Hailing from the vibrant streets of Langa, SimulationRxps has been making waves with his music, drawing from his personal experiences and cultural roots. His journey, marked by a transition from English lyrics to his isiXhosa, reflects not just his growth as an artist, but also his commitment to authenticity, a theme that resonates throughout his work.
Simbulele Ngumla, better known as SimulationRxps, got his start in music over six years ago, with his first tracks like “Safe” alongside ChingaTime dropping on SoundCloud. But his passion for rapping took root much earlier. Surrounded by friends who were also involved in music, he found himself naturally gravitating towards the art form. Despite having a close-knit group of musical friends, he has always been a solo artist, carving out his path with the support of his “homies” but without the formal backing of a group or crew.
Initially, his music was heavily influenced by American hip-hop icons like Lil Wayne, Jay Z, 2 Chainz, T.I., and Biggie. These artists shaped his early sound, which was characterised by English lyrics and a focus on the “cool” aspects of life. At that time, his music was more about the aesthetics of rap rather than a deep personal narrative. It was a phase where he was still finding his voice, experimenting with styles, and exploring what it meant to be a rapper.
About four years ago, SimulationRxps made a big shift in his approach to music. He began rapping in his isiXhosa, a move that changed the sound of his music as well as the content. This switch was inspired by a collaboration with Dee Koala on a track called “Nditswempu” where he saw firsthand the positive reactions to his use of isiXhosa in his lyrics. The realisation that he could connect more deeply with his audience by rapping in a language that was true to his roots was a turning point in his career.
Rapping in isiXhosa allowed him to tell stories closer to his heart and reflect on his experiences. It became easier for him to translate his conversations with his friends into music, creating a more authentic narrative. This shift also made his music more relatable to his local audience, who could see their lives reflected in his lyrics. But SimulationRxps’ journey has not been without its challenges. One of his biggest hurdles is getting his sound out of Cape Town.
While his music resonates deeply with his local audience, breaking into markets in other cities like Johannesburg and Durban has been challenging due to language barriers, making it harder for his music to gain traction. Despite these challenges, SimulationRxps has made considerable strides. His proudest achievement to date is the success of his song “Ezay’Zolo“, which opened up new markets for him. The track allowed him to perform in Johannesburg, the Eastern Cape, and other regions, where he found audiences singing his lyrics back to him. This experience was a huge milestone, showing him that his music could resonate beyond Cape Town.
More recently, SimulationRxps received a sponsorship with ikeja, a brand that has supported him by providing Wi-Fi services and funding his upcoming music video. This sponsorship has been crucial in helping him stay connected with his audience and produce high-quality content. The partnership with ikeja is something he hopes to grow, envisioning future collaborations that could include hosting shows and expanding his reach even further. His recent EP, “Based on iWaar“, is a testament to his growth as an artist. The EP, which means “Based on the Truth,” features four tracks, each with its distinct message.Â
From motivational anthems like “Gaz Lam,” which encourage young men in the hood to tackle their problems head-on, to reflective tracks like “What If,” which urge listeners to make the most of every day, the EP is a deeply personal project. It showcases his ability to blend personal storytelling with broader themes that resonate with a wide audience.
As he looks to the future, the rapper’s goals are clear: he wants to create more visual content and expand his reach beyond Cape Town, hoping to perform across Africa. He dreams of taking his music to countries like Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana, and establishing a presence on the continental stage. SimulationRxps aims to stay true to himself and his fans, ensuring that it remains real and reflective of his journey no matter how his sound evolves.Â
He wants his fans to know that while the beats may change, the essence of his music, its honesty and authenticity, will always be there. In a world where trends and commercial pressures often dominate the music industry, SimulationRxps stands out as an artist who is not afraid to be himself. His journey is a powerful reminder that authenticity, passion, and perseverance can pave the way for success, no matter the obstacles.Â
As he continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt that his music will continue to resonate with those who value real stories told by a real artist.
