By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
NTFONJENI– From small-town roots to national attention, Lil Mcee is making big waves.
Mncobi S’boniso Magagula, better known as Lil Mcee, is a name steadily gaining recognition in the local hip-hop scene. Hailing from KuHhelehhele, under Ntfonjeni Inkhundla, just outside Pigg’s Peak, this young artist, performer, and songwriter is turning his passion into purpose, using music to inspire, uplift, and motivate a new generation of dreamers.
Lil Mcee began his musical journey in 2020, recording under Divaboy Empire Records. Like most artists starting out, his path was filled with challenges. Many didn’t understand his vision or genre choice, especially since hip-hop wasn’t the expected route in his community. But Lil Mcee wasn’t one to back down.
“I always knew I was destined for greatness,” he says. “When they criticised me, I used it as motivation. I wanted them to see me shine.”
His love for hip-hop was shaped by global icons like Lil Wayne, whose lyrical style left a deep impression on him. Later, Emtee from South Africa became a major source of inspiration, encouraging him to write his own lyrics and hit the studio.
These early influences helped Lil Mcee find his unique voice, a voice grounded in truth, ambition, and resilience.
Since starting, Lil Mcee has been working tirelessly to get his music out. His efforts have paid off, he’s been featured three times by the Eswatini Observer, interviewed twice on UNESWA FM, and appeared on the #SeriouslyOrganicPodcast.
“The best moments of my life were when people started noticing me. They called me by my stage name, followed my work, and supported what I do.”
Currently, Lil Mcee is gearing up to release his debut EP titled “My Way”, produced by Divaboy. The title reflects his determination to stay true to his sound despite pressure to switch to amapiano.
“Since 2020, people kept saying I should do amapiano, not hip-hop,” he says. “But I stuck to my path and that’s how the name My Way came about.”
The EP features talents like King Mzesh from Mbabane and N.O.R.T.H from Mozambique, marking a significant step in his career.
“King Mzesh is cool and easy to work with,” says Mcee. “And working with N.O.R.T.H was an honour. He told me, ‘My brother, we’re going to make it happen.’”
Unlike mainstream trends in rap music, Lil Mcee is focused on positive messaging. His songs speak about hustling, progress, and living a better life, far from the glorification of violence or crime.
“My music is about working hard and pushing forward. I want to motivate people, not bring them down.”
Whether on stage or in the studio, Lil Mcee brings the same energy, powerful, real, and full of fire. His performances light up the crowd and leave lasting impressions.
Lil Mcee’s success hasn’t made him forget where he comes from. Noticing that many young people in his area lacked platforms to showcase their talents, he began organising small shows and competitions with the little resources he had, giving the youth a chance to shine.
Along the way, he’s learned important lessons. “I’m nothing without the people who support me. You have to respect them. If you disrespect your supporters, they won’t back you.”
Looking ahead, he dreams of working with Sean Cast and Mr Kangaroo locally, and with Emtee, Usimamane, and Tony Dayimane on the international stage.
From Ntfonjeni to the world, Lil Mcee’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and rising above limits. As he prepares to release My Way, one thing is clear, Lil Mcee is just getting started, and the world is beginning to listen.
(Courtesy Pics)
