By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE- Local rapper and multimedia visionary injects music with meaning, motivation, and health awareness.
Rapper, media producer, and creative powerhouse Extasy—born Xoliswa Nsibandze—has just dropped “Insulin”, the first single and music video off his much-anticipated upcoming project, TEN4TEN. More than just a track, Insulin is a metaphorical shot of motivation, bridging culture, wellness, and emotional healing through rhythm and visuals.
Extasy, a Boston Media College graduate (Class of 2018), has been steadily building his multimedia house, Timbuktu Library, from the ground up. With Insulin, he begins a new chapter—one that’s not only musically charged but deeply rooted in bantfu culture, referencing the tradition of giving and receiving with both hands as a sign of respect.
“Insulin is the first recorded track off the album ‘TEN4TEN’. It symbolizes emotional medicine and cultural gratitude,” says Extasy.
The music video with a message was shot by Nkosephayo Lushaba of Sniper Visuals and directed by fellow rapper and first-time director Size Killa (Sizwe Mthethwa), the video is set in a hospital—blending clinical visuals with soulful intention. The video was shot at Real Relaxed Dentistry in Mbabane courtesy of Dr. Wandile Nxumalo.
Extasy plays the role of a musical ‘doctor’, metaphorically administering his version of ‘insulin’ to viewers: healing through art. Publicist and newcomer Thandeka Khoza makes her acting debut in the video, portraying the doctor’s assistant. “I’m grateful to Extasy for trusting me with this role. I look forward to working on more projects that push creative boundaries,” she shared.
The beat was produced by Yeyana (Thando Motsa) and complements the track’s urban, upbeat sound, which softens the serious undertone of its subject—diabetes.
The inspiration for Insulin came during a moment of reflection: a conversation with a production colleague who revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with diabetes. That exchange left a lasting impression on Extasy, influencing the creation of the song.
“It’s about uplifting people and raising awareness of our own ability to heal—whether emotionally or through natural methods. I want to use music to educate as much as I want it to entertain,” he explains.
Extasy has also expressed interest in diving deeper into the subject matter with a documentary or short film highlighting real-life stories of people living with diabetes. “This is just the beginning. I want to use my platform to shed light on stories that matter,” he added.
According to health sources, insulin is a hormone crucial to converting food into energy and managing blood sugar. Lack of it leads to diabetes—a condition affecting millions worldwide. Extasy’s metaphor positions music as a similar life force: a necessary emotional hormone that sustains and uplifts.
The Insulin video is available now on YouTube and Jelele.com. Fans can expect more audio-visual content in the lead-up to the full release of TEN4TEN.
