Cape Town Hip-Hop | September 8, 2026 | Music & Events
South African rapper Emtee made a return to the stage at the Cape Town Kota Festival on September 5, joining Big Zulu and other major artists for a sold-out celebration of music, street food and township culture.
Thousands of festivalgoers gathered at The Ostrich, near Philadelphia in Cape Town, for a day that combined performances by established South African musicians with food vendors from across the Western Cape. The event’s lineup included Emtee, Big Zulu and Master KG, bringing hip-hop and dance music to one of the city’s September cultural gatherings.
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For Emtee, whose real name is Mthembeni Ndevu, the performance marked his first public concert appearance following his release on bail after spending 16 days in custody.
Emtee Returns to the Stage in Cape Town
Emtee’s Cape Town performance came just three days after his release from Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
The rapper had been held after his bail was revoked in August in connection with an alleged breach of a 2023 protection order involving his estranged wife. He was subsequently released on R2,000 bail.
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His appearance at the Kota Festival therefore attracted attention beyond the event itself.
Footage shared following the performance showed Emtee interacting with the audience, performing his music and receiving an enthusiastic response from festivalgoers.
The rapper, known for records such as “Roll Up” and “Pearl Thusi,” has maintained a following in South African hip-hop since emerging as one of the country’s breakthrough trap artists in the mid-2010s.
His performance at the Cape Town festival placed the focus back on his music as he resumed live appearances.
Big Zulu Joins Emtee for a Special Performance
Emtee
Big Zulu
One of the reported highlights of the festival was Emtee’s joint performance with Big Zulu.
The two rappers performed their collaboration “Abazazi Bafunani,” bringing together their contrasting musical approaches in front of the Cape Town crowd. Coverage of the performance described an enthusiastic audience response as Big Zulu joined Emtee onstage.
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Big Zulu has established himself through his distinctive delivery and music rooted in Zulu culture. His appearance alongside Emtee brought together two recognisable voices from different corners of South African hip-hop.
The collaboration also demonstrated the importance of national music festivals in connecting artists with audiences outside their home cities.
Cape Town Kota Festival Draws Thousands
Music was only one part of the Cape Town Kota Festival.
Held on September 5 at The Ostrich on Van Schoorsdrif Road, the event celebrated the kota, a South African street-food favourite traditionally made using a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread filled with ingredients such as chips, meat, cheese and sauces.
Food vendors from across the Western Cape showcased their own variations of the dish, combining township entrepreneurship with live entertainment.
According to Daily Sun, the festival sold out and attracted thousands of visitors. Festival CEO Xolani Machele welcomed the turnout and highlighted the event’s growth during its second visit to Cape Town.
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The event also included Master KG among its performers, giving the audience a programme extending beyond hip-hop.
For Cape Town’s music community, the festival offered another example of how food, entertainment and local entrepreneurship can come together within township culture.
7. Emtee Returns to the Stage at Cape Town Kota Festival Alongside Big Zulu
Cape Town Hip-Hop | September 28, 2026 | Music & Events
South African rapper Emtee made his return to live performance at the Cape Town Kota Festival on September 5, joining Big Zulu and Master KG at a sold-out celebration of music, food and township culture.
Thousands of festivalgoers gathered at The Ostrich in Philadelphia, Cape Town, for an event combining live performances with street-food vendors from across the Western Cape. The festival marked Emtee’s first reported performance following his release from custody three days earlier.
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Emtee Returns to the Stage
The festival marked a significant return for Emtee, whose real name is Mthembeni Ndevu.
The rapper had spent 16 days in custody after his bail was revoked in connection with an alleged breach of a protection order obtained by his estranged wife. He was released on R2,000 bail shortly before the Cape Town event.
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According to reports published after the festival, footage of his appearance showed Emtee performing energetically and engaging with the audience.
His return attracted considerable attention on social media, where fans shared videos and reactions to the performance.
For an artist known for songs such as “Roll Up” and “Pearl Thusi,” the Cape Town appearance provided an opportunity to reconnect with his audience through live music.
Big Zulu Joins Emtee on Stage
Emtee
Big Zulu
One of the festival’s reported highlights was a joint performance by Emtee and Big Zulu.
The two artists performed their collaboration “Abazazi Bafunani,” drawing an enthusiastic response from the Cape Town audience.
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Their appearance brought together two established South African rappers whose music draws on different influences.
Big Zulu’s distinctive delivery and use of isiZulu complement Emtee’s melodic approach to hip-hop, giving their collaboration a sound that connects different audiences within South African rap.
The performance was an opportunity for festivalgoers to see both artists share the stage.
Cape Town Kota Festival Sells Out
The September 5 festival attracted thousands of visitors and reportedly sold out, according to Daily Sun.
Held at The Ostrich on Van Schoorsdrif Road, the event brought together musicians, local food businesses and families for a full day celebrating South African street culture.
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Food vendors showcased different versions of the kota, a popular township meal traditionally made from a quarter loaf of bread filled with ingredients such as chips, cheese, meat and sauces.
Festival organisers also emphasised the event’s role in supporting local food entrepreneurs.
Music remained a major attraction, with Big Zulu, Emtee and Master KG among the performers. Their appearances helped bring together audiences interested in hip-hop and South African dance music.
Emtee Teases Another Album
During his appearance, Emtee reportedly told festivalgoers that another album was on the way, adding a new development to his return to live performance.
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A confirmed title, tracklist and release date were not available in the reports covering the announcement.
The news gave supporters something to anticipate beyond the festival, although further details will depend on an official announcement from the artist.
For Cape Town’s hip-hop audience, the Kota Festival delivered a combination of established national artists and local cultural experiences.
Emtee’s return, his joint performance with Big Zulu and the event’s strong attendance made it a notable moment in the city’s September entertainment calendar.
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