Simphiwe Mabuya is better known by his stage name Sim. He was born and bred in a small location called Kwazakhele in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Sim is an artist and a community worker who believes in giving back to the community. As one of South Africa’s upcoming artist, Sim make use of Hip Hop to express his gift for poetry. His rhymes evoke mind blowing emotions, while educating and entertaining. He draws most of his inspiration from the type of work that he does. Thus his writings will reflect things that real people go through, people like you and me. Sim is married and a proud father of three beautiful girls. At an early age Sim’s love for the arts was influenced by observing his mother who was involved in performing arts doing Theatre in Education in Kwazakhele and surrounding communities.
Trivia
Sim refers to himself as a “Social Poetician” hence his album/EP: Social Poetics. Popular for his phrase “if I was Shaka Zulu the micro phone will be my spear”. He is now working, & close to finishing, his new album which will be called Food for Thought plus a mix-tape before the album drops.
Sim matriculated in 1996. He holds a Performers Diploma in Speech and Drama from the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he majored in Directing for theatre. During his years at UCT, his love for poetry and Theatre in Education was cemented.
His goal to edu-tain and develop communities was realised after completing his degree at UCT. The first three years after varsity Sim worked for AREPP Educational Trust now called AREPPTheatre for Life as an actor doing educational shows about HIV & Aids, early pregnancy and etc.
From ARREP Sim move to an NGO called Absolute Return for the Kids. At ARK he was appointed as Patient Advocacy then became project coordinator with the responsibility to help rollout ARV’s for HIV/AIDS individuals. Whilst busy coordinating this programme Sim was offered an opportunity to do a Child and Youth Care Training with NACCW (National Association of Child and Care Workers). He now has an extensive experience within the Child Child & Youth Care field, coordinating and managing developmental programs.
Sim has worked as Project Manager for the Respite Care Centre which is a step-down facility for HIV/AIDS infected individuals, also helped out at the children’s home which accommodates abandoned children. Being in direct contact with victims of HIV/Aids & Orphans each day brings different emotions. Sometimes good sometimes heart breaking. At the end of the day Sim transfers his emotions, whether joyful or heart-breaking onto his note pad and assonance. Presently Sim works as an Education Coordinator for The Homestead ( a Place of safety for Street Children) based in Khayelithsa Cape Town.
Releases
- Promo E.P (Social Poetics: 2008) with hit songs such as Ubomi, Tata, and Sana Lwam the album consists of ten songs
- Second Thought Mix-Tape (with Solitude) : 2015
- Soon to release debut album
Media appearances:
2007: Destination S.A on SABC 2
2008: Hectic nine 9 on SABC 2 January and June
2009: Shizniz on Etv
2012: Safe House (The Movie) as Carlos Son in-Law
Radio interviews and air-play:
Bush Radio
Radio Helderberg
PASS Internet Radio
Radio Xhosa
Performance / Gigs:
2004: Pen Teck (with Tebe/Mandoza)
2004: Obz Caffee
2005: Erika Park- (with Rhamncwa)
2005: Radio Zibonele Tour @ Mfuleni Stadium
2006: Opium (Eshmael’s Launch)
2007: Club Rosevelt (with Middle Finger, Ratto, Driemanskap,Retax etc)
2007: Zula(Rato, Dangatye, Tia, Driemanskap etc)
2008: Mandalay sports field- (Rattax, Evesdrop,Black Dellinger etc)
2008: New Hall in Khayelitsha- Rattax EP Launch (Driemanskap, Khanyi, Jaak etc)
2008: Poetry Delight @ Café Sofia in Rondebosch
2008: Khayelitsha Festival
2009: World Aids Day/Soul City Event (Zulu Boy, Zonke, S’phokazi)
2009: Poetry on Long @ Mr Pick Wicks (August: with Usiba noNcwadi and Johnny Cradle)
2009: Solitudes’ CD Launch @ Ritz Hotel (September: Nahum, Ndulamthi & Fatso)
2010: Cape Towns’ Most Wanted ( @ Zula Sound Bar: Writers Block, Zaki Ibrahim, Illiterate Skills)
2010: Every Day Peoples’ Fund Raiser ( Ragazzi: Ohayv, Nahum, Ndlulamthi & Solitude)
2010: FIFA World Cup 2010 (Teargas, Abongile,)
2011: Zula Sound Bar with Abantu
2012: Zula Sound Bar with WordsUtame
2012: Purple Turtle: Ohayve CD Launch
2013: Zula Sound Bar: Ian Kamau (Toronto) SA Tour
2013: Zula Sound Bar: Hip Hop Caravan
2014: Bolo-Bolo Info Shop: Luka Lesson, Mike Schreiber, Solitude
2014: Artwatch Africa Poetry: James Matthews, Mama Madonisi
2015: Carnival Court: Black South Easter, Warongs
2015: Mayibuye Fest: Huge, BeatOven, Zanzolo
2016: AHNK Africa Fest Tour with Spek Won (Toronto) C.T, PE & Jhb
www.facebook.com/simphiwe.mabuya
Tweeter handle: simphiweMabuya
