Celimpilo Kenneth Zungu, professionally known as Tiga Maine, is a dynamic South African artist whose journey from the small township of Nkandla to the national stage is nothing short of inspiring. Born on August 25, 1997, Tiga Maine's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a self-driven pursuit of greatness.
Raised in Mpumalanga's Balfour, Tiga Maine's musical journey began in earnest during his formative years. "I first developed a love for Hip Hop while I was in Bonukukhanya Primary School around 2010," he recalls. By 2012, while at Isifiso Sethu Secondary School, he was not just listening but actively writing lyrics. His initial forays into recording came later that year, setting the stage for what would become a burgeoning career.
Tiga Maine's early work began to gain traction when he performed his single "Wanna Be With You" in 2013, earning top marks in an Arts & Culture class performance. This early success fueled his drive and opened doors to broader opportunities. By 2014-2015, he was collaborating with various local and international artists, which significantly boosted his global recognition.
"I had an opportunity to sign a digital distribution contract with MTE Digital Distribution in 2014," Tiga Maine reflects, "but I chose not to sign. Instead, I signed with Business Minded Entertainment in 2015 and released 'Wanna Be Famous,' which did quite well." His independence and selective approach to partnerships have been defining aspects of his career.
In 2017, Tiga Maine signed a distribution deal with Rimond Distribution, releasing the "Road 2 Da Riches" E.P. that year. His efforts in music were also recognized on a broader scale when he won the Babize Bonke competition on Soweto TV, earning him interviews and prizes. His singles have received airplay on prominent South African stations such as YFM, Metro FM, and Gagasi FM, among others.
On the acting front, Tiga Maine's versatility is evident. Joining Brian Atex Casting Agency in 2016, he made appearances on popular shows like "Generations" and "Rhythm City." Despite some setbacks, such as missing out on a role due to his matric exams, his persistence paid off. "In 2018, I was cast in various roles, including a garden boy on 'Easy Money' and a hitman on 'The Queen'," he shares. His acting endeavours have showcased his range and added another dimension to his artistic repertoire.
Tiga Maine's discography reflects his growth and artistic evolution. His studio extended projects include "Road 2 Riches" (2017) and "From Nuthin’ 2 Sumethang" (2020). His contributions to music have not gone unnoticed, with nominations at the Atok Music Awards and Mzansi Arts & Media Awards as Best Artist and Best Upcoming Artist, respectively.
Despite the accolades and achievements, Tiga Maine remains grounded and focused on his craft. "I have always believed in creating my path and pushing forward independently," he asserts. His journey from Nkandla to becoming a well-regarded name in the industry underscores a story of dedication and self-belief.
In a world where artists often rely heavily on external support, Tiga Maine’s success stands out as a powerful example of what can be achieved with passion and perseverance. His story continues to inspire many, proving that with hard work and resilience, the dreams of a small-town artist can indeed resonate on a global stage.