Belo Salo Praises Babylowsk1’s Rise In SA Hip Hop After A-Reece Co-Sign

Belo Salo Praises Babylowsk1’s Rise In SA Hip Hop After A-Reece Co-Sign. Johannesburg rapper Belo Salo has given one of South African hip hop’s fastest-rising talents, Babylowsk1, a major vote of confidence after publicly declaring him the new “Leader of da SouthSide” in an emotional Instagram post celebrating the young artist’s journey.

Sharing his thoughts through Instagram’s Create Mode, Belo reflected on meeting Babylowsk1 in 2024 in what he referred to as “da nawf” before officially passing the South Side torch to him. Looking back on his own journey, Belo acknowledged that his era emerged after the decline of the South Side SoundCloud movement and admitted that Babylowsk1 has since surpassed him musically.

“Only 1 to get da A-Reece co-sign as teen juh like me,” Belo wrote, pointing to one of Babylowsk1’s biggest milestones.

The recognition comes after Babylowsk1 secured a collaboration with A-Reece on the track Bojack, a move that has further elevated his standing within the country’s hip hop scene and earned praise from fans.

Their relationship extends beyond social media. Babylowsk1 was the only featured artist on Belo Salo’s previous project, Wish on a ST☆R +, highlighting the close creative bond the pair have built over the past year.

Belo also used the moment to encourage aspiring musicians to embrace independence and believe in their own vision.

“I encourage youngins & aspiring artists to move like da yung Leader. believe in urself 100 % & monetize ur music early & independently. in da end everything u make out of da music will be urs & urs only,” he wrote.

The message reflects Belo Salo’s long-standing commitment to independent artistry and creative ownership, values that have defined much of his career before quitting music. Rather than focusing solely on Babylowsk1’s success, the rapper turned the spotlight into a lesson for the next generation of artists looking to build sustainable careers without sacrificing control of their music.

Babylowsk1‘s momentum continues to grow as his catalogue expands and his profile rises across the local hip hop landscape. With high-profile collaborations, increasing fan support and the backing of respected figures such as Belo Salo and A-Reece, many see him as one of the artists leading the next wave of South African rap.

Belo’s heartfelt tribute was less about stepping away from the spotlight and more about celebrating the success of someone he has watched develop firsthand. In an industry often dominated by competition, his public endorsement offered a rare example of mentorship, respect and unity, reinforcing the idea that South African hip hop continues to evolve through artists who are willing to uplift those coming after them.