Mbombela’s very own Hip-Hop sensation, Prince Nhlakanipho Khoza, known as Don Pressure, is making waves in the local music scene.
The star has been nominated for Best Gospel Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the 12th Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards (MGOMA), and it’s no surprise, considering his latest achievements and growing influence in the industry. Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, the 31-year-old songwriter and Hip-Hop rapper says he is all about spreading love and inspiration.
He recalls growing up in the church, where his musical journey began, inspired by his older brothers who were already making music. He began honing his skills, practicing with church mates, and eventually dropped his first single, “Church Music,” in 2014. This marked a major milestone in his career, serving as the true launchpad for his music, especially in Mbombela.
Reflecting on his musical journey, he says: “2014 marked a major milestone in my career, serving as the true launchpad for my music, especially in the city of Mbombela. The song was inspired by my observations of hip hop lovers and their relationship with the church.
READ | Kabokweni hip-hop star set to shine with new EP
“I felt that many hip hop heads and rappers were hesitant to attend church or commit to their own spiritual growth. That perspective shaped the message of the track, and its success helped cement my position as a hip hop artist to watch.”
Since then, the artist has been making waves in the province’s Hip-Hop scene. His latest EP titled “HEALING” has been making waves in the province and country, which has landed him an international collaboration with New Jersey-based rapper TorchMics.
The rapper’s notable recent achievements also include winning the ‘Song of The Year’ Award at the Mpumalanga Sunshine Awards in 2016 and recently performing at the Sjava One Man Show in Mbombela Stadium. The artist shares that his music is all about spreading love and inspiration, and he’s using his platform to uplift and empower his community. His latest single, “MNGANI,” features Passion Master, and he’s currently working on a music video set to be released in December.
“I’m also working on a track with Ngwana On It titled: “Bande Lam,” planned for early 2026, and I’m developing a project called In Your Hands, set for release next year,” adds the star.
The rapper expresses his gratitude for the nomination, saying: “I’m truly honored by this nomination. Being recognised by one of the biggest awards platforms in Mpumalanga means so much to me. I’m praying for a win — it would be a significant step forward in my career.”
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at Mbombela’s Communio Church Auditorium. To support him, SMS “hip hop lovely day” to 34155. Each vote costs R2, and voting is unlimited. His music is available on all streaming platforms, and he can be followed on social media @Donpressure_worldwide and Pressure_sa.
