Voltz JT Rise Recap: From Campus Freestyles to NOP Makoni’s NAMA Nomination

It’s 2019. University halls buzz with an underground anthem called Masinhi, and its creator, Nkosilathi Sibiya—later known to the world as Voltz JT is just another student balancing dreams and deadlines. That was my first encounter with the guy, a casual hangout in town where he rolled up with his manager and DJ at the time, RSK. Music was always the topic but back then, the road to the top wasn’t even paved yet.

A few months later, he disappeared from the scene, leaving nothing but echoes of potential. When he re-emerged with Mayhem and Melodies, I had the opportunity to sit down with him for an interview at The Zimbabwe Sphere, where I was a chief contributor. That conversation wasn’t just about an EP, it was about choices. Engineering or music? Books or bars?

His reality at the time was a balancing act between two completely different futures, with no certainty that either would work out. The industry wasn’t quite ready for him yet, and though Mayhem and Melodies had strong tracks, it didn’t shake the landscape the way he hoped. But if there was one thing evident in that interview, it was that Voltz JT wasn’t about to stop.

Two years later, These Days happened. Produced by Jax Da BeatBully and visually brought to life by Leoy V, the song wasn’t just another drop—it was a moment. From the minute it hit the streets, I knew it was a Song of the Year contender and told him as much. The prediction fulfilled itself at the Zim Hip Hop Awards when he walked away with Best Song and Best Newcomer—awards I personally collected for him in Bulawayo.

But success in college is a tricky thing. One minute you’re lining up for cafeteria food, the next, your classmates are streaming your music on their phones. One day you’re sharing a hostel with fans, the next, you’re on a festival lineup next to artists you grew up admiring. That transition isn’t easy, but Voltz JT navigated it with a rare combination of hunger and humility.

By 2022, his name was etched into the scene, but comparisons with Holy Ten started creeping in. The two had collaborated on Howfar, a stinger that didn’t do much to quiet down the ongoing debate of who was Zimbabwe’s hip hop king. But Voltz wasn’t interested in proving a point through words—he let his actions speak. That same year, he secured a feature with South Africa’s trap heavyweight, Emtee, proving he wasn’t just thinking local.

Then came Life of Muvhimi, an album that cemented his status. The launch at Alex Sports Club was packed, a testament to the growing movement he had built from the ground up. The album delivered hits like Mangwana, a song that still commands wild receptions at live shows.

2023 was all about consolidation. While he didn’t drop an album, his feature game was impeccable, appearing on some of the biggest tracks of the year. He reminded everyone of his versatility with Same Drawer NeGown, a clever flex about completing school while stacking music accolades. But 2024 came with different expectations—his fanbase had grown, and they were hungry for another full project.

He kicked off the year with Dhanzi/Nawanadem alongside Master H, a record that held its own in Song of the Year debates. But it was Mkoma Brian in April that sent the streets into a frenzy. Lyrically sharp, socially conscious, and deeply personal, the track wasn’t just another hit—it was a cultural moment. It dominated conversations, playlists, and even the award circuit, ultimately securing Song of the Year at the Zim Hip Hop Awards 2024.

Then, on August 27th, he delivered NOP Makoni, a project that needed no introduction. A love letter to Chitungwiza, the album was deeply personal, capturing the essence of his journey. He often jokes that he can only visit his grandmother’s house at night because the youth storm the place during the day just to show him love. That’s the level of connection he has with his audience.

NOP Makoni featured collaborations with his brother Tha Bees, Celcius, Bagga, Poptain, Atenda Chinx, and Nyasha David, offering a balanced mix of the raw Jecha Trap sound he pioneered and an evolving musicality that kept his artistry fresh.

It was an instant success, dominating streaming platforms, earning street credibility, and securing yet another Album of the Year win at the ZHHA 2024. More significantly, it earned a nomination at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), placing Voltz JT in the ranks of artists whose work transcends hip hop and speaks to the national musical identity.

Beyond music, his brand continues to expand. The year also saw him land a major endorsement deal with Sable Lager, a move that speaks volumes about his influence beyond just the music scene. He’s not just an artist anymore—he’s a cultural figure, a brand ambassador, and an artist whose name carries weight in both corporate boardrooms and street cyphers.

The real question now isn’t whether Voltz JT is at the top—it’s whether anyone can take him off his throne. His laid-back gangster persona, combined with razor-sharp lyricism and a deep connection with the fans, makes him almost untouchable. Some artists reach a point where their fanbase becomes impenetrable—think Winky D’s unwavering army of followers. Is Voltz JT entering that rare space?

We talk often, and from what he tells us, there’s more coming. He’s rewriting the script. So, if you thought NOP Makoni was the peak, think again. The King of Jecha Trap is only getting started.