Zola’s raw, rap-inspired take on kwaito made him an icon in the 2000s. Born Bonginkosi Dlamini in 1977 in the Zola section of Soweto, South Africa, Zola first broke out as an actor on hit television series Yizo Yizo, where he portrayed the role of a notorious gangster. From there, he would rise to kwaito royalty through the release of his 2001 debut album Umdlwembe. Partly inspired by his TV character, the lyrical dexterity of the album revolved around machismo and vivid street talk. His consistently grim lyrics (as heard on 2002’s Khokhovula, 2004’s Bhambatha, and 2009’s Impepho) detail the harsh realities and daily occurrences of the township. However, his subject matter also includes encouraging messages about success and making it out of the ghetto. Outside of music, Zola delved into philanthropy through his reality TV show, Zola 7, in which he helped young people achieve their dreams.