Bhubesi Simba

Siyabonga Cebekhulu, professionally known as Bhubesi Simba, is a South African conscious artist whose music blends Rastafari spirituality with contemporary South African hip-hop. Known as “The Voice of Roots & Consciousness”, he is an emerging force within South Africa’s conscious music scene, redefining the sound of coastal KwaZulu-Natal through spiritually driven storytelling and culturally rooted expression.

Born and raised in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, Bhubesi Simba is more than a musician — he is a messenger of truth, culture and spiritual awareness. His music serves as a sonic journey, fusing traditional African rhythms, kasi storytelling and Rastafari consciousness into a sound that is both reflective and rhythmically powerful.

Every verse he delivers carries intention: to awaken, to heal and to inspire. Through his artistry, Bhubesi Simba explores themes of self-awareness, unity, truth and cultural pride, positioning himself as a voice for conscious expression within modern South African music.

A significant part of his artistic identity is rooted in his creative relationship with his father, Ras Bongan. Together, they represent a living cultural connection grounded in spirituality, authenticity and intergenerational wisdom. Bhubesi Simba’s sound exists at the intersection of reggae spirituality and Mzansi hip-hop energy, creating music that is both thought-provoking and deeply engaging.

Key Releases
Some of his notable releases include:

• “Khuzwayo” with Ras Bongan (2025)
• “When Days Are Dark” (2025)
• “Try Again” (2026)

Live Performance Profile
Bhubesi Simba is recognised for delivering high-energy and spiritually engaging live performances. He has appeared at events such as the Catch A Fire Reggae Festival, where he combines live vocals, crowd interaction and dynamic reggae and hip-hop fusion sets.

His performances are well suited for music festivals, radio showcases, community events and conscious music line-ups, where audiences connect with both the energy and message behind his work.

Vision & Cultural Mission
Bhubesi Simba’s artistic vision centres on promoting Rastafari consciousness, truth, self-awareness and unity, while proudly uplifting the identity of the 035 region along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. Through his music and message, he continues to encourage listeners to remain grounded in culture, conscious in spirit and fearless in purpose — rising, as he describes it, “like a lion.”