Big Nuz


Big Nuz was a South African Durban Kwaito music group from South Africa. Formed in 2002, the group originates from Umlazi township on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, located south-west of Durban and named after the car registration prefix of that township: "NUZ".

Early years

The founding members grew up together in the township of Umlazi. The naming of the group was inspired by "NUZ", which is the licence plate prefix for all vehicles registered in Umlazi. Big Nuz consists of three members: Mandla Maphumulo, Mzi and Sbu. The group was formed 2002 when they moved from Durban to Johannesburg to secure a recording contract. In 2002, they performed a jingle Backstage on e.tv. With little success in securing a recording contract, the group collaborated with Koloi Lebone and Beatmaker recording songs that have not been released. In 2004, another collaboration with Kwaito artist Ishmael featured them in the song "Boom Boom". In 2006, the group secured a recording contract with Gallo Records and released their debut album called “Zozo” in collaboration with Kid Mokoena of Why Not Entertainment. The album did poorly and Gallo Records was criticised for poor management.

2nd round Knockout (2008)

In 2007 the group returned to Durban to work with DJ Tira to record and release the track "Uyoysholo Wena". In 2008 the group signed with the Afrotainment recording label and released their first album "2nd Round Knockout". The album was a commercial success selling over 20,000 copies in South Africa with the single "Ubala" seeing substantially more airtime. The track was nominated for Song of The Year at the 2008 South African Music Awards where the group also performed during the opening ceremonies. In 2008 "2nd Round Knockout" won the Metro FM Best Kwaito Award and was nominated at the 2008 Channel O Awards. The group continued to work on other projects such as the theme songs for KZN Department of transport and Nedbank Cup. In 2009 they performed at President Jacob Zuma's Inauguration.

Undisputed (2009)

In the winter of 2009 the group returned to the studio to record their third studio album titled "UNDISPUTED" in collaboration with DJ Fisherman and DJ Tira. The album features the song "Umlilo" which received the Song of The Year Award from the South African Music Awards. The album also received the award for best album. Other Hit Singles included Newlands West & Siyagijima. The Album Went Platinum

Pound For Pound(2011)

In August 2011 the group released their fourth studio album "Pound for Pound". The Album is a two disc album with 25 songs. The album sold over 40 000 copies and was certified platinum. In 2012 "Pound for Pound" received The Best Kwaito Album Award at the South African Music Awards. Hit Singles Included Sting Ray, Ntombenhle, Serious & Emahlayeni

Made in Africa (2013)

"Made in Africa" was the group's fifth album and was released in July 2013. It Features the singles "Hawaii", "Inazo" and "Incwadi Yothando". The album received the Best Kwaito Award from the South African Music Awards. Big Nuz performed the single "Inazo" at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards along with a guest appearance by Dj Tira. "Made in Africa" reached Platinum with over 40,000 copies sold.

For The Fans (2015)

"For The Fans" was released in 2015 and features the singles "Osisi Bendawo", Do You Still Remember, Phaqa & Tsege Tsege. On Friday 7 August, founding member R. Mashesha died at the age of 34 due to surgical complications relating to an undisclosed illness. This was the same day as the release of the album. Big Nuz proceeded with the launch of the album in honour of Mashesha. The album received the award for Best Kwaito album and brought the group the award for Best Duo or Group of the year. The group posthumously dedicated both awards to Mashesha.

Discography

Albums

Awards and nominations

YearAward CeremonyPrizeWork/RecipientResult
2008
9th Metro FM Music AwardsBest Kwaito Album"2nd Round Knockout"
2008
2008 Channel O Music AwardsBest Kwaito Album"2nd Round Knockout"
2010
16th South African Music AwardsAlbum of the Year"Undisputed"
2010
16th South African Music AwardsBest Kwaito Album<"Undisputed"
2010
16th South African Music AwardsMTN Record of the Year"Umlilo"