles That Fuse Nguni Language with Progressive Hip Hop

 

It’s not every day that a new artist arrives with a voice, sound, and purpose that echoes through generations — but SDMZN isn’t just any new artist. With his latest single releases, he brings something refreshing to the table: a brave, authentic fusion of Nguni languages with modern, experimental Hip Hop that doesn’t just entertain — it educates, liberates, and preserves culture.

Hailing from the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, raised between Newcastle and Soweto, SDMZN’s roots are steeped in the diverse traditions and struggles of Black South Africans. These lived experiences fuel his mission: to represent the core of Hip Hop culture — the spreading of knowledge and the liberation of oppressed people. As he puts it, “Though it was invented inside Black communities, Hip Hop works for people of all races and cultures.” With that truth as his compass, SDMZN crafts music that crosses borders but never loses its soul.

 

His upcoming singles are deeply experimental, created from downloaded beats — a raw, unfiltered expression of his evolving sound. While this phase has allowed him to explore ideas without limitation, the team is actively looking for a dedicated producer to help refine and develop his sound. This doesn’t mean he’s without original material. On the contrary, SDMZN is backed by a growing collective of progressive, community-based producers including the legendary Over (founding producer of Unfamilia Systemz), Dyani, JFX Beats from the Netherlands, and more.

But that’s just one side of the coin. SDMZN is also working on a deeply collaborative duo project with his musical director, the phenomenal guitarist Musa Zwane. Together, they’re translating his raw Hip Hop catalog into live compositions. This live evolution of his music aims to take the message beyond the digital sphere — reaching audiences across age, language, and cultural lines — without compromising the music’s integrity or its revolutionary potential.

This journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the spiritual presence guiding it. SDMZN extends a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to the late Gift Nkomo, who first embraced SDMZN’s live sound vision at the renowned Sawubona Music Jam. That performance turned out to be Gift’s final one there — a deeply emotional moment that now fuels SDMZN’s drive. That belief — that moment of recognition — became rocket fuel. And for an artist on his first rodeo, it was not just a blessing, but a powerful initiation.

 

 

At EAV (Embrace African Voices), we are beyond honored to support SDMZN’s unfolding story. His music is not just about rhythm or rhyme — it’s about cultural preservation, community healing, and creative evolution. In a world where African languages are too often erased or sidelined, artists like SDMZN are pushing them back into the center, letting them thrive in the spotlight of global sounds.

This is just the beginning — and we know the heights he’s destined for will not only redefine South African Hip Hop but contribute meaningfully to the global artistic canon.

Embrace the Grace. The revolution is alive — and it speaks Nguni.

Both SDMZN singles can be found here:

SDMZN MUSIC

Visuals by EAV & Loudpix 

#WeAreTheMoney
#SDMZN
#EmbraceAfricanVoices
#NguniHipHop
#LiveTheMessage

 

Black Woman - The Black Kings Best Therapy

The Absence of Black Women in the Rebuilding of the African Empire

Africa’s rebirth has been a long and winding road—marked by resistance, resilience, and the slow, often painful process of reclaiming economic, cultural, and political sovereignty. Yet, at the heart of this struggle lies a paradox: the very hands that have nurtured Africa’s soul, preserved its traditions, and sustained its communities are often missing from the decision-making tables that shape its future.  

Black women—historically the backbone of African society—have been sidelined in the grand narrative of continental reconstruction. This exclusion is not by accident, but by design. Colonialism, apartheid, and neo-imperialism did more than extract Africa’s resources; they fragmented its social fabric, imposing patriarchal structures that left African women fighting a double battle—against both racial oppression and gender exclusion.  

However, there is another layer to this absence that extends beyond structures and policies. In the trenches of African rebirth, the Black man—often carrying the weight of generational struggle—fights a battle that cannot be won alone. His strength, vision, and willpower are fueled by the love, presence, and active participation of the Black woman. Without her, his fire burns; with her, it becomes an uncontainable blaze.  

A Battle That Demands Two Warriors 

The fight to rebuild Africa is not a man’s fight or a woman’s fight. It is a collective struggle of a people determined to reclaim what was taken from them and to rebuild the walls of their own empire—not with fragments borrowed from the West, but with the essence of their own identity.  

