Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu. B-Metro Reporter
LAST week, Bulawayo rapper Briza (real name Arnold Ngwenya) set the local hip-hop scene ablaze with a diss track aimed at the rising stars of the Kwela Initiative, and he’s not backing down.
The city’s hip-hop circuit was shaken when an “unprovoked” Briza took a swipe at rappers who are part of the nascent Kwela Initiative, an organisation dedicated to promoting the hip-hop genre in the city.
Just days before the much-hyped Sound of the City album launch at the Bulawayo Theatre on July 5, Briza dropped lyrical missiles that shook the rap circuit, accusing fellow emcees of faking unity and hiding behind a funded project.
Ripping rhymes, rocking rivalries, raising ruckus, the Briza blitz is set to continue, says the unrepentant rapper.
“Ngizabaphinda belibele!” declared the “Insimbi Zekasi” hit-maker, challenging anyone with the guts to clap back. But so far, the Kwela camp has remained tight-lipped, reportedly tiptoeing around a response for fear of rocking the sponsorship boat.
Briza’s lyrics have reignited old-school hip-hop beef energy, with fans split between backing his boldness and accusing him of being petty and disruptive.
“I’m good with whatever, thina ngapha siready for anything,” he said, pounding his chest like a man who smells blood.
But behind the tough talk, whispers in the city say the rapper has been spotted in town apologising to some of those he dissed, suggesting the heat may be getting a little too real.
Sources linked to the Kwela Initiative allege that Briza snubbed early planning meetings, acting like a ‘prima donna’ while others put in the groundwork. He claps back, saying work commitments kept him away and that his manager attended on his behalf.
“I’ve got a 9-to-5. Those workshops were midweek during working hours. Asaph knows my manager told him. I don’t do diva things.”
Adding fuel to the fire, controversial femcee Lizzy Taylor threw her own jab: “I think Langa is behind this… my 2cents.”
The Langa in question is None other than YouTuber Langa “Mabotso” Ndimande, who first leaked news of Briza’s diss track. Meanwhile, hip-hop veteran K.Brizzy dropped wisdom online, warning: “Before you beef a cat, ask yourself: can you take him in a squabble?”
As the Sound of the City show approaches, fans are holding their breath. Will Kwela respond? Will Briza show up? Will this beef explode on stage?
Grab your popcorn and make sure to get a front-row seat at the live event. Keep watching this space…
Follow the drama on X: @MbuleloMpofu
