Young Stunna, Leader of the New School
As one of the vibrant and dynamic upcoming young amapiano artists, Young Stunna has led the charge, showcasing a new genre while making waves internationally. His contribution to amapiano has helped solidify its popularity from Braamfontein to Bangkok.
Young Stunna, real name Sandile Msimango, is a rapper, songwriter, and talented amapiano hitmaker, most loved for his viral tracks like ‘Adiwele’ and ‘Bopha’. He began his musical journey as a hip-hop artist, performing at numerous unpaid gigs as a way of breaking into the industry and building a loyal following before making the leap from rap to amapiano in 2012. While developing his exciting sound, he had the privilege of being mentored by renowned artists Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.
Recently, Young Stunna sat down with Lethabo Nxumalo to discuss his unique sense of style, proving himself as an ahead-the-curve tastemaker both in and beyond the recording booth.
LN: What is the earliest memory of fashion that you have?
YS: I was doing photo shoots in 2018 and we used to have the Daveyton fashion show where we would thrift or design. It was in the dashiki era, so we had dashikis that had hoodies and animal print on them. I was influential with that style – I made the whole of Daveyton fall in love with vintage because I loved it.
LN: So would you say that Daveyton is a hotspot for fashion?
YS: Yes, for indwango!
LN: Obviously you are a person that really cares about your aesthetic. You are also proud of the fact that you don't have a stylist. Why is that?
YS: Busisiwe, my great grandmother, was a fashion designer and a stylist as well. I used to rock her shirts on weekends when I would do free gigs. I would style them with chinos and a bass shoe or Jonathan Ds. I got my style from her and my stuff from madala. Everyone in the house always looked nice. At Christmas, we didn’t wear logos but we’d look nice in whatever we would wear. I got my sense of style from home and it’s always been there so I don’t need a stylist for anything.
LN: You're also a major sneakerhead. How many pairs of sneakers do you think you have?
YS: Yoh! More than 50, bruh.
LN: In terms of brands, do you have any particular that you lean towards?
YS: Bro, I've been to the Diesel store regularly for, like, three weeks now. They literally drop the best items and I really want to work with them. I've been working with Redbat and the deal is coming to an end but we sold all the T-shirts. It was a success and everything's good.
LN: You're obviously touring the world because amapiano is global now. What's the best place you've been to shop?
YS: Kick Game in London — they sell exclusive sneakers. Future has been there.
LN: Do you remember how much you blew there or would you rather not say?
YS: [Laughs] I’m a kid that saves. I’m still straight and ngisaseyingane ekhaya [I’m still the young one in the house] so even though I’m making a lot of money, I still save a lot.
LN: Sunglasses are also a big part of your aesthetic. I don't think I've seen you not wear sunglasses. What do you look for when you shop for a pair of frames?
YS: Something small. I'm falling in love with sportswear and wearing Oakley right now so I'm mixing sportswear with streetwear. That is my combination. You see brands like Prada actually making sportswear shades now but I look for smaller vintage pairs as well.
LN: What makes the perfect accessory for you? I see that you’re a little blinged up.
YS: Everything has to have a meaning. I read a lot so when it comes to jewellery and tattoos, it has to have meaning.
Lethabo Nxumalo for Letterhead
Photos by Nyiko Michael And courtesy of Sony Music
