DON GQ

Born Hlomla Mpongoshe, aka Jay SA or DON GQ (born November 18, 1997), is a renowned South African hip-hop artist, sound director, event organizer, and project manager.

*Education:*
- Business Administration
- Project Management

*Professional Experience:*
- Project Manager at Future Star Entertainment
- Project Manager at Eastern Cape Artists Foundation NPC

*Early Life and Career:*
At 14, following the tragic loss of his mother, DON GQ found solace in music. He began attending street cyphers, fearlessly battling artists older than him. This gained him attention and recognition within the local hip-hop community.

*Artistic Breakthrough:*
His debut EP, "The Come Up," catapulted him to fame, earning him the title "Fresh Prince of Eastern Cape Hip Hop" in S.A Hip Hop Magazine. DON GQ's subsequent project, "Life In Colour" (2018), further solidified his position, representing Port Elizabeth Hip Hop in Western Cape and George.

*Awards and Nominations:*
- 2018: Best Hip Hop Artist (Nelson Mandela Bay Music Awards)
- 2021: Nominated as Best Eastern Cape Artist (Mzantsi Media Awards)

*Achievements:*
- Performed at REDDS CARNIVAL SUMMERSTRAND (2017-2020)
- Implemented x3 Capacity Building Workshops supported by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mandela Bay Arts Festival, and the Mandela Bay Development Agency
- Implemented IMBOKODO LIVE SESSIONS supported by SAMPRA Development Fund and in partnership with ZMB, creating job opportunities
- Radio stations visited: BayFM, TruFM, Madibaz Radio
- Opened for AKA, CASSPER, K.O, SIZWE ALKALINE, EMTEE
- Hosted Liquid Easter under Future Star Entertainment

*Notable Performances:*
- 2016: 016 Experience
- 2017: Freshers Fort Hare University
- 2018: Performed alongside Cassper Nyovest & Nokwazi
- June 2, 2019: Induku Experience
- 2019: Ebubeleni Urban Festival (opened for Emtee)
- 2020: Performed in George, Western Cape
- 2020: Free State Music Festival
- 2020: EBhofolo Arts Festival
- 2021: EQonce Music Festival
- 2021: Performed alongside Kabza De Small, A-REECE, DEE KOALA, and ZAIN SA
- 2021: Ebubeleni Urban Festival
- 2022: Imbewu Arts Festival
- 2023: Rainbow Arts Festival (Cape Town)
- Nov 2025: Performed at the GQ PREMIER FESTIVAL

*Discography:*
- 2016: Debut Mixtape, "The Come Up"
- 2018: Second Mixtape, "Life In Colour"
- Hit Songs: Inja Ye Game, Pressure, Bad Feelings, Ixesha, uMtheza (Ft. Luniq, Rilla Rose & Malicon)
- 2026: "THE RISE OF DON GQ DELUXE"

*Live Concerts:*
Watch DON GQ's live concert on YouTube

*Personal Life:*
Proud father of two beautiful daughters, Aluta and Azania.
- Interests: Football, Politics, Law
- Favorite Quote: "If you can't Cav'ive yourself, You can't survive yourself."

*Music Focus:*
As a conscious artist, DON GQ addresses socio-economic issues, government instability, and peer pressure faced by blacks. He challenges the illusion of success and unnecessary attention to flashy things, instead focusing on empowering the poor and disadvantaged people of Africa.

With his innovative sound and relentless...