YoungstaCPT, born Riyadh Roberts, is an award-winning South African rapper, lyricist and songwriter whose music has become synonymous with the identity, history and culture of Cape Town.
Born in Wynberg, Cape Town, and deeply connected to the Cape Flats, YoungstaCPT has built his career around telling authentic stories of life in the Mother City. His music incorporates a distinctive blend of English, Afrikaans and Cape Town slang, while exploring themes of heritage, identity, community, inequality, history and everyday South African life.
Youngsta discovered hip-hop at a young age and began writing rhymes when he was around 10 or 11 years old, recording his first song at the age of 12. His extraordinary work ethic would go on to become one of the defining characteristics of his career.
Before releasing his debut solo album, YoungstaCPT had already created an extensive body of work comprising approximately 30 mixtapes, six EPs and collaborative projects, establishing himself as one of South African hip-hop’s most prolific independent artists.
His landmark debut album, 3T – Things Take Time, was released in 2019. The deeply personal project explored Cape Town’s history, Cape Malay heritage and the complexities of identity, with Youngsta’s grandfather Shaakie Roberts playing an important narrative role throughout the album.
3T received widespread critical acclaim and won Album of the Year at the 2019 South African Hip Hop Awards. His striking music video for YVR (Young Van Riebeeck) also received Video of the Year, further cementing his reputation for combining music with powerful visual and historical storytelling.
His catalogue includes some of South African hip-hop’s recognisable tracks, including YASIS, Wes-Kaap, We Go Bos, Y?STER and Main Ou’s, his collaboration with the late AKA.
Collaboration has played an important role throughout YoungstaCPT’s career. He has worked with numerous respected South African artists and producers, while his projects with producer Shaney Jay include Dreams Don’t Pay Bills and Suffer for Beauty.
YoungstaCPT’s influence extends beyond music. In 2021, he made his acting debut in the second season of the internationally successful Netflix series Blood & Water.
Proudly independent and deeply committed to his community, YoungstaCPT has consistently used his platform to represent a Cape Town perspective within mainstream South African hip-hop. His music frequently examines the realities of the Cape Flats while celebrating the language, humour, resilience and cultural heritage of its communities.
He has also undertaken school tours around Cape Town, combining performances with motivational talks aimed at young people.
With his commanding live presence, extensive catalogue and unmistakably Cape Town sound, YoungstaCPT is particularly well suited to festivals, corporate celebrations, youth events, cultural programmes, brand activations and major entertainment events.
Career Highlights
- 2019 South African Hip Hop Awards – Album of the Year for 3T
- 2019 South African Hip Hop Awards – Video of the Year for YVR
- Previously recognised as Lyricist of the Year at the South African Hip Hop Awards
- Released approximately 30 mixtapes before his debut solo album
- Debut album 3T – Things Take Time
- Collaborative projects include Dreams Don’t Pay Bills and Suffer for Beauty
- Collaborated with AKA on Main Ou’s
- International touring experience including Europe and Australia
- Acting debut in Netflix’s Blood & Water
- Recognised for championing Cape Town, Cape Malay and Cape Flats culture
- Extensive catalogue of independent music and visual projects
- Cape Town-based rapper, songwriter and cultural storyteller
