Rapper Elethu Mpengesi, known as El Nino, has gone solo, releasing his latest track Ndinje with Mzukhona.
Fans of El Nino will remember him as a founding member of the Xhosa hip-hop crew Driemanskap.
As part of the group, he became a pioneer in the Cape Town hip-hop scene, delivering gritty, authentic lyricism that resonated deeply with listeners. However, his decision to part ways with Driemanskap shocked the hip-hop community.
Now a solo artist, El Nino is embracing growth and change, channelling his experiences into a fresh sound.
TshisaLIVE spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures.
What inspired your latest track Ndinje?
Ndinje was inspired by my journey as an artist and the struggles we go through in this industry. It’s about growth, faith and embracing change. When I left Driemanskap it was one of the toughest decisions of my life, but it forced me to confront who I am as an individual and artist. This track captures that experience and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
Why did you decide to part ways with Driemanskap?
Leaving Driemanskap was not easy. We started this journey together in high school in 2001 and we built something iconic in the Cape Town hip-hop scene. I reached a point where I needed to grow and explore new aspects of myself and my music. It was a step towards personal accountability and faith in my own path.
How did the collaboration with Mzukhona come about?
Mzukhona and I had been talking about collaborating for a while. When he played me some beats, the one for Ndinje instantly resonated with me. It felt like the right sound and the right time. We were aligned creatively and everything flowed naturally from there. I believe in God’s timing and this was proof of it.
How does Ndinje differ from your previous work with Driemanskap?
With Ndinje, I’ve embraced a more melodic and commercial sound. There’s an element of singing that showcases a side of me fans might not be familiar with. While my work with Driemanskap was gritty and hard-core, this track reflects my evolution as an artist and a person while still staying true to my roots.
5 minutes with former Driemanskap member El Nino on going solo
Image: Supplied
Rapper Elethu Mpengesi, known as El Nino, has gone solo, releasing his latest track Ndinje with Mzukhona.
Fans of El Nino will remember him as a founding member of the Xhosa hip-hop crew Driemanskap.
As part of the group, he became a pioneer in the Cape Town hip-hop scene, delivering gritty, authentic lyricism that resonated deeply with listeners. However, his decision to part ways with Driemanskap shocked the hip-hop community.
Now a solo artist, El Nino is embracing growth and change, channelling his experiences into a fresh sound.
TshisaLIVE spoke to the rising star about his music and future ventures.
What inspired your latest track Ndinje?
Ndinje was inspired by my journey as an artist and the struggles we go through in this industry. It’s about growth, faith and embracing change. When I left Driemanskap it was one of the toughest decisions of my life, but it forced me to confront who I am as an individual and artist. This track captures that experience and the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
Why did you decide to part ways with Driemanskap?
Leaving Driemanskap was not easy. We started this journey together in high school in 2001 and we built something iconic in the Cape Town hip-hop scene. I reached a point where I needed to grow and explore new aspects of myself and my music. It was a step towards personal accountability and faith in my own path.
How did the collaboration with Mzukhona come about?
Mzukhona and I had been talking about collaborating for a while. When he played me some beats, the one for Ndinje instantly resonated with me. It felt like the right sound and the right time. We were aligned creatively and everything flowed naturally from there. I believe in God’s timing and this was proof of it.
How does Ndinje differ from your previous work with Driemanskap?
With Ndinje, I’ve embraced a more melodic and commercial sound. There’s an element of singing that showcases a side of me fans might not be familiar with. While my work with Driemanskap was gritty and hard-core, this track reflects my evolution as an artist and a person while still staying true to my roots.
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