For the Black man standing on the battlefield of industry, politics, and creative revolution, the presence of the Black woman is not just an addition—it is a force multiplier. She is not merely a supporter but a co-architect, whose wisdom, grace, and strategic brilliance fortify the collective mission.  

The African man who is striving—who is pushing against the tides of economic exclusion, political alienation, and cultural erasure—needs the Black woman not as an afterthought, but as an equal force of creation. His vision sharpens when hers aligns with it. His ability to manifest grows when she is not just present in spirit, but actively involved in the process.  

The truth is, no nation has ever been built without the full participation of its women. No African revolution will succeed if the very women who birth its leaders, nurture its culture, and drive its informal economies are left on the sidelines of its reconstruction.  

A Love That Builds Empires

The depth of Black love is more than romance—it is the foundation of Black survival. In the context of rebuilding Africa, this love must extend beyond the personal into the political, economic, and cultural realms. Black love—when channeled into shared purpose—becomes the ultimate resistance against colonial fragmentation.  

When Black women step into the full force of their power, they magnify not only their own individual capabilities but also the collective strength of Black people as a whole. The empire that Africa is destined to become cannot materialize with half its people missing from the table. It certainly cannot manifest if the men fighting for it do so without the love, wisdom, and strength of the women who complete them.  

African women have been forced into a cycle of survival; their rightful place is in creation. They must not only be present in Africa’s rebuilding, but they must also be honored as its co-architects, ensuring that their love, leadership, and vision shape the foundations of a new African empire—one that belongs to both Black men and Black women, standing side by side. 

- Dumisani Radebe

Dr. E Set for New E.P Release - THE GREAT YEAR

 

THE GREAT YEAR

It is well known that my first, physically distributable, solo musical offering came on on this month, 2 years ago on the 22nd in 2022. This date became the most cosmo-Logical for my release date in correspondence to the timing of that phase in my life - where so many events had been taking place.
The date had created a huge significance in my calendar, with many points to plot in-between and around it - though none had been thus far solidly bookmarked. One of the many truths that have kept reccuring though, in the weeks/days following this one is the realisation of time's wisdom being the ultimate of available instruments of measurement and/or observation. I say this drawing from a great and serendipitous reminder from a great brother by the name - Ram Sam King, of one of the initiatives that time has allowed us to review from. It seems to point out elements of time being an entity on its own.

 

I therefore take this time to give thanks that this critical date of my debut release has been taken by the imminent celebration of one of my, if not thee greatest inspirations behind my artistic/creative journey - of all time. It makes the greatest sense for me to be celebrating the best among those who handed me the artform - the legendary Vice The 13th. I am therefore extremely grateful to be sharing context with such a selfless endevour, heralded by another one of my elders/teachers in the lyrical part of the field - the great Time Xone. I therefore genuflect to the significance of what this date is turning out to be.

 

Had this day not been taken for the honor of my elder, this tape would be making its way to you on that very day. Yes. My 2nd offering of headspace renditions - in lyrical form would've been packaged for the purpose of reaching you - wherever you may be and in the best form for your pleasure. Ladies and gentlemen - I am announcing that we have completed the first part of the E.P called: The Game Changer EP by Dr. E (Dr. Equinox). This is to be the most lyrical works ever produced by me, for the purpose of availing philosophy to the world we've inherited and currently inhabit. This tape serves to deliver from a "me" that wants more to beard by the people listening, more than to entertain them.
The Game Changer E.P - also almost got named as "The_Rap_E" - which translates to both "therapy" or as it literally spells - I defining chunk of the "E's" contextual output, lyrically laid out for self-medication as priority - and whichever other shapes/forms that evolution adapts it to. Thus, "Therapy." This tape, or rather the creation of it ended up becoming the only thread of sanity out of the shape life was taking in the interim. It started to become the lifeline of the sense that could at that time be derived from observing my life. And for that, I'd like to give thanks to the lords of creation and creativity for channeling me there. Or should I say, for having that space for me to channel into.

