Nkosinathi Pat Khoza, professionally known as Npk Twice, is a South African independent musician, songwriter, and creative artist. Born on 22 May 1994 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, he has steadily built a reputation in the hip-hop scene through his lyrical skill, unique style, and independent releases.
Early Life and Education
Npk Twice grew up in Kagiso, Mogale City, where he attended Khaselihle Primary School and later Madiba Comprehensive High School (named after Nelson Mandela). His passion for writing began early, with poetry and manuscripts of three books: True Lies, I Got Tired of Waiting, and Where Do Angels Go.
At the age of 12, inspired by Lil Wayne, he began writing and composing his own lyrics, focusing on rhyme schemes and flow. His first rap performance was in Grade 9 under the alias Nubian King, accompanied by a friend beatboxing after school.
Musical Beginnings
In 2010, while in Grade 10, Npk Twice recorded his first song, Peace See You Later, with crew members J.Six and Mzilikazi. The track received airplay on community radio stations, marking his entry into the local music scene.
By 2011, he released I Hate Love, his first self-produced single, showcasing his ability to write, record, and produce independently. Though he briefly paused his music career to focus on academics during his matric year in 2012, he continued contributing to creative platforms, including an online poetry website.
Career Milestones
• 2013: Won the Red Bull Strictly Hip-Hop Competition, gaining recognition and credibility among hip-hop enthusiasts. He also participated in competitions such as Back the Artist, Sprite Uncontainable, and Durex The One.
• 2015: Released his debut independent mixtape, Rappers Are In Danger (RAID), featuring artists like Bad Boy Mo and PDN Di Niro. The project was distributed on iTunes, Google Play, and notably made him the first South African rapper featured on Jay-Z’s streaming service, Tidal.
• 2017: Dropped his highly anticipated EP, Prime, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and independent artist.
Style and Influence
Npk Twice’s stage name derives from his initials and surname. His artistry blends sharp rhyme schemes with storytelling, shaped by early influences from American hip-hop while rooted in South African experiences. He is also a member of the production group Havoc Gang.
Recognition
• Nominated for the University Student Choice Awards in the Best Freshman category.
• Built a loyal following through consistent independent releases and live performances.