Raymnd Notypo Declares His Independence with ‘Republic of Gazankulu’

A Journey Through Sound, Culture, and Evolution

South African hip-hop is in a constant state of transformation, and Raymnd Notypo is making his mark with his latest EP, Republic of Gazankulu, dropped today Friday, 28 March 2025. Blending cultural storytelling, innovative production, and personal growth, this project is a declaration of artistic independence.

The Birth of the Republic

For Raymnd, this EP is more than just music—it’s a world of its own. Inspired by his hometown of Giyani and the former Republic of Gazankulu, he uses the project to carve out his own sonic nation.

“Gazankulu was a Bantustan back in Apartheid. Over the years, South African hip-hop has evolved into a machine with many sub-genres across our languages. Rap music is basically the world we live in, and this part of the world, the Republic of Gazankulu, is my country—I am the president.”

It’s a bold artistic statement that reflects his deep connection to South African history and his vision for the future of local hip-hop.

A Cinematic Sonic Experience

The 10-track EP plays out like a film, bookended by Gazankulu Intro and Gazankulu Outo, setting the stage and closing the journey.

“The album is basically a journey, a film with a beginning, middle, and end. The intro and the outro are just a navigation system to let you know where we are in this fictional place.”

Each track builds on this narrative, pulling listeners into a world of melodic rap, hard-hitting beats, and cultural depth.

Key Tracks & Collaborations

• “iPhone 20” – Originally a freestyle, this track evolved into a fitting opener, easing listeners into the Republic of Gazankulu experience.
• “Hi Tshikana” – One of the first songs recorded for the project, introducing a fresh, melodic style.
• “On Time” (feat. Kaygizm) – A standout Afrobeat-inspired track, blending rap and R&B effortlessly.
• “Sho Sivaro” – A fun, lyrical workout packed with humor and wordplay.
• “Manolo” (feat. Chad Da Don) – A long-awaited collab that came together naturally over a hard-hitting beat.
• “MOTW” (feat. PrimeTheGifted) – Standing for Money On The Way, this track taps into early 2000s rap nostalgia.
• “Mango Atchar” – A playful love song with South African flavor, inspired by a “yellow bone” Raymnd had a crush on.

Evolving Without Losing Authenticity

With Republic of Gazankulu, Raymnd Notypo steps outside his comfort zone, embracing melodic flows while staying true to his rap roots.

“I’ve grown a liking towards melodies. I never really experimented with those before, so I’m learning and having fun expressing myself in new ways.”

Despite the new sounds, he remains grounded through collaborations with longtime producers and artists who understand his essence.

What’s Next for Raymnd Notypo?

The release of Republic of Gazankulu is just the beginning. Music videos, a radio tour, and live performances are already in the works, ensuring fans get a full visual and sonic experience of this world he has created.

“We’re just trying to contribute with our art to building a solid music industry in our country.”

With this EP, Raymnd Notypo isn’t just releasing music—he’s building a legacy.

Stream ‘Republic of Gazankulu’ on all platforms.