Emtee is back where many fans believe he belongs — on stage.
The award-winning rapper, whose real name is Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu, made his return to live performance at the Cape Town Kota Festival on Saturday, 5 September 2026, just days after being released on bail following a 16-day stint in custody.
The rapper’s appearance at The Ostrich at Ostrich Ranch in Philadelphia drew a strong response from festivalgoers, with Emtee delivering an energetic performance and reminding fans why he remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable hip-hop figures.
Emtee gets back to business
The performance came only three days after Emtee left Johannesburg Correctional Centre on R2,000 bail.
He had spent 16 days in custody after his bail was revoked in August over an alleged breach of a 2023 protection order involving his estranged wife, Nicole Chinsamy.
Chinsamy subsequently withdrew the matter at the Midrand Magistrates’ Court, saying she wanted to move forward for the sake of their three children.
Emtee is nevertheless expected back in court on 10 September.
While the legal situation continues to unfold, the rapper appeared determined to put the spotlight back on his music when he took to the Kota Festival stage.
Big Zulu joins Emtee on stage
One of the night’s biggest moments came when Big Zulu joined Emtee for a performance of “Abazazi Bafunani.”
The surprise collaboration generated an enthusiastic response from the crowd and added another memorable moment to Emtee’s comeback performance.
For fans who have followed the rapper throughout his career, seeing him back in front of a packed audience was significant.
The festival offered Emtee a chance to reconnect with supporters and focus on the part of his career that has always defined him — making music and performing.
New Emtee album on the way?
Emtee also reportedly gave fans something else to look forward to, revealing that new music and an album are in the pipeline.
The announcement comes during a period of significant personal and artistic change for the rapper.
Earlier this year, Emtee surprised fans by cutting his trademark dreadlocks, signalling another shift in his personal image.
Now, his return to the stage and apparent plans for a new album suggest that the Hustla is focused on the next chapter of his career.
A new chapter for the Hustla
Emtee’s journey over recent months has been accompanied by legal challenges, personal difficulties and intense public attention.
Yet his Kota Festival appearance showed that his connection with his audience remains strong.
The festival itself brought together music, food, entrepreneurship and township culture, providing an ideal environment for Emtee to reconnect with his supporters.
Rather than allowing the headlines to define his story, the rapper used the stage to remind fans of what he does best.
With another court appearance looming and a potential new album on the horizon, Emtee’s next chapter remains uncertain — but his latest performance suggests the Hustla is ready to get back to work.
Are you ready for a new Emtee album?
