SBX is Redefining R&B with Strength, Style & Sisterhood | SA Hip Hop Music Blog

SBX is Redefining R&B with

Strength, Style & Sisterhood.

| SA Hip Hop Music Blog x NESAHH MAG |

by DRG LastNumba

In a world overflowing with noise, very few artists possess the charisma, raw talent, and staying power to demand attention — but SBX is doing just that. Singer-songwriter, model, actress, and all-around creative powerhouse, SBX (real name Sibahle Siphelele Nomvelo Xulu) is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most dynamic voices in R&B and pop music. With a sound that blends emotional storytelling and fearless reinvention, she’s not just riding the wave — she’s making her own.

From Pretoria to Stardom

Born in Pretoria East and raised in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, SBX's passion for performance was evident from a young age. Inspired by musical icons such as Rihanna, Lebo Mathosa, and Aaliyah, she found motivation in fearless women who weren't afraid to disrupt the status quo. And she’s been following that bold trajectory ever since.

After earning her Honours degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2022, she wasted no time making her mark in the music industry. Her debut EP, These Songs Are About You (2020), featured the breakout single “4U,” which earned her a coveted spot on the Trace Urban Top 30 — an early sign that she was destined for more.

A Catalog Built on Emotion and Growth

SBX’s discography is far more than a collection of catchy songs — it’s a deeply personal archive of emotional evolution. Her 2022 follow-up project, These Songs Are About You Too, offered a raw and reflective journey through relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery, featuring the popular singles “Why?” and “Dues.”

In 2023, she returned with her third offering, Now That It’s Over — an 8-track exploration of healing and independence. Songs like “Cycles” and “Be With You” cemented her ability to pair emotional honesty with sleek, modern production, proving that SBX wasn’t just creating moments — she was creating movements.

When asked about her favorite work from her catalog, SBX smiles knowingly. “Right now I’m obsessed with my unreleased music,” she says — a confident hint that what’s coming might be her best work yet.

Not Without Challenges — But Never Without Vision

Like many boundary-pushing artists, SBX hasn’t had a smooth road. But her greatest challenge is also a reflection of her mission.

“There’s always something, right?” she says. “I think the biggest thing right now is the current climate of one-dimensionality in the South African music industry — fighting for the audience to embrace new styles of music without calling it Western or ‘not South African enough.’ I think we’re limiting creatives and limiting the reach of the industry by trying to box things.”

It's a powerful critique — and a call for artistic freedom. SBX stands for music that crosses borders, challenges norms, and reflects the fullness of Black identity and femininity beyond labels.

Beyond the Music: Fashion, Film, and Fearlessness

SBX’s artistry extends far beyond her vocals. Her partnerships with brands like Levi’s have made her a tastemaker in fashion, while her acting background adds theatrical depth to her performances. Every visual, every lyric, and every rollout feels curated and intentional — the mark of an artist who understands her audience and her power.

Whether on set, on stage, or on screen, SBX brings herself fully — bold, beautiful, and unapologetically authentic.

A New Era: “They Say” and the Dance-Pop Shift

With her latest single “They Say,” SBX enters a thrilling new phase. The track leans into dance-pop, pairing her emotive vocal style with upbeat, electronic textures. It’s a shift in sound, but not in substance — her core remains rooted in emotional truth.

“They Say” isn’t just a single — it’s a signal. SBX is expanding her reach, tapping into global sounds while staying grounded in her personal narrative. She's not abandoning her R&B roots — she's blooming beyond them.

Advice from the Visionary Herself

When asked what she’d say to other artists, her answer is firm:
“Embrace your uniqueness. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing to get your music heard. There’s an audience for everyone.”

And what can we expect next?

“Lots of new music. New visuals. New risks. Awesome looks,” she teases — proof that the evolution of SBX has only just begun.

Long But Worth It

When reflecting on her journey so far, she keeps it real: “Long, but worth it.” And that feels exactly right. Because while SBX’s rise hasn’t been overnight, it has been undeniable. She’s a creative force redefining what it means to be a superstar — on her own terms.

SBX is not just the future — she’s the right now. Get ready for what’s next.

🎧 Listen to “They Say” and follow SBX on all platforms to stay tapped in to the movement.