South African hip-hop fans have something to celebrate as Emtee and Big Zulu have officially ended their long-standing feud. The two rappers, who had been at odds for over two years, have reconciled—an announcement that has been met with excitement across the music industry.
On Thursday, Big Zulu, the founder of Nkabi Records, took to social media to share photos of Emtee in his studio, signaling not just peace between them, but also a possible collaboration.
The rift between Emtee (real name Mthembeni Ndevu) and Big Zulu began in 2022, when Big Zulu released his now-famous “150 Bars” diss track. The song took shots at multiple South African rappers, including Emtee, which didn’t sit well with the Roll Up hitmaker.
Emtee responded by calling out Big Zulu on various platforms, particularly on social media, where their feud played out publicly. For over two years, tensions between the two remained high, with fans divided over their dispute.
However, in November 2024, Big Zulu extended what many saw as an olive branch when he publicly praised Emtee’s album, DIY 3. His words of admiration hinted at a possible truce, though many were skeptical that the two would ever truly put their differences aside.
Now, the recent photos shared by Big Zulu confirm that the two artists have indeed made peace. In his post, Big Zulu expressed gratitude towards Emtee, emphasizing that their meeting was built on mutual respect.
His caption also suggested that Emtee will be featured on his upcoming album:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my brother @emteethehustla for the mutual respect. He finally stepped into Nkabi Records! Thank you, my hero. I can officially say my album is ready—Hip Hop, one love.”
The post quickly went viral, with fans and fellow artists flooding the comments section to celebrate the reunion of two of South Africa’s most influential rappers. Many hailed their reconciliation as a victory for the hip-hop community, which has often been plagued by industry beefs and rivalries.
The end of the Emtee-Big Zulu feud is significant for several reasons:
- A Win for South African Hip-Hop – Their beef, while entertaining for some, created unnecessary division among fans and within the industry. Their reconciliation promotes unity in the genre, which can only strengthen SA hip-hop.
- Potential Collaboration – With Emtee visiting Nkabi Records, speculation is high that the two might be working on new music together. A collaboration between them would be a big moment for local rap.
- Growth and Maturity – Feuds are common in hip-hop, but true maturity comes when artists move past their differences and focus on the music. Emtee and Big Zulu’s truce shows growth, both personally and professionally.
- Inspiration for Younger Artists – By setting aside their differences, Emtee and Big Zulu are showing up-and-coming artists that industry rivalries don’t have to last forever. Respect and collaboration can go a long way in building a stronger music industry.
Fans React to the Reunion
Hip-hop lovers across South Africa took to social media to share their excitement. Many were relieved that one of SA’s most well-known rap beefs had finally come to an end. Some fans even requested a joint project, hoping that this new friendship would lead to something bigger than just a single track.
Here are some of the top reactions from fans:
- “This is the energy we need in SA hip-hop! Enough with the beefs, let’s build the culture!”
- “Big Zulu and Emtee on one track? We need that ASAP!”
- “Real men settle their differences and move forward. Respect to both of them!”
- “Nkabi Records x Emtee… we might be getting a legendary collab soon!”
While neither artist has officially confirmed a collaboration yet, all signs point to something big coming. With Big Zulu announcing that his album is now complete, fans are eager to see if Emtee will appear on a track.
On Emtee’s side, the rapper has been teasing new music, and a Nkabi Records collaboration would add to the anticipation surrounding his upcoming releases.
One thing is certain: whether it’s a single, a feature, or even a joint album, the hip-hop world will be watching closely to see what comes next from this new alliance.
The beef is over, and Emtee and Big Zulu are back on good terms—a moment that has been celebrated by hip-hop fans across South Africa. Their decision to reconcile marks a positive shift in the industry, proving that music should always come before personal differences.
With Big Zulu’s album ready and Emtee making moves, it’s only a matter of time before fans hear the magic they’ve created together.