From 031 to Joburg: Big Lez’s Rise in the Underground | SA Hip Hop Music Blog

 Big Lez’s Rise in the Underground.

| SA Hip Hop Music Blog | 

by DRG LastNumba

Lez: The Durban Wave Taking South African Hip Hop by Storm.

South African hip-hop is in the middle of a powerful shift, and at the heart of this movement is a young artist from Durban who goes by the name Lez, also known as Big Lez. From school-day freestyle sessions on type beats to packing his first shows across cities, Lez is proving that he’s not just another rapper—he’s an entire wave.

From Dance to Poetry to Music

Born Ziyanda Snakhokonke Mdluli on 28 July 2003, Lez’s journey into artistry began long before the microphone. At just 11 years old, he found his first creative outlet in dance, inspired by the legendary Les Twins. Whether it was Krump, Breakdance, or Contemporary, movement gave him his earliest taste of self-expression.

By 15, the energy of dance transitioned into poetry, where Lez started weaving words to capture his thoughts and experiences. Two years later, that passion evolved into music—marking the birth of the rapper fans now know as Big Lez.

The Grind: From Bedroom Studios to the Underground

Like many great hip-hop stories, Lez’s foundation was built in makeshift studios. During high school, he spent countless nights at his friend Jun’teo’s home, recording over type beats, experimenting with flows, and sharpening his craft. These raw sessions became the blueprint for the sound he’s now bringing to stages across South Africa.

Breaking Out: The Music Speaks

2024 was a turning point. On November 30, Lez dropped his debut single IN DA CUT, a hard-hitting track that marked his official arrival. Just weeks later, he followed up with IT’S FACTS and capped off the year with his debut EP, DRAFT SZN, released on December 22.

The project showcased a raw and unfiltered sound that quickly caught attention in Durban’s underground scene. Soon after, Lez performed his first live show at the Chill Wave Event, setting the stage for the bigger moves ahead.

By 2025, his momentum was undeniable. On May 15, he released THAT’S OKAY while teasing his highly anticipated tape, ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (R.O.T.Y). His performances expanded beyond Durban—sharing stages in Johannesburg with Secure The Vibe and later in Pietermaritzburg, proving his music could travel just as well as his name.

More Than Music: Building a Culture

Lez isn’t boxed in by music alone. He’s also building a fashion brand, Uchiha.Tech, producing custom hoodies and T-shirts that reflect his personal style. For Lez, fashion and music are two sides of the same coin—a form of identity, self-expression, and independence. “I want to stop buying clothes—I wanna wear my own stuff,” he explains.

This mindset captures the essence of Lez: unapologetically carving his own lane, refusing to chase trends, and inspiring others to do the same.

Career Highlights So Far

• First Single: IN DA CUT (Nov 30, 2024)

• Breakthrough EP: DRAFT SZN (Dec 22, 2024)

• First Live Show: Chill Wave Event (Durban)

• Notable Single: THAT’S OKAY (May 15, 2025)

• Major Performances: Johannesburg (Secure The Vibe Tour) & Pietermaritzburg (2025)

• Upcoming Project: ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (R.O.T.Y)

The Wave Ahead

Lez represents a new wave in South African hip-hop: bold, original, and rooted in pure creativity. His journey from Durban to Johannesburg is only the beginning. With ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (R.O.T.Y) on the horizon, one thing is clear—Big Lez isn’t just making music, he’s building a movement.

“Lez isn’t chasing trends—he’s building a wave for the culture and inspiring people to make their own path.”

As South Africa’s underground continues to rise, all eyes are on Big Lez to lead the next chapter of the culture.