Stilo Magolide and Big Zulu get into a bout with their new single 'Iqhupha '

Stilo Magolide and Big Zulu had their fans excited to witness another celebrity boxing match when announcing their song collaboration. 

“It’s official, on May 23 the fight is on, myself and Big Zulu go at it in a surprise boxing match, details coming soon. Who is your money on?” Stilo wrote when sharing the news with his fans. 

As it turns out, the two rappers are to release a Gqom song titled Iqhupha, shedding light on the challenges they've faced in the music industry. 

“The inspiration behind the song surrounds the street fighting nature of the music industry. For everything you need to do you need to fight your way into it to succeed and stay in it. It's a way of venting and I thought the only person who can match my energy and whose journey wasn't the easiest in the music industry is Big Zulu,” Stilo told TshisaLIVE. 

“People got excited to see Big Zulu and I get into the ring vs it being a song, so it was an interesting social exercise in what people's interests are. I am loving the energy. Technically it is a bout because in the song we go head-to-head with different energies, which was quite fun.”

Having been in the music industry for more than a decade, Stilo admits getting into the industry has not been easy for him.

“My journey has been a tough one because the industry is cliquey and you have to fight to get your voice heard, to belong, and to fight for your individuality. Being different in the South African music industry is not looked at as a good thing. Throughout the years I've always found a way to think outside the box. I've lost so many friends, brothers and sisters, and Iqhupha is a reminder to keep going strong regardless of whatever I might be facing.”

As rapper, designer and business owner running a street brand called W.A.T.E.R in the heart of Johannesburg, Stilo said he's looking to unconventional ways to display his art.  

“For a long time things have become monotonous in how they are put out there, it does not shock you. I think where I am is getting into my bag and enjoying what I am doing, because sometimes it can get tedious, especially knowing you can push the creative bar further and higher. Sometimes it's about doing things people might not understand at the moment.”