Draft:Ntosh Gazi
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Comment: See WP:BLP. Statements, starting with the date of birth, need to be sourced or removed.Here, the entire early life section is sourced to the front page of a website making no mention of the subject. Greenman (talk) 19:26, 14 June 2025 (UTC)
Ntokozo Soko (born 1994), known professionally as Ntosh Gazi, is a South African Amapiano musician, vocalist, and actor. He gained prominence in 2019 as a featured artist on the viral Amapiano song "John Vuli Gate" by Mapara A Jazz, which achieved significant chart success and sparked a popular dance challenge.[1] Gazi has since contributed to the Amapiano genre through various collaborations and performances across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Ntosh Gazi | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Known for | Musician |
| Notable work | John Vuli Gate |
Early Life
[edit]Ntokozo Soko was born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. He initially pursued music through choir participation before transitioning to Amapiano in 2019. Gazi also trained in acting, beginning with theatre work at the University of the Witwatersrand's Drama For Life program.[2]
Career
[edit]Acting
[edit]In 2006, Gazi began his acting career with theatre productions through Drama For Life at the University of the Witwatersrand. He later appeared in South African television series, including Skeem Saam and Rhythm City, recurring minor roles as an extra. Despite early challenges in the acting industry, he continued to pursue roles while developing his music career.[3]
Music
[edit]In 2019, Gazi rose to prominence as a featured vocalist on "John Vuli Gate" by Mapara A Jazz, alongside Colano.[4] The song became a viral hit, driven by the #JohnVuliGateChallenge on social media, and debuted at number 46 on the Shazam Global Chart, the highest new entry at the time, while reaching number 1 on South Africa's national chart.[5][6] The song's success led to the production of a new music video featuring the viral dancers.[7] Its popularity facilitated a continent-wide tour, with notable reception in Tanzania.[8]
Gazi released his debut EP, Amnandi Amapiano, in 2021, blending traditional Amapiano with Rave and EDM elements. He collaborated with artists such as Diamond Platinumz on "IYO" (2020), Stevo Simple Boy and Mejja on the remix of "Freshi Barida" (2022), and Spinall on "Top Mama" (2022) with Reekado Banks and Phyno.[9][10][11] Other collaborations include "Pambale" with Rich Bizzy (2021) and "Zing Zong" with Boontle (2021).[12]
In 2021, Gazi enrolled at FAME Academy SA in Limpopo to study music business and sound engineering, with the goal of establishing an entertainment and production company.[13] In 2022, he performed in the United Kingdom, including a sold-out show in Northampton, London, with Adasnoop.[14]
Fashion
[edit]Gazi is associated with the Skhothane subculture, known for its emphasis on luxury fashion. His style draws inspiration from Italian and Parisian fashion, influenced by his family's appreciation for high-end clothing.
Controversy
[edit]In January 2022, reports surfaced suggesting that Gazi had relocated to the United Kingdom to expand the Amapiano market. However, the claim, primarily reported by *The South African*, has not been widely corroborated, leading to uncertainty about his permanent residency.[15]
Discography
[edit]EPs
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Amnandi Amapiano | Release:20 August 2021
Label:LB Recordings Format:Digital Download |
| Die Hard | Release:13 January 2023
Label:Royal Gang Records Format:Digital Download |
Selected Singles
[edit]- "John Vuli Gate" (with Mapara A Jazz and Colano, 2019)[16]
- "IYO" (with Diamond Platinumz, Focalistic, and Mapara A Jazz, 2020)[17]
- "I am sorry" (featuring Mapara A jazz and Colano, 2021)[18]
- "Top Mama" (with Spinall, Reekado Banks, and Phyno, 2022)
- "Freshi Barida (Remix)" (with Stevo Simple Boy and Cartoon 47, 2022)[19]
References
[edit]- ^ Sekudu, Bonolo. "Meet the makers of 'John Vuli gate' Mapara A Jazz". News24. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "5 Things You May Not Have Known About Multi-Talented Amapiano Artist, Ntosh Gazi". Zkhiphani. October 15, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Ntosh Gazi Aims Higher!". Daily Sun. August 30, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Sekudu, Bonolo. "Meet the makers of 'John Vuli gate' Mapara A Jazz". News24. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "South African Amapiano Hit 'John Vuli Gate' Smashes Shazam Charts". OkayAfrica. October 20, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Viral Hit John Vuli Gate is the Highest New Entry on the Shazam Global Chart". News24. October 20, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Music Video for John Vuli Gate to Feature Viral Dancers". SowetanLIVE. October 20, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "5 Things You Should Know About Ntosh Gazi". The Yanos Magazine. January 20, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "SA's Ntosh Gazi Teams Up With Stevo Simple Boy & Cartoon 47 For Biggest Amapiano Tune In Ke". Soundcity. June 14, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Spinall's New Single 'Top Mama' Feat. Reekado Banks, Phyno & Ntosh Gazi Is Here". OkayAfrica. May 27, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "SPINALL Releases 'Top Mama' Featuring Reekado Banks, Phyno & Ntosh Gazi | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "Ntosh Gazi - Songs, Events and Music Stats". Viberate. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Mphahlele, By Meta. "Ntosh Gazi aims higher!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "Adasnoop Collaborates with Amapiano King Ntosh Gazi in Sold Out Show in Northampton, London". Vanguard. January 31, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Mr John Vuli Gate Ntosh Gazi & Mapara A Jazz Jet Off to the UK". The South African. January 20, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "South African Amapiano Hit 'John Vuli Gate' Smashes Shazam Charts | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
- ^ "IYO: Diamond Platnumz Releases New Single Featuring South African Rapper Focalistic". Vanguard. July 16, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Ntosh Gazi (2021-05-13). Ntosh Gazi - I am Sorry [ Feat Mapara A Jazz & Colano] (Official Music Video). Retrieved 2025-05-30 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Stivo Simple Boy releases 'Freshi Barida' remix – VIDEO". Nairobi News. 2022-07-07. Retrieved 2025-05-30.