A moment of gratitude in the spotlight
When Kwesta stepped up on the mic during an episode of The Hustlers Corner, he surprised many by turning the spotlight on someone else entirely. Instead of rehearsing his latest project or teasing a new remix, he openly credited Nota Baloyi for being a game-changer in his journey.
The backstage handshake his fans didn’t expect
In the South African music scene, it is often the artists themselves who get the accolades, but this time Kwesta paused his own spotlight to name-check a behind-the-scenes figure. On the podcast hosted by DJ Sbu, he said Nota Baloyi played a pivotal role in the progression of his career. The admission rang loudly in the studio and then on social media, where fans responded with a mix of surprise and respect.
Why this matters in SA hip hop culture
In South Africa and beyond, the hip-hop and amapiano worlds thrive on both visible artists and invisible movers. By bringing Nota Baloyi into the conversation, Kwesta shone a light on the unsung—those who negotiate deals, strategise careers and keep the business ticking. For local artists, this recognition underscores that talent alone isn’t enough sometimes; guidance and connections matter.
Social media hears it, and so do the streets
On X and Instagram threads, the revelation sparked dialogue. Some replied, “About time we recognised the people behind the hits,” while others dug into the archives to map when notable things changed for Kwesta—career-wise. The consensus? Acknowledging the unseen forces in entertainment strikes a chord in a culture that often celebrates only the front act.
Kwesta says, “I’m here today because NOTA played a significant role in my career.” 😳😳😳
Yes, he praises Nhlamulo Baloyi. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/6bLxcnSyQg
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) November 23, 2025
A fresh way to view the climb
Traditionally, we see the star on stage or hear the hit on the radio. Few stop to ask who paved the path. By giving Nota Baloyi his due, Kwesta rewrote a familiar narrative—just a bit. It invites fans and future artists to shift their gaze and appreciate the ecosystem: promoters, strategists, and visionaries. This might just become a case study for blossoming talent in South Africa.
What’s next for Kwesta and his ecosystem
Having voiced his gratitude publicly, the spotlight now might turn to what that relationship will yield next. Will we see new collaborations, mentorship programmes, or strategic moves that build off this revealed partnership? One thing is clear—Kwesta opened the door to a deeper conversation about success in our local music industry, and South Africa will be watching.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: SA Hip Hop Mag