Ahead of his release for his single Tau featuring a surprise Motswako rapper, and his reality TV show, Cruz Afrika wants to start on a clean slate – new image, new brand, and calls for peace between him and rapper Emtee.
Their beef dates back to 2017. What was meant to be banter turned ugly, and the two rappers fell out. All grown up, no longer looking for clout and hype, rapper Cruz wants to make peace and start afresh.
They were once close friends, thick as thieves, and did some work together and have several unreleased songs in their bank. But when rumours surfaced that some people in their circle of friends sacrificed their late friend Swati so they could get ahead, things turned sour. Cruz was fingered as one of the people and instigators at the centre of the conspiracy theory, and accused Emtee of being part of the alleged Illuminati. He came out guns blazing on social media and even released a diss track dedicated to Emtee.
Years have since passed, Cruz, all grown up, has reached out to Emtee wanting to make peace and book him for his concert, the Rusternburg Garden Festival on 25 December 2025. However, Emtee has rejected the offer. Ahead of the concert, Cruz is set to release his single Tau, which he describes as “a mature and better version” of himself.
“I’ve grown up now. I want my music to be wholesome and uplifting. I want to squash the beef with Emtee and start over. I invited him to perform as a guest at my annual Rustenburg Garden Festival event, and he declined. I just want to make amends,” Cruz Afrika says.
Cruz Afrika’s upcoming relese features a massive Motswako artist whom he will announce in due time. The release comes two years after Cruz Afrika took a break from releasing music.
“I took time off from making music because I wanted to focus on my event company and other businesses, but because music is a calling, I had to answer to fans. My supporters kept asking me to drop more new music, so I thought of a comeback.“
Tau is set to be released in Spring on 05 September 2025. Cruz Afrika is also set to share his story on Moja LOVE (157) in the reality show Love In The Keys to premiere in August 2025.
About Cruz
Influencer and versatile Hip-Hop artist, Cruz Afrika (real name Tshepo Modise) rose to fame as a young, enthusiastic dancer and choreographer who wanted the spotlight. He danced on various stages before his potential led him to take on the job of an MC and hype man for artists such as Zola, Stoan of Bongo Muffin, and Jub-Jub. His discography includes A-list stars Ntosh Gazi, Red Button, Emtee, Maraza, Zola7, and multiple Nigerian collaborations, including Rhyma (2021) and Eindo (2023).
His hits include songs such as Shaka Zulu, Buya, Pray for Me, and Umjolo. Born in Taung/Pampierstad in the North West, his music saw him win a Black Entertainment Award (BEA). He is a respected songwriter, producer, choreographer, and the Director of his own Record and Promotions label, Afrika Hotlines. In 2019, Cruz Afrika released the trap album Godly, followed by Half of me ( EP) and other radio hit singles, which transformed him to superstardom with over eight music videos shot from both albums. The single Buya featuring Zola7, Weekend featuring 2LA, Pray for Me, Umjolo featuring Ntosh Gazi, Vukani Khoza, Sbangha, and then Proud featuring Phila Madlingozi.
