Bopha Blackman AFM

I’m Siphiwe Sibonelo Mgidi—but the world knows me as Bopha Blackman AFM. I’m not just a rapper. I’m a movement. A sonic disruptor. A drum-beating storyteller from the heart of Zola Soweto, blending vernacular rap with eclectic live percussion to create a sound that’s raw, electrifying, and unmistakably African.  My journey kicked off in 2006 with Deep Soweto, a rap collective that helped me find my voice and sharpen my bars. That’s where I learned to slice through silence with bold, street-rooted lyricism—always delivered in the language of home. Since then, I’ve rocked stages with over five bands, and my style has become a fusion of tradition and fire, seasoned by appearances in 11+ live music sessions across South Africa.  I’m currently rolling out a groundbreaking solo project that takes vernacular rap to the stage—performed live with drums, capturing the full-body energy of kasi rhythm and wordplay. The journey begins with my debut EP, Hola Kau, now available here: https://music.apple.com/za/album/hola-kau-ep/1803191178

But music is more than a career for me—it’s my calling. That’s why I turned my garage into a music school, offering kids in Soweto a space to discover their rhythm and rise above their circumstances. My story as a community builder and grassroots philanthropist was featured here: https://scrolla.africa/soweto-drummer-turns-garage-into-music-school-for...

My name carries my mission:
Siphiwe – "Gift": I aim to be a sonic gift to every ear that listens.
Sibonelo – "Example": I hustle with heart to inspire others to follow their truth.
Mgidi – "Ceremony": Every performance is a celebration of life, resilience, and rhythm.

With my eyes on international stages, I’m open to collaborations across borders, keen to learn from global sounds while repping my roots. I believe in culture exchange, in mixing beats and backgrounds to birth something timeless.I’m Bopha Blackman AFM—rapper, drummer, visionary. From Soweto to the world.