Uncle Vibez

Born and raised in the rolling hills of Inanda Newton A, Owethu Innocent Nkosana (born 2007) is a young artist whose journey into the world of Gqom is as much about resilience as it is about rhythm. While many find their way to music through family or fame, Owethu’s path was paved by a need to find a voice in a world that tried to silence him.
​Early Life in Newton A
​Growing up in Newton A, a vibrant but often tough section of Inanda, Owethu was a quiet and observant child. Unlike many of his peers who spent their afternoons on the soccer fields, Owethu often found himself the target of local bullies. The taunting and social isolation he faced during his early school years left him searching for an escape—a place where he could be powerful without having to fight.
​From Bullying to Beats
​In 2018, at the age of 11, Owethu discovered the raw, percussive power of Gqom. The genre, known for its dark, heavy basslines and "broken beat" style, resonated with the internal strength he was trying to build.
​Instead of retaliating against those who mistreated him, Owethu funneled his frustration into digital production. He began teaching himself how to layer the 808 drum patterns and haunting synths that define the Durban sound. For Owethu, every heavy beat was a way to drown out the voices of his detractors.
​Musical Style and Influence
​Owethu’s music is characterized by its "Hard-Hitting Resistance." Because his entry into music was sparked by a desire to overcome personal hardship, his tracks often carry a more aggressive and determined energy than standard club hits.
​The Inanda Sound: His music pays homage to his roots, incorporating the atmospheric sounds of his neighborhood.
​The Shimora Blueprint: Like many young artists in KZN, he looks up to the legendary Mampintsha (Shimora), adopting the "Big Boy" confidence and the ability to command respect through sound.
​A Rising Voice
​Now entering his late teens, Owethu Innocent Nkosana is no longer just "the boy who was bullied." In Inanda Newton A, he is becoming known as a producer and artist who used his pain to create a "vibe" that others can dance to. His story has become an inspiration for other young people in KZN, proving that the very things meant to break you can be the foundation of your greatest success.
​"I didn't have words to fight back, so I let the drums speak for me. In Gqom, everyone has to listen to the bass." — Owethu Innocent Nkosana