South African rap heavyweight Emtee sparked conversation this week with a tweet that hinted at a deeper insecurity regarding music legend Zonke. In a candid moment, the Avery rapper admitted he fears Zonke might not appreciate his work—even though he deeply admires her.
“Mane I love Zonke so much ❤️ but I doubt she fuck with me cos I sampled her song. 😔”
The line in question stems from Emtee’s track “Pray for Me” off his debut album Avery (released December 4, 2015) . The captivating song samples a melody from Zonke’s well-known catalog—something that fans have loved for years, yet it now feels bittersweet to Emtee.
As of now, Zonke hasn’t publicly commented, but the conversation has brought attention to how newer artists treat their musical forebears. This olive branch from Emtee could be more than just an apology—it might be the perfect opening for a powerful collaboration between two respected South African artists. By openly expressing his admiration for Zonke despite his fears, Emtee has shown humility and respect, qualities that could resonate with Zonke and lead to a creative bridge between their sounds. A collaboration would not only put lingering doubts to rest but also blend Emtee’s raw, emotional trap style with Zonke’s soulful, timeless vocals—potentially creating a genre-defying hit that celebrates unity, growth, and mutual respect in the music industry.
Emtee’s debut album Avery, released in 2015, marked a powerful arrival in South African hip hop, blending street storytelling with emotional vulnerability and melodic trap influences. Named after his firstborn son, the album offered a deeply personal look into Emtee’s life—his struggles with poverty, his rise from the hood, fatherhood, and spiritual reflection. It featured standout hits like Roll Up, Pearl Thusi, We Up, and Pray for Me, which helped cement his reputation as a gifted songwriter with a unique sound. The album was praised for its raw authenticity, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics, quickly going platinum and winning multiple awards, including Best Rap Album at the South African Music Awards. Avery didn’t just launch Emtee’s career—it redefined local trap music and showed that vulnerability and street credibility could coexist in one voice.
