Inside the rise of King Zilla

Emerging Namibian artist King Zilla is quickly carving out a niche for himself in the country’s hip-hop scene, blending melody with rap to create what he describes as the "Zilla special recipe.”

For many fans, defining King Zilla’s sound has been a challenge. The artist, however, has a clear vision of what sets him apart.

“I’ve always aimed for a distinctive sound. I want listeners to recognise me instantly, even if I’m on a track with a hundred other artists,” he explained.

“My music is rooted in rap, but it carries a unique melody that I call the 'Zilla special recipe'. My projection and delivery play a huge role in shaping it.”

Raised in Katima Mulilo, his music has been shaped by his surroundings and upbringing. “I was raised among gangsters when I was young, and that experience influences my sound. It’s inspirational – I am the voice of the Katima streets.”

Collaborating with industry heavyweights

Despite still being a rising artist, King Zilla has already worked with some of the biggest names in Namibia and beyond, including DJ Vuyo, Gazza and Zambia’s Yo Maps.

“I’m very selective when it comes to collaborations, but I have my favourites, like DJ Vuyo and SIS,” he noted.

“Vuyo and I have had chemistry from the start; our bond goes beyond music. When we’re in the studio, hits happen naturally.”

A feature on DJ Vuyo’s track, which also included Gazza, became one of the most-played songs in Namibia.

“That song gave me a lot of exposure and traction,” he admitted. “If we shoot a video, it will push my brand even further.”

Taking matters into his own hands, King Zilla travelled to Zambia to record with renowned artists Macky 2 and Yo Maps. “It wasn’t easy securing those features – I had to personally drive to Zambia. But working with artists from outside Namibia inspired me to push my music beyond borders.”

An album in the making

King Zilla’s consistent stream of singles has kept his fans engaged, but anticipation for a full-length album is growing.

“The album is complete, but I’ve been releasing singles to build momentum before dropping it,” he said. “Namibia requires consistency, so I’m making sure the rollout is well-planned. We initially aimed for a December release, but now we’re targeting mid-year.”

With big-name features and a refined vision, King Zilla aims for nothing less than a groundbreaking release. “We’re striving for the number-one hip-hop album in Namibia. I believe this album is a classic, and I want it to break records.”

Challenges and ambitions

Like many rising artists, King Zilla has faced challenges, particularly in adapting to the industry’s demands for visibility and promotion.

“I’m not a very social person, and we all know how important social media and public events are for an artist’s success,” he acknowledged. “I had to get help with marketing and even hire someone to manage my social media. Time is also a challenge, balancing interviews and personal commitments.”

Despite these hurdles, his long-term goals remain ambitious.

“I want the world to recognise Namibian music,” he declared. “I want to see our artists on international billboards, on major music channels like Trace and Channel O. My ultimate goal? To push so far that my music becomes Grammy-worthy.”