In a twist that spotlights the changing of the guard in South African hip‑hop, Usimamane’s tear‑jerking track “Uvalo” (featuring Sjava) has officially surpassed K.O’s blazing hit “Sete” in Spotify streams , a momentous milestone that demands celebration.
“Uvalo” has amassed approximately 10.7 million streams globally on Spotify in comparison, K.O’s “Sete”, an iconic collaboration with Young Stunna & Blxckie has garnered around 10.6 million total streams on Spotify.
That marks a difference of roughly 100k streams, a significant margin that places Usimamane firmly at the head of the current charts.
Hailing from Umlazi, Usimamane has quickly emerged as one of the most vital voices in South African hip-hop’s new era. His debut album, 20th: Days Before Maud, landed like a cultural lightning bolt in late 2024, sparking conversations far beyond just the music. With a sound that bridges township storytelling and modern sonic innovation, the project didn’t just introduce him, it confirmed his place in the game.
By mid-2025, the album had evolved into more than just a debut; it became a statement of intent, shifting the narrative around what’s possible for a young, homegrown rapper navigating the complexities of identity, fame, and vulnerability.
Among the standout cuts from the album, “Uvalo” rises above the pack not for its streaming numbers alone, but for its raw emotional weight and polished artistry. The track dives into the quiet turmoil of fear and vulnerability in relationships, delivered through Usimamane’s smooth, melody-laced flow.
Rooted in the streets of Durban yet elevated by a refined musical palette, his performance blends introspective lyricism with genre-bending finesse.
K.O’s “Sete,” which dropped in August 2022, quickly cemented itself as one of the most dominant tracks in modern South African music. The single shattered expectations by becoming the fastest local song to earn Gold, surpassing 1.2 million streams in record-breaking time. Its reign didn’t stop there “Sete” went on to dominate radio airwaves, holding the top spot for an impressive twelve consecutive weeks.
With its seamless fusion of amapiano rhythms and hip-hop energy, amplified by standout features from Young Stunna and Blxckie, the track carved out a genre-defying legacy that continues to influence the scene today.
Now, three years later, Usimamane’s “Uvalo” edges ahead of K.O’s “Sete” in Spotify’s streaming rankings, signaling a powerful shift, the new school is not just here, it’s already leading. That shift is not merely numerical, it speaks to the new energy, emotional depth, and authenticity Usimamane brings to the soundscape.
His achievements include multiple nominations at the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards and Urban Music Awards, along with his emergence as Apple Music’s “Rap Life Africa” featured artist earlier in 2024.
Streaming numbers aside, Usimamane embodies the promise of South African hip‑hop today driven, soulful, and unafraid to wear its emotion on its sleeve. “Uvalo” isn’t just a hit, it’s a defining moment for a new generation of artists.
