South African rapper Elethu Mpengesi, known as El Nino, has officially dropped his latest track, Ndinje, alongside Mzukhona. This marks a significant shift in El Nino’s musical journey, as the hardcore rapper ventures into more melodic and commercial territory.
Fans of El Nino will remember him as a founding member of the iconic Xhosa hip-hop crew, Driemanskap. As part of the group, he became a pioneer in the Cape Town hip-hop scene, delivering gritty, authentic lyricism that resonated deeply with listeners. However, his decision to part ways with Driemanskap shocked the hip-hop community. Now a solo artist, El Nino is embracing growth and change, channeling his experiences into a fresh sound.
“Ndinje was inspired by my journey as an artist and the struggles we as artists go through,” says El Nino. “When I parted ways with Driemanskap, it wasn’t an easy decision. We started this journey together in high school in 2001, and every moment we shared was monumental. But I had to come to terms with being an individual and make the tough call to explore a solo career. It’s been a journey of growth, accountability, and faith.”
Collaborating with Mzukhona was a natural fit. “Mzukhona has always been keen on a collaboration,” El Nino shares. “When he played me a couple of beats, the one for Ndinjeimmediately stood out. We were on the same page, and everything fell into place. I believe in God’s timing, and this was the right moment for us to create and release something meaningful.”
Unlike his previous work, Ndinje leans into a melodic style with elements of singing, showcasing a new side of El Nino’s artistry. This evolution reflects his personal and professional growth while staying true to his roots.
The track is now available on all major streaming platforms. Listen to Ndinje here: https://paradise.ffm.to/ndinje.
