Get to Know Rapper Slim Ego, Elevating the Game By Taking It Back to the Roots
Born Nkazimulo Mkhupheka in the South Coast of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, rising rapper and producer Slim Ego’s pipeline into the hip-hop game was birthed in the street lineage and celebratory party anthems of kwaito greats such as the legendary Big Nuz. From keeping his nose to the grindstone and working backstage for the Dangers and the GoldMaxs of the world to eventually stepping into the spotlight to make the most out of his talents for his own gain, Ego’s ascent has been organic and timely. With a new single “Amagroupie” due for release and the guidance of afropop star Lwah Ndlunkulu, the young star is well on his way.
Slim’s journey began in the unlikeliest of places, being a child born in a household of clergy people. He also spoke of his brother’s influence, how he discipled him as they both pursued music.
“I grew up in a Christian home—both my mom and dad are pastors. The only person in our family who was different was my brother, who introduced me to the life of music and performing. I started walking in his footsteps and followed him everyplace he went, so if he went for gigs, I’d be there with him. I kept doing that until I fell in love with the music and became the person that I am now,” he said.
Slim Ego | SUPPLIED
In the quest to find both his voice and mass appeal, Slim talked about the thought process behind the making of his single “Amagroupie” with the help of the producer of Usimamane’s “Cheque”, SaakBeats.
“I’ve always been a person who does trap music. I felt like I needed to get a sound which is going to get the youth and old people alike. So with this song, I feel like I was able to achieve a mix of everything with the help of SaakBeats. So “Amagroupie”, in a way, was me trying to find a sound. The making of the song also came from the energy of us simply jamming after a gig, making songs until we made that one,” he said.
Inspired by January 1st music giants DJ Tira, Big Nuz, and the sprightly music scene of 031, Slim talked about his gradual rise. He cited work he has done behind closed curtains for some of the country’s most popular acts within the kwaito and Gqom fields—spaces which boomed in Durban and shook the country in their respective heydays.
“One thing that people must know about me is that it took a long time for me to get here. I’ve been here for a long time, but I was simply behind the scenes, working with the likes of GoldMax and Danger until I felt the time had come for me to be in the front and to be seen. I believe everything was planned and I want people to know that since Slim has arrived, he intends on taking over and reigning as king over everybody,” he said, chuckling.
Slim Ego | SUPPLIED
Slim shared how keeping an open mind and a student mindset has helped him grow, allowing him to not only adapt but to not be daunted by the prospect of venturing beyond explored territory.
“It’s important to always be with people and to not have a big head about what’s going on. I’m always in a state of mind of wanting to learn. And I feel like that’s the biggest step. Another thing I feel is important for growth is to step out your comfort zone and do something you aren’t familiar with. From what I’ve observed in other people, once they’ve found what they are comfortable with, they don’t want to do another thing outside of it, which lessens their chances to grow,” he said.
Slim Ego | SUPPLIED
Taking lessons from Umlazi-formed trio Big Nuz and their musical flexibility which led to years of chart domination and countless kwaito classics, Slim spoke about how he viewed progress as a musician and the dangers of complacency.
“When I first saw Big Nuz, it was on SABC1’s Simunye, and that was back when they had a song out called ‘Zozo’, a hip-hop song with kwaito vibes. As time went on, I saw them make songs like ‘Umlilo’ for Afrotainment, but the sound wasn’t the same. So what I took from that was that they were from a background of hip-hop. Danger was even Zola’s hype man at some point, and he must’ve learned that even though they could do this hip-hop thing, kwaito was a better and more relatable fit for the time. And when they stepped out and owned their kwaito sound, they started making numerous songs of the year—year after year. And in the music industry, I’ve learned to also look at things like that. To not be comfortable in just being that hip-hop guy. For instance, I got the song “Xolisa” coming up which is afropop in its nature. So I am living that out in my music by not getting comfortable and being resistant to change,” he said.
Slim Ego | SUPPLIED
With Mzansi in his palms and years looking on at him in favour, Slim talked about going all the way up, noting that it was the only thing on his mind, in addition to excelling with his music and making a lasting impact in the game.
“Whenever I envision myself, I always see myself sitting at the top,” he said, laughing. “I might not know exactly where that is and what it means, but I know that it’s everybody’s dream. You know, get the big awards, be a great artist, and being someone significant. That’s how I see myself, if I’m being for real.”