Ifani breaks his silence on viral ‘Izingoma Ezimnandi’ gwijo

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South African rapper Ifani has given the viral Izingoma Ezimnandi gwijo by Culture Motion a thumbs-up, saying he enjoys the remix that has taken social media by storm.

The remake of Izingoma Ezimnandi has become one of South Africa’s biggest songs on TikTok, earning an unexpected endorsement from the man behind the original hit. 

Once regarded as one of the country’s biggest rappers, Ifani praised the creativity behind the trend and welcomed the excitement it has generated among music lovers.

Known for songs such as “Iingoma Ezimnandi” and “Shake“, the Gqeberha-born artist said the music industry is constantly evolving, with new sounds and styles emerging all the time.

“I have been fortunate enough to create timeless music that sees songs like Shake trending in 2026 and Iingoma Ezimnandi being remixed into a gwijo. This has taught me that being unique instead of following trends has longevity in the game,” he said.

According to Ifani, he became aware of the remix after receiving multiple WhatsApp messages from his supporters, family, and close associates who shared the song with him.

He expressed his approval of the remix, stating, “I like the remix.” Additionally, he noted that since TikTok is a free platform, no rights were violated in the process of creating or sharing the remix.

“The only problem is with artists who upload their versions on monetised platforms such as YouTube and other paying platforms without engaging me. In that case, my rights would be violated,” he explained.

Ezimnandi’s significance

Beyond its recent viral success, Iingoma Ezimnandi remains a deeply personal song for the award-winning musician, whose real name is Mzayifani Boltina.

The track was dedicated to his late grandmother, MaMthembu, affectionately known as Mama, whose guidance, love and unwavering support played a significant role in shaping both his life and music career.

“She was my pillar and strength. Even after her passing, it was comforting to feel her presence while performing this song. It was a deeply personal project dedicated to her. She helped shape the person and artist I am today,” he said.

Ifani emphasizes that his dedication to his IsiXhosa identity has consistently served as one of his most significant strengths, reinforcing his sense of self and cultural belonging.

“The IsiXhosa rap seeds I planted years ago have started to blossom. There’s a new generation of IsiXhosa rappers growing the art form, and it’s beautiful to watch. It’s harvest season for me. My unique style of storytelling and painting pictures with words resonates with my soul, and it’s getting better with time.”

The rapper also reflected on the challenges he faced during a difficult period away from the spotlight. After experiencing financial setbacks, he returned to his hometown of Gqeberha to regroup and rebuild.

“There were many challenges I faced, but each challenge has made me wiser. They have given me deeper insight into the music industry. Music is my life. I believe my supporters understand that I can’t make music all the time. I first have to live life before I can write the music.”

While many artists remain sceptical about artificial intelligence in music, he believes AI is here to stay and could become a valuable tool for creators in the industry.

“This AI is here to stay, and it will assist a lot of people. It is still in its infancy stage; it will disrupt some artists. But as time goes on, I believe we will learn how to manage it.”

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After taking a break from the pressures of Johannesburg, Ifani has returned to the city and is prepared to resume his previous activities and commitments.

Meanwhile, the new kids on the block, Culture Motion, are poised to officially launch their latest release, “Izingoma Ezimnandi (Gwijo),” in Johannesburg on October 27.

This viral sensation has been captivating audiences throughout the country.