South African rapper 25K, from Pretoria, has announced the first group of artists for his upcoming Loyal To The Plug event, presenting the reveal as a mock courtroom hearing.
First-phase lineup
The first names called before the imaginary commission are:
- Amaroto
- Pabi Cooper
- Snow Deep
- Nobantu Vilakazi
- The North Mob
According to 25K’s tongue-in-cheek charges, the acts are being investigated for:
- Operating a hit factory beyond capacity
- Possessing multiple unreleased bangers
- Displaying criminal levels of replay value
- Committing several counts of chart interference
“Proceedings are far from over,” 25K declared, signalling that more names could still be added.
Loyal To The Plug roots
The rollout continues the concept behind 25K’s 2024 sophomore album, Loyal to the Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms, which followed his breakthrough project Pheli Makaveli.
The album won 25K his first South African Music Award for Best Hip Hop Album.
Loyal To The Plug has since grown from an album title into a broader celebration of the culture, the city and the people connected to 25K’s journey.
Lineup spans hip hop and Amapiano
The first-phase lineup spans South African hip hop and Amapiano. Snow Deep brings Amapiano credentials and a connection to Pretoria’s sound, while Pabi Cooper and Nobantu Vilakazi add high-energy Amapiano. Amaroto adds further groove, and The North Mob strengthens the hometown presence with a Pretoria-rooted hip hop identity.
With the first batch of names announced, more artists are expected to be added before the event takes place.
For now, bail has been denied. The first phase is locked in, the charges have been read, and Pretoria’s musical commission is officially in session.