I cannot really pinpoint what inspired my belief in that I can afford to sacrifice time to such a personal project - while knowing very well the unstable dynamics of profitability in today's musical/industrial landscape. It is a project that I wanted to create, whether or not its monetizable. It is my gift to myself, which I intend to give the world. In the quickest way to explain it's purpose, I'll refer to another serendipitous question which I was "randomly" asked after I wrote and recorded the first of these tracks - "The Game Changer Freestyle". At one of the great sessions I was invited to perform at called: Dark City Sessions in Alexander Township (another location of great significance to my creative strides), I was asked by a great fellow artist if I could imagine creating a track that has all that I want to say to the world, to which I answered: "Hey, I think I just made such a track." This question was asked by BlaqSun Quest who also happens to be amongst those one can trust in the output of concise African philosophy or literature. Both.

The decision to keep writing, after that was automatic. I had though I could never outdo what I wrote there with anything else - ever. I thought the limit reachable by my own intelligence/knowledge was reached. It was the biggest surprise to me when lines/rhymes kept coming after that. Instead of conceptualizing on the flow, I just let it be. I let the pen decide its own way and believe me - it still has not stopped delivering the philosophy. I won't do anything to stop it. I probably can't but I do realise the need for my musicality to return to my production. This offering therefore stands to be my shield in the question of lyrical productivity. It will be the ground on which I stand to account for my ability in lyrics.

I am not saying I am moving away from my lyrical prowess, though I am saying that this will currently be the most lyrical efforts I am putting out for quite some time - so in order to cultivate my musical capacity to a point I feel equally as free to express it as I do with rhymes. I believe there is a high musical capacity buried inside my spirit, whose unearthing is long overdue. I believe that keeping it within me is the same as a type of prison. My ultimate decision then is to create a freedom out of it - since it has for so much of my life been validated. Believing that "change is the only constant", I also declare that my change has reached its manifestation alignment. I will therefore be embarking on a more musical direction in my sonic body. 

Be prepared to experience a more different idea of me and all the ability you've come to attribute to me through your experience of me or otherwise. Be prepared to get over what you know, for something/someone totally different - even strange, and also to be okay with it - whether or not you like it. None of it suits me, therefore, do know that I'd never do it if I knew I'm not or can't be good at it. After all, I learnt from the best - Vice The 13th AKA Jack of Almost Trades AKA GodsKidBrother - Isalamusi.
The tape will now be available from the 23rd of March. Details will be updated as we go. The cover art was done through collaboration with @Slovo and we look forward to make personalized sharables to make available with the tape. 

We give thanks to the Most High God-Creator and all our ancestors within the work of light. Let the light prevail from now till eternity. "The Name is Dr. E and the E Stands ForEver."
 

Love & Light

 

E = MCs Squared (Listen) 

 

THE SMOKING DRAGON EXPERIENCE: A TESTAMENT TO COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND COLLECTIVE LEGACY

The “We Are The Money” movement is a living vision of what township creatives can achieve together, committed to healing communities through art and creating sustainable paths for overlooked artists.

Our journey to Smoking Dragon Festival 2024 marks a significant step toward this vision. As one of South Africa's most anticipated independent music festivals, it serves as a space where culture, music, and art intersect.

By managing one of the festival’s seven stages on New Year’s Eve, we showcase the brilliance and resilience of township and rural artists, standing as ambassadors for a larger movement.

THE ROAD TO SMOKING DRAGON: COMMUNITY IN ACTION

The journey to Smoking Dragon has been extraordinary. Through various activations across Johannesburg, township artists have supported one another. This is what working group economics looks like.

Despite challenges, the “We Are The Money” family remains strong. We invite you to join us:

As supporters: Your ticket purchases and donations help cover costs and support artists.

As collaborators: Your skills and contributions are invaluable.

Together, we demonstrate that the township creative economy is the future.

A MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE: HONOURING OUR BROTHERS

We acknowledge the sudden passing of Gift Nkomo, a member of our Smoking Dragon lineup. His art and spirit resonated deeply with many. We also commemorate:

ViceThe13th

Emdee

Phaks Manis

These individuals were our brothers and collaborators. Their legacies will live on through our work. We will honor them on stage, celebrating their dreams.

