Johannesburg rapper Bantu Nots, also known as Big Bantu, is turning up the momentum ahead of his upcoming mixtape with the release of his latest single, ‘B11NG0’.
The track is the third single from the forthcoming 16-track project, which is scheduled to arrive on 3 September 2026. Following the release of ‘Yenza’, the new single gives fans another glimpse into a project that Bantu Nots describes as one of his most personal musical chapters yet.
‘B11NG0’ is a love letter to Johannesburg
The title B11NG0 carries a strong connection to the city that has shaped Bantu Nots’ identity.
The name references 011, Johannesburg’s iconic telephone area code, with the numbers flipped to create B11NG0. But for the rapper, the title represents much more than a creative play on numbers.
Johannesburg is at the heart of the project, with Bantu Nots describing the city as a major force behind his artistic development.
“The city made me. The city hears me,” he has said, while describing the project as “Girls Radio” — a concept intended to capture the energy, ambition and unfiltered character of Jozi.
That connection between artist and city has become increasingly important throughout Bantu Nots’ music. His storytelling often reflects street culture, personal experiences and the environments that have influenced his journey.
A project shaped by sacrifice
Behind the confident sound of B11NG0 is a deeply personal story.
Bantu Nots has previously opened up about the sacrifices involved in creating the upcoming project, revealing that the journey came at a significant personal cost.
“This project cost me more than music. It cost me tears, a home and people I once called family. I had to lose the old version of myself to become the artist I was meant to be.”
The revelation gives the mixtape a deeper emotional dimension. While B11NG0 is rooted in Johannesburg culture and ambition, it also reflects an artist confronting change, loss and personal growth.
From ‘Yenza’ to ‘B11NG0’
The rollout began gaining momentum with ‘Yenza’, which introduced a more playful and youthful energy.
‘B11NG0’ shifts the tone, placing greater emphasis on the identity and experiences that sit at the centre of the full project.
The single continues Bantu Nots’ genre-blending approach, combining direct lyricism with trap influences and South African sounds. Collaborators from his creative circle, including Lostboywav and Sir.Ivani, have also contributed to the sonic world surrounding the project.
The new release follows a growing run of music from the Johannesburg artist, including ‘Diba Dance’, ‘B Towk’, ‘Malum Freestyle’ and ‘EASTRAND TO LA’.
His previous work has also generated significant streaming numbers, with his self-titled tape surpassing four million streams, while the Bantu Nots Extension Mixtape recently passed one million Spotify streams.
Bantu Nots prepares for the full mixtape
With B11NG0 now available, attention turns to the full 16-track mixtape, arriving on 3 September.
Bantu Nots has also been teasing listening sessions and opportunities for supporters to experience the project ahead of its official release, adding another layer to the rollout.
For the rapper, B11NG0 is ultimately about representing where he comes from while showing how far he intends to go.
Johannesburg is not simply the backdrop to the project — it is part of its identity.
With the latest single now out, Bantu Nots is sending a message from 011 to the rest of the country: the city made him, and now he wants the world to hear him.
