Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TO many up-and-coming musicians, the craft is often seen as a pathway to fame, clout and wealth — symbols of what it means to be “cool.” But rising music producer and artiste “Bouylee_Beatz” (born Anele Ncube) has not allowed the iconic cowboy culture or the allure of chasing the American Dream in Dallas, Texas, to distract him from his lifelong passion. Instead, these influences have become an added bonus in his mission to use his experiences to help others thrive in the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs).
The 25-year-old, originally from Bulawayo and now based in the USA, has returned to his hometown with a renewed determination to turn his dream of promoting local talent into reality. He expressed his excitement about supporting emerging artistes and helping them navigate the music industry, drawing on the lessons he has learnt in America as a guide.
With a string of impressive collaborations and productions to his name, Bouylee_Beatz is set to formally introduce himself to the local scene with his latest single, Onondaba Zabo, featuring Bulawayo-based Amapiano musicians 90Street and Teazer Tee. Scheduled for release this Friday on digital platforms, the track blends Amapiano and House elements, marking a new chapter in his career. It showcases his evolution as an artiste, producer, and soon-to-be mentor to aspiring musicians striving to make their mark. A music video for the song will be released on the same day.
The song explores the theme of gossip and its damaging effects on relationships, shedding light on the destructive power of hearsay.
“Onondaba Zabo focuses on a person who lost a relationship due to the meddling of naysayers. I’m thrilled to be releasing this track with my brothers from Bulawayo, and I’m equally excited about other upcoming releases this year, which will include collaborations with emerging artistes.
“My goal is to uplift these talented individuals and guide them through the music industry, based on what I’ve observed in America, where music is treated as a full-time profession. By sharing my experience and expertise, I hope to help them find the right path and succeed in their careers,” Bouylee_Beatz said.
For Bouylee_Beatz, music has always been more than a passion —it has been a calling. Growing up in Bulawayo, he was deeply influenced by his religious upbringing at the Family of God (FoG) church, where music played a central role. His late grandmother also nurtured his love for music, often asking him to sing for her. These early influences laid the foundation for his musical journey and inspired him to pursue a career in the industry.
“I began my professional music career around the age of 18 or 19, marking the beginning of my journey in the music world,” Bouylee_Beatz said. Since then, he has collaborated with renowned artistes such as Nutty O and Yo Maps, and contributed to notable projects including Umama Owangizalayo for DamaBusa and My Love with DT Empire.
Now signed to Fyah House Records in Dallas, Bouylee’s global reach is poised to expand even further.
Later this year, he is set to release a track with South African artistes —Isginci hit-maker Mduduzi Ncube and Fanatic SA of Dear Ex Yam fame.
@MbuleloMpofu