To those not mentioned by name, we see you, remember you, and this is for you too.

COLLABORATION ON A NATIONAL SCALE

Our presence at Smoking Dragon is about building bridges. Collaborating with national powerhouses like Ilsa Roberts proves that unity among township creatives and established leaders is necessary.

This embodies the “We Are The Money” movement: breaking barriers and creating opportunities for artists at every level.

THE FINAL LINEUP IS HERE

The final lineup for our Smoking Dragon stage is ready. These artists embody the spirit of this movement as storytellers and healers.

Join us:

Get your tickets to Smoking Dragon Festival.

Support our campaign with resources and donations.

Share our story to amplify township creatives' voices.

A CALL TO ACTION: THIS IS FOR ALL OF US

As a creative arts activist, I believe we are in a defining moment. The “We Are The Money” movement focuses on collective investment in one another.

At Smoking Dragon Festival, we celebrate life, legacy, and unity. We will remember those lost, honor those building, and inspire future participants.

This is more than a stage; it is a statement.

This is more than a performance; it is a revolution.

We Are The Money. And we are calling on you to stand with us. See the final lineup in the images below.

Let’s make history together.

For Gift Nkomo. For ViceThe13th. For Emdee. For Phaks Manis. For all of us.

See you at Smoking Dragon.

Revolutionizing South Africa’s Festival Landscape: The Power of the ‘We Are The Money’ Movement at Smoking Dragon Festival

In the world of creative arts, opportunities for township and marginalized artists have often been stifled by systemic barriers, limited resources, and an industry that historically centers mainstream voices. Today, a new chapter begins, led by the visionary team behind We Are The Money and it’s founder, Dumisani Radebe, an unwavering advocate for township empowerment. This movement, backed by a coalition of creatives and anchored in communal strength, is rewriting the narrative through a strategic partnership with South Africa’s largest festival—Smoking Dragon Festival.

The First-of-its-Kind Collaboration: A Stage for Township Talent

For the first time in the history of the South African festival circuit, an independent, community-rooted movement will manage a main stage at Smoking Dragon. This New Year’s Eve spectacle will be curated by We Are The Money, making space for the raw, authentic, and often unheard voices from townships and rural areas. This groundbreaking collaboration is not just a symbolic step; it is an official alliance with a major, predominantly white-owned festival—a sign that the South African arts landscape is slowly opening its doors to new voices.

“This isn’t just about a night of performances; it’s about systemic change,” Dumisani Radebe shares. “It’s about showing that township artists can not only participate but lead and set new standards in the industry.”

Building a 5-Year Plan for Sustainable Creative Employment

At the heart of this collaboration is a vision that extends beyond the festival stage. The We Are The Money movement aims to establish a new, permanent employment mechanism over the next five years. This model will ensure ongoing work for artists, event planners, technicians, and other creatives, fostering a culture where local talent has consistent access to opportunities.

This strategic plan is about more than performing—it’s about cultivating an ecosystem where artists can thrive year-round. It envisions annual partnerships, a network of township-led creative hubs, and skill-sharing initiatives that teach and empower the next generation. Figures such as Ilsa Roberts have paved the way, supporting the nurturing environment needed for these initiatives to bloom.

Redefining Creative Opportunities for Marginalized Artists

What does this all mean for the average creative in Soweto, Khayelitsha, or Gqeberha? It means recognition, income, growth, and a tangible path toward artistic careers that were once just distant dreams. By holding this space at Smoking Dragon Festival, the movement is spotlighting the potential of marginalized artists on an international stage.

The festival is a starting point, but the impact aims to ripple out to other corners of South Africa, creating a circuit of events where township artists are celebrated, supported, and prioritized. It also shifts the festival landscape to recognize that investing in these communities enriches the broader creative tapestry of the country.

A Call for Support: Sponsorship and Innovation

To maintain momentum and transform this initiative into a longstanding tradition, We Are The Money invites like-minded sponsors and innovators to join the cause. With the right partnerships, this can be more than a one-off event—it can be the genesis of a new era in South African arts and culture. The support from sponsors will not only cover the logistical and administrative challenges but also provide a safety net that empowers artists without the burden of financial strain.

