RIZZ SA on Ambition, Soweto and the RizzVerse Movement

When EV first shared 'Bank' in Found in the Inbox, it was only a short introduction. What is the song about for you, and what was going on in your life when you wrote it?

RIZZ SA: For me, “Bank” is about ambition, money, growth and the mindset you need when you're trying to build something bigger than yourself. It's about wanting more out of life, creating opportunities and staying focused on your goals. As an artist, I'm not just making music for the moment; I'm thinking about my future, my people and the legacy I want to leave behind. I want listeners to connect with that hunger and understand that there's always a bigger picture behind the lifestyle.

Take us through how 'Bank' came together, from the first idea to the finished track. Who was involved, and what changed along the way?

RIZZ SA: With “Bank,” the goal was to create something that captures my sound and the energy I bring as RIZZ SA. When I'm working on music, I want the beat, the delivery and the message to work together so that the record feels natural and represents who I am. The process is about taking an idea and turning it into something people can connect with, whether they're listening in the streets, in the car or with their friends. I always want the final record to carry my identity and leave people wanting to hear more from me.

What does the 'SA' in RIZZ SA mean to you, and how did the name as a whole come about?

RIZZ SA: The “SA” represents South Africa, and that's an important part of my identity. No matter how far the music travels, I want people to know where I'm coming from. RIZZ SA is more than just a stage name; it's a brand that represents my personality, my culture and the vision I have for my music. I want to put my own stamp on the game and show that South African artists can create music that connects with people all over the world.

Where did you grow up, and how do those streets, people and sounds show up in the music you make today?

RIZZ SA: Soweto, especially Senaoane, is an important part of my story and the identity I represent. Growing up around South African street culture teaches you about ambition, resilience, relationships and the different realities people experience. Those influences shape how I see life and how I express myself through music. I want my sound to have an international feel while still carrying that South African energy. For me, it's about representing where you come from without limiting how far you can go.

Which artists or records first made you want to make music yourself, and what did you take from them that you still carry?

RIZZ SA: I've always been inspired by artists who create their own identities, take risks with their sound and build something bigger than just a song. Hip-hop has shown me that music can be a way to tell your story, express your mindset and connect with people who might be living through similar experiences. What I carry with me is the importance of originality, confidence and consistency. I respect the artists who have built their own lanes, and I want to do the same with my sound and the RizzVerse movement.

What keeps you going when making music feels hard, and what are you ultimately trying to build with it?

RIZZ SA: What keeps me going is the vision. I know that building a music career takes patience, sacrifice and a lot of work behind the scenes that people don't always see. There are challenges, but I remind myself why I started and what I'm working towards. I'm not only trying to make songs; I'm building a brand, a catalogue and a platform through RizzVerse Records that can create opportunities for other artists too. I want the music to open doors, build something sustainable and leave a legacy that lasts beyond me.

What comes after 'Bank'? Tell us what you are working on now and what listeners can expect from you next.

RIZZ SA: There's more coming from RIZZ SA. I'm focused on developing my sound, working on new music and growing the RizzVerse Records brand. Projects like “Woza La” and “7 Dayz of Balling” are part of the musical direction I'm exploring, and I want every release to show another side of who I am as an artist. Listeners can expect energy, ambition, South African influence and music that reflects my journey. I'm thinking beyond individual releases; the goal is to keep building, reach new audiences and take the RizzVerse movement to a bigger stage.