AWARD-WINNING rapper Reason is ditching the amapiano beats and returning to his hip-hop roots after three years away.
The star, whose real name is Sizwe Moeketsi (38), confirmed to Daily Sun that fans can expect new hip-hop material soon.
Fans have been begging for his return since he switched to amapiano in 2021 under his alter ego Sizwe Alakine. Now their prayers have been answered.
"Hip-hop is home for me. It's the language I learnt to express myself in," Reason told Daily Sun.
The rapper dominated the hip-hop scene for over 15 years before shocking fans with his genre switch. Many thought he'd abandoned rap forever.
But Reason said he never really left.
"Exploring amapiano was never about abandoning rap. It was about growth, curiosity and evolving with the culture."
So, what brought him back to the mic?
"There comes a time when you hear a beat and your spirit responds differently. I started feeling that hunger again, the need to sharpen the pen.
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"I'm not coming back to prove I can rap. People already know that. I'm returning because I still have stories to tell," he said.
Reason said his 20-year journey has taught him what really matters.
"When I started, everything felt urgent. You wanted validation, charts and recognition. Now I value impact more than noise.
"Longevity is its own success. Sustaining relevance, growth and dignity over two decades is a different conversation," he said.
Reason admitted his loyal fans played a huge role in his decision to return.
"Music is a relationship. People grow with you and become attached to certain versions of you. Hearing fans say they missed Reason the rapper meant a lot, but the decision had to feel authentic, creatively and spiritually," he said.
The rapper said balancing music, family and staying sane has become more important as he's gotten older.
Despite being a veteran, Reason said SA hip-hop's new generation keeps him on his toes.
"SA hip-hop is exciting because artists are blending sounds, languages and identities. My role now is to bring perspective, craftsmanship and authenticity. The pen doesn't expire. You can age in hip-hop with grace and still be relevant," he said.
Looking back at his career, Reason hopes he'll be remembered for having guts.
"I want people to remember that I was never afraid to evolve or take risks. If my journey inspires even one young artist to believe in their voice, then I've done something meaningful. Whether as Reason or Sizwe Alakine, the intention has always been the same, make honest music and leave the culture better than I found it," he said.
The rapper hasn't revealed when fans can expect new hip-hop material, but one thing's for sure, the wait is almost over.
