Heavy-K

Referred to as "the Drumboss" by his fans, Heavy K emerged as a South African DJ and producer whose rhythmic electronic Afro-house tracks gained traction throughout the mid-2010s. Singles such as the 2013 release "Easy to Love," which included Bucie, along with the 2017 cut "Inde," helped him cultivate a global following for his continuing Respect the Drumboss album series.

Mkhululi Siqula, born in Port Elizabeth, entered a recording session by chance as a teenager during an errand at a friend's residence. Captivated by the process, he promptly began self-instruction in music production, DJing, and songwriting. Early guidance came from veteran producer Oskido, whose mentorship sharpened Heavy K's abilities both onstage and in the studio; their joint effort produced the 2013 track "Woza Nana." His official introduction arrived that same year via the album Respect the Drumboss, after which the standalone single "Easy to Love" featuring Bucie delivered a major breakthrough. Two years afterward, the song earned "Song of the Year" honors at the South Africa Music Awards. Maintaining the approach, he titled his subsequent project Respect the Drumboss 2015, featuring Nigerian star Burna Boy among its guests; the record achieved platinum certification. He issued 1950 the following year. The 2017 song "Inde" achieved broad streaming success, prompting a return to the established format in 2018 with Respect the Drumboss 2018, his fourth full-length effort. Additional joint releases appeared over the ensuing two years, among them 2019's "Ndenze Ntoni" alongside Ntombi Music and Cassper Nyovest, as well as 2020's "Tsamaya" that included Professor.