Cape Town rapper Airpic M is turning his township roots into a musical identity with his latest four-track EP, MADE IN GUG$, released on 23 October 2026.
For independent artists, the journey is rarely straightforward. Behind every release are years of sacrifice, uncertainty, rejection and the decision to keep going even when the recognition hasn’t arrived.
For Gugulethu-born rapper Airpic M, that journey has become part of the music itself.
Born Aphelele Menisi, the Cape Town hip-hop artist has spent years developing a sound that combines Xhosa lyricism, contemporary trap influences and the realities of township life.
His latest project, MADE IN GUG$, represents more than a collection of songs. It’s a statement about identity, ambition and the place that shaped him.
Four Tracks. One Identity.
The EP features four tracks:
- Elokshini — featuring $limBeats, TDSO and SiLe
- Low-key
- 10 Stina — featuring Barblee
- Mamela
Across the project, Airpic M draws from the culture, language and everyday experiences of his surroundings while exploring a sound that reaches beyond Cape Town.
Rather than abandoning his roots to appeal to a wider audience, he places them at the centre of his artistic direction.
The title itself carries that message: MADE IN GUG$ is a declaration of where he comes from and what he intends to represent.
Building Beyond Cape Town
Airpic M’s journey in South African hip-hop dates back to 2010.
Over the years, his music has received exposure on television platforms including Channel O, MTV Base and Trace Africa. He has also performed on stages alongside established South African artists, including YoungstaCPT.
Despite these milestones, his career remains independently driven.
His earlier release, Risk It, featuring Atlanta-based artist Silk Degrees, demonstrated his willingness to collaborate beyond South Africa while maintaining his Cape Town identity.
With MADE IN GUG$, however, the focus turns firmly towards home.
A Voice From Gugulethu
South African hip-hop has always been shaped by artists who bring their own communities, languages and experiences into the culture.
Airpic M wants Gugulethu to be part of that conversation.
His approach is rooted in the belief that an artist does not have to erase where they come from to reach a bigger stage.
For listeners discovering his music for the first time, MADE IN GUG$ offers an introduction to an independent rapper whose story is still unfolding.
MADE IN GUG$ is available now on major streaming platforms.
Stream the EP:
https://ffm.to/made-in-gug
Artist: Airpic M
Real Name: Aphelele Menisi
Location: Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa
Genre: South African Hip-Hop / Xhosa Rap / Trap
Project: MADE IN GUG$
Release Date: 23 October 2026
Distribution: DistroKid
Official Artist EPK: https://airpicm-5f24e.web.app/
Press photographs, official cover artwork and additional artist information are available upon request.
