Heavy-K - Biography, Career, Personal Life and Discography

Mkhululi Siqula, professionally known as Heavy-K, was born on December 4, 1991. He is a renowned South African DJ and music producer. Raised in Veeplaas, Port Elizabeth, Heavy-K moved to Johannesburg at the age of 21 to chase his dream of a successful musical career.

Early Life

Heavy-K was born on December 4, 1991, in Veeplaas, Port Elizabeth. His father, Phindlie Siqula, worked as a mechanic. Heavy-K attended Mzimhlophe Public Primary School and later Ndzondelelo Secondary School.

Career

At just 16 years old, Mkhululi Siqula, known as Heavy-K, produced the single "Lento" for Professor in 2007. This early success set the stage for his move to Johannesburg in 2013 to further pursue his musical career. His debut studio album, *Respect the Drumboss 2013*, was released on January 1, 2013. The following year, he produced Bucie's hit single "Easy to Love," which peaked at number 9 on Entertainment Monitoring Africa.

In September 2015, Heavy-K released the single "Umoya," featuring Professor and Mpumi. The song garnered significant attention, leading to nominations for Best Collaboration and Best Dance Album for *Respect the Drumboss 2015* at the 15th Annual Metro FM Awards.

Heavy-K's third studio album, *1950*, was released on December 2, 2016. In August 2017, he released the single "Inde," featuring Bucie and Nokwazi, which achieved 6× platinum certification. Early in 2018, he dropped another single, "Sphum’ elokshini," featuring South African vocalist Mondli Ngcobo. His fourth studio album, *Respect the Drumboss 2018*, was released on October 5, 2018.

In July 2020, Heavy-K released the single "Uyeke," featuring Natalia Mabaso. The song achieved significant success, being certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa with sales of 50,000 units. Shortly after, on July 31, 2020, he released his fifth studio album, *Khusta*.

In November 2021, Heavy-K collaborated with Ed Sheeran on a remix of Sheeran's song "Shivers," which was released on November 12. By February 2021, Heavy-K was reportedly working on his sixth studio album. This album, titled *Respect the Drumboss 21 (10 Years Edition)*, was released on December 3, 2021. It features a variety of artists, including Just Bheki, Simmy, Aymos, Nkosazana Daughter, Natalia Mabaso, Intaba Yase Dubai, Sino Msolo, Boohle, MSK, Bassie, Ntunja, Drumetic Boyz, and MalumNator.

In early November 2022, Heavy-K announced his work on "The Underrated King EP" and released its lead single "Ama Miliyoni" featuring Meez and Professor on November 18, 2022.

In 2023, Heavy-K released the album "Respect The Drumboss 2 (3-Step Edition)". The album showcases the 3-Step variant of gqom, known for its distinctive rhythmic structure centered around the sound of three kicks.

On March 1, 2024, Heavy-K collaborated with DJ Tira to release "Inkululeko", featuring Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, and Afro Brotherz.

Personal Life

In 2014, Siqula met Ntombi at a club in Grahamstown. The two married and had two children together. However, in 2019, they divorced.

Discography

Studio albums

Respect The Drumboss 2013 (2013)

Respect The Drumboss 2015 (2015)

1950 (2016)

Respect The Drumboss 2018 (2018)

Khusta (2020)

Respect The Drumboss 2021 (10 Years Edition) (2021)

Respect The Drumboss (3-Step Edition) (2024)

Extended Plays

Thandaza (with Mbomi) (2021)

The Underrated King (2022)

Singles

2023 - Andikayeki

2023 - Kwelizayo

2023 - Ulele

2024 - Inkululeko

2024 - Kwenzakalani