Heavy-K

Heavy-K
Birth nameMkhululi Siqula
Also known as
  • Drum Boss
  • Khusta
Born (1991-12-04) 4 December 1991 (age 32)
Veeplaas, Gqeberha, South Africa
OriginJohannesburg
Genres
Occupations
  • music producer
  • DJ
Years active2010–present
LabelsDrumboss Musik

Mkhululi Siqula (born 4 December 1991) professionally known as Heavy-K, is a South African DJ and music producer.[1] Born and raised in Veeplaas, Port Elizabeth, Siqula relocated to Johannesburg at the age of 21 to pursue his musical career.[2]

Early life

Mkhululi Siqula was born on December 4, 1991, Veeplaas, Port Elizabeth.[3] His father, Phindlie Siqula, was working as a mechanic.[3] Siqula attended Mzimhlophe Public primary school and Ndzondelelo Secondary School.[3]

Career

In 2007, he produced "Lento" Professor's single at the age of 16.[4] In 2013, he moved to Johannesburg to pursue his career in music.[5] His debut studio album Respect the Drumboss 2013 was released on January 1, 2013. In 2014, he produced Bucie's single "Easy to Love" which peaked number 9 on Entertainment Monitoring Africa.[6][7]

In September 2015, his single "Umoya" featuring Professor and Mpumi was released. "Moya" was nominated for Best Collaboration and Best Dance Album for Respect the Drumboss 2015 at 15th Annual Metro FM Awards.[8]

On December 2, 2016, his third studio album 1950 was released in South Africa.[9] In August 2017, his single "Inde" featuring Bucie and Nokwazi was released. The song was certified 6× platinum.[10][11]

In early 2018, his single "Sphum’ elokshini" featuring South African vocalist Mondli Ngcobo was released.[12] On October 5, 2018, his fourth studio album Respect the Drumboss 2018 was released.[13][14]

2019-2021: Khusta, Respect the Drumboss 21(10 Years edition)

In July 2020, his single "Uyeke" featuring Natalia Mabaso was released.[15] The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa with sales of 50 000 units.[16] On July 31, 2020, his fifth studio album Khusta was released.[17][18]

In November 2021, he announced his remix of Shivers in collaboration with Ed Sheeran, which was released on November 12.[19]

Mkhululi was reportedly working on his sixth studio album by February 2021.[20][21] On December 3, 2021, his sixth studio album Respect the Drumboss 21 (10 Years edition) was released.[22] It features Just Bheki, Simmy, Aymos, Nkosazana Daughter, Natalia Mabaso, Intaba Yase Dubai, Sino Msolo, Boohle, MSK, Bassie, Ntunja, Drumetic Boyz, and MalumNator.

2022-present: The Underrated King, Respect the Drum boss (3-Step Edition)

In early November 2022, he announced working on his The Underrated King EP and released its lead single "Ama Miliyoni" featuring Meez and Professor on November 18, 2022.[23]

In 2023, Heavy-K released the album Respect The Drumboss 2 (3-Step Edition). 3-Step, a variant of gqom, is distinguished by its distinct rhythmic structure, which revolves around the sound of three kicks.[24][25][26][27]

Heavy-K and DJ Tira released "Inkululeko", featuring Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, and Afro Brotherz on March 1, 2024.[28][29]

Personal life

In 2014, Siqula met Ntombi in a club at Grahamstown.[30] The two got married and had two children together. In 2019, the couple got a divorce.[31]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Respect The Drumboss 2013 (2013)
  • Respect The Drumboss 2015 (2015)
  • 1950 (2016)
  • Respect The Drumboss 2018 (2018)
  • Khusta (2020)
  • Respect The Drumboss 2021 (10 Years Edition) (2021)
  • Respect The Drumboss (3-Step Edition) (2023)
  • The Anointed (2024)

Extended plays

  • Thandaza (with Mbomi) (2021)
  • The Underrated King (2022)

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Andikayeki" (Heavy-K, Ami Faku) 2023 — Respect the Drum boss (3-Step Edition)
"Kwelizayo" (featuring Thakzin, Mazet) —
"Ulele" (featuring Samthing Soweto) 7[32]
"Inkululeko" (DJ Tira, Heavy-K featuring Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, Afro Brotherz) 2024 — Non-album single
"Kwenzakalani" (Heavy K, Sir Trill, Leemckrazy featuring Professor, Essa Kay) — Non-album single
"Kunini Ngizama" (Heavy-K, Sir Trill featuring ilovelethu) — Non-album single
"Washa Wena" (Heavy-K featuring Mark Khoza, Sir Trill, Professor, Mpho.Wav, Skhokho) — Non-album single
"Nawe" (ilovelethu, Heavy-K, Sir Trill featuring Matics N) — Non-album single
"Hamba Nathi" (Heavy-K, iLovelethu, featuring Don De Guitarist, Jey Charles) — Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