“This isn’t just about one festival; it’s about creating an employment structure that sustains artists, technicians, and visionaries for years to come,” Dumisani emphasizes. “We are proving that the arts in townships are not a charity case; they are an untapped reservoir of brilliance.”

The Countdown Begins: Ticket Sales and Support

As excitement builds for the Smoking Dragon Festival, ticket prices have seen an increase to R950 as of today. This investment goes beyond just experiencing a festival; it’s about supporting a movement that is laying the foundation for lasting change. 

🎟️ Secure your tickets here: https://qkt.io/RedAlertAtSMD

Join us in supporting a transformative journey that not only celebrates the arts but redefines who gets to create, lead, and benefit from South Africa’s rich cultural landscape. With every ticket purchased, every partnership formed, and every voice raised, we are stepping closer to a future where the arts are for everyone, from the township streets to the world stage.

#EmpowerTownshipTalent #WeAreTheMoney #SmokingDragonFestival #SustainableArt #CreativeActivism #SupportLocalArtists #5YearPlan

Important Update on Our Cause at Smoking Dragon Festival

To our community, supporters, and collaborators,

As we prepare for our presence at this year's Smoking Dragon Festival, we are reaching an important crossroads in our mission to build a lasting, independent creative movement for Black township and rural artists. We have encountered significant challenges in our fundraising efforts that highlight a crucial truth: the traditional strategies used by well-established brands simply aren’t designed to support movements like ours. Our focus on sustainability, transparency, and true independence requires a fresh approach that is deeply connected to our values and grounded in doing things the right way from the start.

Why It’s Essential to Get It Right—Even If It Takes Longer

We’re building a future for Black, independent artists, and we must do so with patience and by the book. Any shortcuts or compromises now may undermine everything we aim to achieve long term. If we rush, or if we simply replicate old systems that don’t work for marginalized voices, we risk falling into the same traps that have kept Black artists and communities from achieving ownership and real impact.

Getting it right means moving with a careful eye on the future, ensuring that every step we take now builds toward a sustainable presence for Black creatives. This process requires time, patience, and above all, the unwavering support of people who understand the stakes. True change isn’t built overnight, but when built right, it lasts. By working carefully and establishing robust frameworks, we can avoid the cycle of exploitation and marginalization that has persisted in the industry, where township and rural artists have historically had limited ownership over their work and opportunities.

Ending the Cycle of Exploitation in Artist Bookings

We must address the cycle of dissatisfaction that has long plagued marginalized artists. Traditional booking systems, where artists are booked without ownership and a say in the broader mission, leave our artists disempowered. This outdated model fails to honor the hard work and creativity of artists who have deep roots in their communities. It’s time for a new model—one where township artists are not only the talent but are also in positions of influence, shaping their careers and communities in ways that benefit them directly.

If we continue with old systems, this cycle will persist, and the very voices we seek to uplift will remain sidelined. Our movement is dedicated to challenging this model by centering ownership, transparency, and fair distribution of resources.

This Year’s Fundraising Efforts as a Blueprint for the Future

Given our short-notice involvement this year, we are calling on our community to help us make this inaugural event a success. This year is a blueprint, a testing ground for us to develop a self-sustaining funding model that we can refine and strengthen over the coming years. By supporting us now, you are helping lay the foundation for a new, equitable model of artist support that will ensure township and rural creatives thrive at events like these in the future.

Your support today—whether through donations, sponsorships, or simply sharing our mission—directly contributes to a larger movement that aims to change the landscape for artists who have been historically excluded. We’re not asking for a one-time handout; we’re asking for partnership in building a future that belongs to us all.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Ilsa Roberts, the founder of Smoking Dragon Festival, for creating this opportunity to bring marginalized creative voices to the forefront. Her commitment to inclusivity has allowed us to showcase township and rural talent on a larger stage, giving them the platform to share their art, their stories, and their culture with a wider audience. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bridging gaps in the creative industry, and we are honored to be part of a festival that values and uplifts diverse voices. Thank you, Ilsa, for recognizing the potential of our artists and empowering us to organize in a way that truly respects and celebrates our community.

