Bopha Blackman

I am Siphiwe Sibonelo Mgidi, but I am better known by my stage name,Bopha Blackman AFM. I am a rapper first and foremost, but my passion for music goes beyond just one genre. I am also an eclectic drummer with a unique style that is heavily influenced by my roots in Zola Soweto. My journey in music began in 2006 when I joined a rap group; Deep Soweto. It was here that I discovered my love for expressing myself through vernacular rap, using raw and punchy rhymes to tell my story. Since then, I have been a part of over 5 bands and have been featured in more than 11 sessions at various venues across South Africa. As a solo artist, I am currently working on a live vernacular rap project that is set to be released by the end of 2025. My ultimate goal is to cross borders and share my music with the world. I am eager to collaborate with international artists and learn from their unique styles, while also showcasing my own rap and drumming skills. My vision is to grow as an artist and explore new territories through my music. I believe that by immersing myself in different cultures and collaborating with diverse musicians, I can expand my knowledge and bring a fresh perspective to my craft. My name, Siphiwe, means "gift," and I strive to be a gift to others through my music. My second name, Sibonelo, means "example, " and I hope to set an example for others through my dedication and passion for my art. And finally, my surname, Mgidi, means "ceremony, " and I aim to bring a sense of celebration and joy to every performance. In conclusion, I am Bopha Blackman, a versatile rapper and eclectic drummer from Zola Soweto. I am determined to make my mark in the music industry and share my unique sound with the world.