Rotondwa Silimela, known by his stage name “Batondy Mujiee,” is a Venda Hip-Hop artist born in 1990. Hailing from the small village of Tshaulu (Ha Begwa) outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo, he has made a name for himself with hit songs like Chittagong—a track dedicated to a sports presenter on Phalaphala FM—along with Li’Dab, Thini Pfesesi, and many more.

In 2015, Batondy released his mixtape-turned-EP VenRap Pollution, which gained significant recognition. The project earned him a nomination at the 2017 Tshivenda Music Awards (#Tshima), features in local newspapers, and performance slots at major events in Venda, including the Royal Heritage Festival and We Go North.

In 2018, he followed up with a few singles before dropping his debut album, VenRapSolution. Songs like Maitazwitoma and Settle Down propelled him further, securing three nominations at the 2018 Tshivenda Music Awards (#Tshima) for Best Hip-Hop Artist, Best Male Artist, and Artist of the Year. That same year, he was also a crowd favorite at the Royal Heritage Festival.

Early Life

Batondy Mujiee, born on November 7, 1990, in Tshaulu village, Thohoyandou, South Africa, will be 35 years old in 2025. His passion for music started at a young age when his grandmother made him a small drum guitar. He would play along while singing songs he heard on the radio, unknowingly shaping his future in music.

During his university years, Batondy spent time writing and releasing mixtapes, eventually turning his love for music into a full-fledged career. He recalls being a fan of all genres growing up but later developed a deep interest in hip-hop, particularly Venrap. However, he noticed a gap in the genre—many Venrap songs weren’t widely appealing, especially to older audiences, due to the language and themes used. This realization motivated him to pursue music with a goal to make the genre more inclusive and accepted by a broader audience.

Despite his dedication to music, Batondy values education highly. He holds a BCom degree in Tourism from the University of Venda and believes that having an education is essential for long-term stability. He emphasizes that while music can be a passion, having a qualification provides security and opens more opportunities. Currently, he works for a travel agency in Pretoria while continuing his journey in the music industry.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Batondy ventured into hip-hop in 2010 at the age of 22, joining New Sound Records in Sunnyside. This opportunity allowed him to collaborate with well-known Venrap artists such as Fizzy, Cash Flow, Face Boy, Prifix, and others. Over the years, he continued to grow in the industry, earning recognition for his talent and dedication.

One of his notable achievements was being featured on J Smash’s second album, Monumental, alongside big names like Kly, Jay Claude, Zocci Coke Dope, and Mac J. He also released two hit singles—Walala Wasala featuring Mizo Phyll and DJ Lagugga, and Ninga Nnyitani featuring Mazwale, one of the most talented female vocalists in Venda music. These tracks served as a teaser for his upcoming EP, Venrap Resolution, expected to drop later this year.

In early 2016, Batondy recorded Chitangong, a song named after Phalaphala FM sports presenter Thina Ramantswana. The track became a huge success, gaining popularity on the station and opening doors for him to perform at major events in Vhembe and Gauteng. He recalls how audiences responded enthusiastically to his music whenever he performed.

His project VenRap Solution was initially released as a single in 2017, later expanding into a full project that earned him three nominations at the 2018 Tshivenda Music Awards. He was recognized in the categories of Best Hip Hop Artist, Best Male Artist, and Artist of the Year. Batondy describes VenRap Solution as a reflection of his personal journey and the daily struggles people face in society.

The track Can’t Have It All delivers an inspirational message, reminding listeners to appreciate what they have rather than longing for everything. Khonani, another song on the project, explores different types of friendships, highlighting how some friends stick around only for personal gain, while others discourage progress.

Creating VenRap Solution was no easy task—it took over a year due to various challenges along the way. Batondy worked with a diverse lineup of artists, including Fizzy, Monster, DJ Lagugga, and Meskay, as well as producers like YB, DJ Phipho, and Petmash. Despite the hurdles, he and his team were determined to deliver high-quality music to their audience.

Since its release, the album has been performing well in terms of sales, solidifying Batondy’s position in the industry.

Discography

Albums

2020 – The Altered Beast

2022 – Summer Time Life

2022 – Venrap Pollution

2023 – Unexpected Arival, Vol. 2

2024 –  Survival of the Fittest

Singles and EPs

2023 – Loosing Balance 

2023 – Bi Ma Ya

2023 – Nyanenge

2023 – Vhoi Kanda Mutshila 

2023 – Ha Vha Law

2024 – Running The City

2024 – My Sister

2024 – Dump Him

2024 – Dreams

2024 – Down For You

2024 – Dirty

2024 – Billie Jean

2024 – UJesu Athi

2024 – Summer Time, Vol. 2

2025 –  Ladies on a Jeep