Photo: courtesy CIZA / LVRN — approved press portrait
Nkululeko Nciza — Ciza — comes from Benoni and from music: his mother is Mafikizolo lead vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu, his father TS Records co-founder TK Nciza. He raps in a high-school group, goes solo at eighteen, releases early singles "Come Alive" and "Adje" in 2020, and signs to Atlanta label LVRN in 2022. His lane is 3-step, the South African dance sound blending Afro tech, amapiano and broken beat.
"Isaka (6am)", made with producer JAZZWRLD and vocalist Thukuthela, spends nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's South Africa Songs chart and passes 81.5 million global streams by September 2025, when Billboard names him African Rookie of the Month. "Isaka II (6am)", with Tems and Omah Lay, follows in August 2025, alongside the To The World EP. A debut album, Ciza's Palace, is recorded across Africa and London.
JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela’s BET Awards presence was not about collecting a trophy. It was about 3-Step becoming visible in global media rooms while carrying its South African centre with it.
From Boomtown’s live performances to premium dining and nightlife experiences, Johnnie Walker used Durban July weekend to celebrate South African culture, connection and style.
Mörda appears on the billed lineup for the Johannesburg edition of Grxxvy Escape, a 14:00-to-midnight day party at The River Cabin in Fourways. Tickets are on sale via Quicket (Super Early Bird R320 and Early Bird R390 sold out; General P1 R450, General P2 R550, Late Bird R650). Note: the official Quicket page still lists Phase 2 and 3 artists as to be announced, so Mörda's set is billed on listings rather than the promoter's own lineup graphic.