  1. ^ "Respect the Drumboss | Celebrity Services Africa". Celebrity Services Africa. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  2. ^ "Where it all started for Heavy K | Drum". South Africa: Drum. 16 August 2016. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Thabisa, Queen (10 November 2020). "DJ Heavy K – Inside The Life of the Record Producer and Ntombi Nguse's Ex-Husband". BuzzSouthAfrica. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  4. ^ "Heavy K". afternoonexpress.co.za. Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  5. ^ Stockenstroom, Somaya (17 January 2018). "Heavy K: Like a drum boss". Sowetan LIVE. Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  6. ^ "It's business as usual for Bucie | Channel". South Africa: Channel. 24 April 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  7. ^ "AIRPLAY CHART". EMA. 8 April 2014. Archived from the original on 29 April 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  8. ^ "15th Metro FM Music Awards nominees revealed | YoMzansi Documenting THE CULTURE". YoMzansi. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  9. ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa. "New Music Alert: Heavy K- 1950 Album". Zkhiphani. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  10. ^ Mngadi, Mxolisi. "Heavy-K Celebrates as Hit Single 'Inde' Is Certified 6× Platinum". briefly.co.za. Archived from the original on 14 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  11. ^ Jabulani, John. "Heavy K's Respect The Drumboss Album, Inde And Other Projects Go Gold And Platinum". Ubetoo. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  12. ^ "Heavy K Drops NEW Music - Online Youth Magazine | Zkhiphani.com". Zkhiphani. Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  13. ^ "ANATII, BLACK MOTION AND HEAVY K DROP ALBUMS TODAY". Daily SUN. 5 October 2018. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  14. ^ "Heavy K announces 2018 tour dates | Political Analysis South Africa". Political Analysis South Africa. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  15. ^ Israel A, John. "Heavy-K Finally Drops "Uyeke" Featuring Natalia Mabaso". Ubetoo. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  16. ^ Jabulani. "Heavy-K's "UYEKE" Now Platinum Certified". Ubetoo. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  17. ^ Siyabonga, Thato. "Heavy-K Drops 5th Studio Album "Khusta"". Ubetoo. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  18. ^ "HEAVY-K DISHES A NEW HOT ALBUM | DailySUN". Daily SUN. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  19. ^ "Heavy K set to release a project with Ed Sheeran". sahiphopza. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  20. ^ Mataz, Simba (26 February 2021). "News: Heavy K set to release Respect the Drumboss 21(10 Years edition)". South Africa. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  21. ^ Dayile, Qhama (1 October 2021). "Heavy K on finding love again, their newborn son and his upcoming album | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Archived from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  22. ^ Jabulani, John (3 December 2021). "Heavy K – Respect The Drumboss 2021 (10 Years Of Heavy-K Edition) (Part 1)". Ubetoo. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  23. ^ Ncwane, Steven (30 November 2022). "The Underrated King EP". SlickXup. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  24. ^ "SA: Heavy-K drops Respect The Drumboss 2 (3-Step Edition) album". Music In Africa. 19 December 2023. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  25. ^ Murphy, Ben (5 January 2016). "Gqom: A deeper look at South Africa's new generation of house". Fact Magazine. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  26. ^ Weichenrieder, Philipp (19 April 2016). "Gqom-Musik aus Südafrika: Townships calling". Die Tageszeitung: taz (in German). ISSN 0931-9085. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Interview: DJ Lag is Firm on Taking Gqom To The Rest of the World - Okayplayer". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  28. ^ "DJ Tira releases 'Inkululeko', a new song inspired by June 16 1976". GQ Magazine. 1 March 2024. Archived from the original on 1 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  29. ^ Birjala, Alyssia (1 March 2024). "DJ Tira drops freedom song amid SA's election campaign rallies". Independent Online. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  30. ^ Kekana, Chrizelda (12 February 2018). "Heavy K opens up about meeting the love of his life and pending nuptials". Times LIVE. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  31. ^ Tshabalala, Comfort (28 December 2019). "HEAVY K AND WIFE CALL IT QUITS!". Daily SUN. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  32. ^ "Local Radio Chart Top 10". The Official South African. Retrieved 26 June 2024.