ZOWA ZAR

ZOWA ZAR entered the world as Abongile Gando on August 15, 1991, in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, and now operates as a Johannesburg-based Xhosa artist whose work fuses trap, Amapiano, Afro House, R&B, Dancehall, and production duties. Linked to 1TT RECORDS, he continues to build presence across South Africa’s urban landscape by merging genuine cultural elements with energetic rhythms.

His approach weaves Xhosa roots into contemporary trap, R&B, Amapiano, and electronic textures, evident on the tracks “Washa” and “Savage Freestyle.” Emphasis falls on direct emotional delivery rather than rigid category boundaries, supported by heavy percussion and rich sonic textures. That range appears clearly in productions such as “Galaxy Drum,” which features ST KING, and “The Gods.”

Beyond performing, he shapes Afro House material together with trap and R&B, overseeing the “Afro House” and “Afro Mode” charts on Volumo. After establishing 1TT RECORDS to support emerging talent, he also presents the “Ziyakhala Experience” deep house radio program, delivering fresh and soulful selections that strengthen Johannesburg’s electronic community while retaining Eastern Cape influences.

Recognition arrived with a 2025 Artes Award win in Johannesburg across singing, songwriting, and DJing categories, which increased streams on Spotify and Boomplay. Further nominations include the 2025 SA Upcoming Music Awards (SAUMA) for Best Hip Hop Song with “Mqolo,” three 2025 Timeline Radio Awards categories—More Streams on Spotify, Best Hip Hop Song, and Best Male Artist—and the 2026 Mzansi Arts & Media Awards (7th Annual) for Best Hip Hop Artist.

On Apple Music, the EPs Steeze and Lit have expanded his reach in line with Timeline recognition, while Boomplay surfaces his MP3s, videos, and interviews. Innovative DJ performances and label activity have begun extending his profile beyond domestic urban audiences.