Thank you for being part of this journey. With your support, we can establish a new, sustainable model for Black, independent artists—one that prioritizes ownership, integrity, and long-term success.

In solidarity,

Dumisani Radebe 

We Are The Money Movement

wearethemoney.info@gmail.com

Phone: +27 69 248 4230 / +27 (63) 008-1839

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/WATMFacebook 

Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/WATMGroup

Your support will mean the world to us ✊🏾!

#MAKWANDE!

From: 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/525253040096012/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

“We Are The Money” Movement: Pioneering Township Arts & Creative Economies– A New Chapter with Smoking Dragon Festivals

“We Are The Money” Movement: Pioneering Township Arts & Creative Economies – A New Chapter with Smoking Dragon Festival

Johannesburg, South Africa, September 2024 — We Are The Money, a dynamic movement born out of Soweto, is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey, cementing its role as a transformative force within South Africa’s creative landscape. Our upcoming pilgrimage to the legendary Smoking Dragon Festival this New Year’s Eve is not just a moment of triumph for township and rural artists—it is the beginning of an enduring partnership that will elevate marginalized voices and redefine creative economies in South Africa.

Founded on the principles of unity, mutual support, and township empowerment, We Are The Money has spent years fostering a network of creators who actively share skills, resources, and platforms. Our mission is simple but profound: we believe that the arts, music, and culture can heal communities and uplift economies, and that by investing in ourselves and one another, we become the very engines of our collective success.

A New Chapter: “We Are The Money” x Smoking Dragon Festival

We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the prestigious Smoking Dragon Festival, where We Are The Money will be curating an exclusive stage. This marks not only a significant achievement for our movement but also the start of a continuous relationship that promises to create more opportunities for township and rural artists to shine on global platforms.

Our stage at Smoking Dragon - “RED ALERT” will be the official stamp of arrival. Its where there will be a celebration of homegrown talent, featuring an eclectic mix of live performances, visual arts, and cultural exhibitions. This pilgrimage is part of a broader mission: to build a circuit of creative experiences across township South Africa, starting in Johannesburg and expanding outward. Our line-up will feature some of the most authentic show-stoppers of our time the likes of, Ms Funkedellic, Siza Nkosi, Lerato Phiri, Dollarman Masaka, Gift Nkomo, Izangoma Zezulu, Njabz, Drain Brain Experience, Soul Gumede, Sthokzo, Shadee Infinity, Dr. Equinox Funkie Freddie and many more. Our incredible deejays include Dj Flex, Scratch Tuesday, Bio Mechanikal Dj Makeshyft, Vinyl Vine & many more here as well. 

Road to Smoking Dragon: Join the Journey

In the lead-up to Smoking Dragon, we will be hosting a series of events and activations under the “Road to Smoking Dragon” campaign. These include creative showcases at Emagine Audiovisual headquarters and Urban Zulu, where the public, artists, and sponsors are invited to experience the energy, passion, and vision that fuels We Are The Money.

This journey is more than a moment; it is a movement. It signals the beginning of a continuous transition, where township creatives work hand-in-hand with platforms like Smoking Dragon to forge sustainable careers in the arts. We invite everyone—creatives, businesses, and supporters—to join us, contribute, and become part of this revolution in South African culture.

Your involvement helps us cover logistical and administrative costs while empowering our artists. To make this vision a reality, we urge you to purchase your tickets to Smoking Dragon and support the artists who will take center stage in a performance unlike any other.

About “We Are The Money”

We Are The Money is a township-based movement that believes in building economies from within. Our collective of creatives from Soweto and beyond actively shares resources, knowledge, and platforms to create self-sustaining opportunities for one another. We advocate for a working group economics model that celebrates creativity, unity, and self-empowerment.

LEND A HAND TO A GREENER FUTURE!

GET YOUR TICKET TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING LINK, OR SCAN THE QR CODE

RED ALERT TICKET PLUG

For press inquiries, artist participation, sponsorships, or more information on how to support the movement, please contact us at:

We Are The Money 

Phone: +27 69 248 4230 / +27 (63) 008-1839

Facebook: 

We Are The Money

Instagram:

@wearethemoneygroup

We Are The Money – The revolution is priceless, at all costs.