An ode to a Canadian beer South Africans have adopted as their own is exactly the sort of thing expected from TikTok sensation BOBBEJAN. The Western Cape native continues to thrill audiences with his unique take on Afrikaans hip-hop, with a playful and charming self-parodying style.
“ZAMALEKKER” – his latest offering – is a lively showcase of his talent, and perhaps his potential for longevity too. Flowing like half-priced Black Label at a student bar, the rapper’s impressive cadence narrates the essence of a wild night out.
Through clever personification and pop culture references, he even uses Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song and Steri Stumpie to craft tongue-in-cheek analogies about beer, hinting at the genius behind his persona.
The party beat, following a popular trend in Afrikaans rap, marries danceability with a smooth tempo – a smart choice that broadens the track’s appeal to diverse audiences.
In its first week, the track went viral on social media platforms, and its popularity only continues to grow. What began as Jan-Meyer Verhoef’s playful experiment is seemingly resonating across the country, proving his claim: “Ek is die real MadHatter.”
Fun and light – unlike a Black Label hangover – the song carries a jovial spirit that reflects South Africa’s knack for bringing out the best in each other when the drinks are flowing. Whether intentionally or not, BOBBEJAN is positioning himself as one to watch in the Afrikaans rap scene, so best you give this banger a listen (maybe with a lekker zamalek in hand).
