Cape Town’s hip-hop scene continues to produce artists determined to tell their own stories, and Airpic M is bringing that ambition into focus with his latest project, MADE IN GUG$. The Gugulethu-born rapper is using his latest release to put his hometown, identity and musical influences at the centre of his growing artistic journey.
Released on October 23, 2026, the four-track EP represents another step forward for an artist building his identity within Cape Town’s competitive hip-hop landscape. Rather than separating himself from the environment that shaped him, Airpic M embraces his roots, drawing attention to Gugulethu and the experiences that influence his music.
The project’s title alone communicates a clear message. MADE IN GUG$ is more than a collection of songs; it is an expression of belonging and a statement about where the artist comes from.
Four Tracks That Tell a Bigger Story
The EP consists of four tracks, each contributing to the project’s overall direction:
- Elokshini featuring $limBeats, TDSO and SiLe
- Low-key
- 10 Stina featuring Barblee
- Mamela
The tracklist brings together several artists and collaborators connected to the broader South African music landscape. The opening track, Elokshini, stands out for its collaborative lineup, while the remaining songs give Airpic M room to establish his own presence across the project.
The involvement of $limBeats is particularly notable. The producer has been associated with Airpic M’s musical journey through previous releases, making his contribution another connection in the rapper’s evolving catalogue.
Rather than relying on a lengthy tracklist, Airpic M keeps the project focused. Four songs provide an opportunity to introduce his current sound without stretching the concept beyond its central message.
A Career Built on Persistence
Airpic M, whose real name is Aphelele Menisi, has been involved in music since 2010. His journey reflects the persistence required to establish an independent career in a competitive industry.
Growing up in Gugulethu, he developed an artistic identity influenced by the language, culture and everyday experiences of his surroundings. His approach incorporates Xhosa lyricism, trap production and the distinctive expressions associated with Cape Town’s township communities.
His musical journey has also included collaborations and performances alongside established names in South African entertainment.
Over the years, his music has received exposure through platforms such as Channel O, MTV Base and Trace Africa. These opportunities have helped introduce his work to audiences beyond his immediate surroundings.
One of the important releases in his catalogue is the 2022 mixtape Istixo Sase Kapa (The Cape Town Key). The project featured artists including Bravo Le Roux, Soul T Idyan, Fresh Clique, Hefecpt, $limBeats and SiLe.
Its lead single, Emafini, featuring Bravo Le Roux, also gained exposure through MTV Base and Trace Africa.
These releases helped establish Airpic M as an artist interested in representing Cape Town’s hip-hop culture while building connections with other musicians.
Taking Gugulethu Beyond the Mother City
Cape Town has a long-standing relationship with hip-hop, producing artists whose music reflects the city’s different communities, languages and cultural influences.
From the storytelling traditions associated with local rap to the energetic sounds emerging from younger performers, the city’s hip-hop identity continues to evolve.
Artists such as YoungstaCPT, who have consistently highlighted Cape Town identity in their music, have helped bring greater attention to the city’s contribution to South African hip-hop.
For independent artists coming through communities such as Gugulethu, creating a recognisable identity is an important part of reaching a wider audience.
Airpic M’s approach with MADE IN GUG$ places that identity at the forefront. Instead of presenting his background as something separate from his musical ambitions, he makes it central to the project.
His earlier international collaboration, Risk It, featuring Atlanta-based artist Silk Degrees, also demonstrated an interest in reaching audiences beyond South Africa.
That international connection and his continued focus on Gugulethu suggest an artist interested in developing a career that maintains local authenticity while exploring opportunities elsewhere.
What Comes Next for Airpic M?
With MADE IN GUG$, Airpic M adds another release to a catalogue that has developed over more than a decade.
The project also arrives as independent South African rappers continue to explore new ways of reaching listeners through streaming platforms, collaborations and digital promotion.
For Airpic M, the challenge will be converting the momentum of individual releases into a larger audience and sustained recognition.
His experience, previous industry exposure and connections within Cape Town’s music community provide a foundation to build on.
Ultimately, MADE IN GUG$ is a reminder that South African hip-hop does not only come from the country’s biggest commercial centres. Important stories are also developing in neighbourhoods and townships where independent artists continue to create, collaborate and build their own platforms.
For Gugulethu, Airpic M is carrying that identity into his music. And with this four-track release, he is making another statement about the community that helped shape him.
MADE IN GUG$ is available on major streaming platforms.
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