My real name is Acwenga Mpinda and I was born at Grey Hospital on the 13th May 2003. I started rapping when I was just 12 years old, and it all began where I grew up in Zwelitsha. I got inspired by a musical group called “Bizzy Family” and King Vee, who was from the group, assisted me because I was so young. I didn’t know much about the music industry and he taught me so much. My family was so supportive when they heard I started rapping, it’s like they always knew I was a special child. They believe in me which is one of the reasons I keep going and I’m really grateful for their overwhelming support since day one.
YOU AS A CHILD?
When I was a child I really didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I just knew I wanted to be a superstar. I wanted to be famous, I wanted the world to know I existed and not just my country but the whole world. I still want that.
HAVE YOUR DREAMS CHANGED?
My dreams haven’t changed and never will. One thing I have learnt about dreams is that dreams don’t change, you change. The core of who you are changes because once you have a dream you have something to live for. Rapping and being the world’s biggest superstar is what I live for.
WHY RAPPING?
I got into rapping because it lived inside me and I always had this deep connection with music. Rapping to me is more than just a gift from God, it’s a calling, and I have to respond to that calling.
THE INDUSTRY?
It is not easy being a female artist, specifically a female rapper in the music industry, because it’s male dominated. That can make us, as females, seem inferior. But oh no, we’re not inferior. No woman is inferior, because we carry a superior instinct with us. My wish is for females to grow powerful because that’s how it should be.
THE NAME BIZZY ACWESH?
When I started rapping I was part of a musical group called “Bizzy Family” but I left the group and went solo. It was because the group meant so much to me that I decided to carry the name Bizzy with me. That’s how the Bizzy came about and the “Acwesh” comes from my real name.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR MUSIC AND THE MESSAGES IN YOUR LYRICS?
What I wish to achieve with my music is for this generation and the younger generation to be honest with themselves in terms of how they see themselves. My music is inspired by honesty because humans are scared of reality and honesty is reality. Whatever I say in my music is my truth and another person’s truth. I don’t write music for me I write music for people.
A TYPICAL DAY?
On any other day I’m the same person. I become more and more driven about my dreams and that fuels my life with purpose and reason.
LOCKDOWN - HOW DID YOU PULL THROUGH?
Lockdown really transformed me. It made me realise that you have to work hard on yourself and your dreams. I have to work hard for my dream and not depend on other people because this is my dream. I’m really grateful for that period of time because since then I’ve been working very hard on my craft.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO
FOLLOW IN THIS CAREER?
My advice is to be vigilant at all times, don’t just trust anyone. Be you, because the world doesn’t want another Bizzy Acwesh, it already has one! It rather wants something new and authentic. Avoid being in beefs with other artists because that may tarnish your name. It’s not easy being in this industry with everyone telling you what to do, so it’s easy to get lost. Mind your lane, work hard, don’t be afraid to dream, don’t limit yourself and think outside the box!
FUTURE PLANS?
This year I have very big plans… I’m working on my second project which features one of the biggest names in the hip hop scene and I’m really excited about this project.
FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU…
I like being alone and writing music. I don’t really watch TV. I also like associating myself with things that will shape and build me for the future. For now I like being at the studio and I just like being inspired by things around me.
LAST WORDS
I want the world to know I exist. I am here and I was here. I’m very confident that I will be one of the world’s biggest superstars.
