Shebeshxt emerges as Spotify’s Most Streamed SA hip hop artist

Shebeshxt, the controversial lekompo hitmaker currently behind bars, has defied expectations by emerging as Spotify’s most streamed South African artist for 2025.

The achievement comes at a time when the musician is facing serious legal troubles and was recently denied bail, yet his music continues to dominate streaming charts across Mzansi.

Although incarcerated over allegations that include forging a victim’s signature, Shebeshxt’s catalogue has remained in heavy rotation on Spotify, underscoring his strong and loyal fan base.

The milestone has drawn widespread attention online, with many expressing shock that the artist has reached such heights while in custody.

However, the announcement has also sparked a wave of debate, with fans taking issue with how Spotify classified his music.

The streaming platform reportedly labelled Shebeshxt as a hip hop artist, a description many listeners argue is inaccurate.

Several fans insisted that Shebeshxt’s sound is rooted in lekompo and should be recognised as such.

“But also let’s respect each other. He is a lekompo artist, not hip hop,” wrote @marcus_makgoba1.

Others echoed the confusion, with @u_donmakheqa asking, “Hip hop njan bafethu?” while @Simphiwe0077 commented, “Is lekompo hip hop now? I’m just curious.”