SimulationRxps
Tuesday 5 July
Simbulele Ngumla, or SimulationRxps, is from from Langa, Cape Town. The up-and-coming Hip Hop artist draws inspiration for his craft from his home township.
“It’s a close to home type sound. I’m looking to be specific. My sound is influenced by my surroundings,” he says.
He is well-known in the hip hop subgenre Ringz movement, in which isiXhosa street slang is fused with witty English and Tsoti Taal raps.
Simbulele started getting into music when he was in high school. “I was friends with a lot of artists from KwaLanga. They influenced me getting into music, focusing on music now.”
His debut album, ‘live from elokshin’ (live from the township), was released in February and is particularly personal to Simbulele.
“It took a long time to make. But the team I had came into my life at the perfect time. So, my sound, my songs, are inspired by the trials and tribulations of Elokshin for kids and for grownups,” he explains.
On the album, Simbulele describe ghetto life while discussing fashion, gang affiliations, financial blessings, sexual prowess, and pursuing your dreams. He is joined by fellow Cape Town artists Dee Koala, Bravo Le Roux, Basquit, Khanyisile Qha and Amilca Mezarati.
“Right now, my sound is heavily inspired by K.O, I’m a big fan. His way of making music and sound has influenced my sound,” says Simbulele.
The rapper went to CPUT to study marketing; however, his studies are currently on hold. “If you know me personally, you know I take everything seriously when it comes to my whole image. Everything is market based,” he says. “As an artist I need to be able to market myself before anyone can market me. I enjoy marketing.”
Simbulele believes it is only fair that international artists like Drake and Beyonce sample House sounds that originate from South Africa.
“I feel like music is for everyone… As much as it’s our sound, we can’t keep it to ourselves – we need to share the love, share the music, share the sounds. We are also inspired by their songs so it’s only fair they can also take from us,” he explains.
Follow the rapper on social media:
@simulationrxps / @SimulationRxps / SimulationRxps
YouTube: SimulationRxps