Slikour (rapper) Biography: Wife, Age, Kids, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Albums, Career

Siyabonga Themba Metane, known professionally as Slikour, is a South African rapper, media entrepreneur, and television host celebrated for his role as a founding member of the influential hip-hop group Skwatta Kamp, which revolutionized South African hip-hop with albums like Mkhukhu Funkshen (2003).

Beyond music, he is the CEO of SlikourOnLife, a digital platform launched in 2013 to amplify African urban culture and artists’ stories.

Profile

• Full Name: Siyabonga Themba Metane
• Stage Name: Slikour
• Born: April 13, 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: Leondale, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: Rapper, Media Entrepreneur, Television Host
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Metane, Mrs. Metane
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Melissa Wilkinson (m. 2017–)
• Children: Shaka Khensani Anathi Metane, Nandi
• Relationship: Separated
• Net Worth: $2 million –5 million

Early Life and Education

Siyabonga Themba Metane was born on April 13, 1981, in Leondale, Johannesburg, South Africa, during the apartheid era.

Raised by his father, a jazz pianist, and his mother, a singer, he grew up in a musical household that shaped his passion for rap, though information about their names are not publicly known. Information about his siblings is not publicly available.

After completing matric, he briefly studied computer engineering but left due to financial constraints, focusing instead on music. His ethnicity is Black South African, and his religion is not publicly known.

Career

Siyabonga Themba Metane, known as Slikour, began his career in 1996 with Rhyme Crime Syndicate, a rap crew formed with school friends that evolved into Skwatta Kamp.

Their 2002 debut album Khot En Joyn and 2003’s Mkhukhu Funkshen, which sold over 25,000 copies, won South African Music Awards for Best Rap Album in 2003 and 2004. As a key lyricist alongside Nish and Shugasmakx, Slikour helped commercialize South African hip-hop using local languages and social commentary.

In 2002, he co-founded Buttabing Entertainment, an independent label, to manage the group’s career.

Slikour launched his solo career with Ventilation Mixtape Vol. 1 (2005), followed by Vol. 2 (2007) and Vol. 3 (2010), earning a 2008 Metro FM Music Award for Hit Single of the Year for “Dreamer.”

In 2013, he founded SlikourOnLife, a digital platform connecting artists and brands, which grew to 200,000–250,000 monthly unique visitors. He co-hosted e.Tv’s Step Up or Step Out (2013) and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing (2015).

His 2009 Global Fresh Collective trip to New York and collaborations with artists like Zola and Kwesta elevated his profile.

In 2023, Slikour released his memoir Slikour: The Life Story of a Hip-Hop Pioneer, co-authored with Helen Herimbi-Moremi, detailing his journey and industry insights.

That year, he launched United States of Creatives, a fintech platform with SOL Distro and SOL Wallet to help artists monetize their work. A keynote speaker at ACCES 2023 in Tanzania, he continues to influence through SlikourOnLife, brand partnerships with KFC and Coca-Cola, and his family’s taxi business, leaving a legacy as a hip-hop pioneer and media innovator.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @siyametane
• Facebook Handle: SlikourOnLife
• Twitter Handle: @SlikourOnLife

Personal Life

Slikour married Melissa Wilkinson, a former Miss South Africa finalist, in 2017, and they have a son, Shaka Khensani Anathi Metane, born in 2016.

He also has a daughter, Nandi, from a previous relationship. In 2024, Wilkinson announced their separation, citing a lack of affection and alleged infidelity.

Slikour dated media personality Bonang Matheba in the late 2000s.

Discography

• Khot En Joyn (with Skwatta Kamp, 2002)
• Mkhukhu Funkshen (with Skwatta Kamp, 2003)
• Ventilation Mixtape Vol. 1 (2005)
• Ventilation Mixtape Vol. 2 (2007)
• Ventilation Mixtape Vol. 3 (2010)

Net Worth

Slikour has an estimated net worth of $2–5 million USD. His wealth stems from his music career, including Skwatta Kamp’s album sales, solo projects, and performances.

Significant income also comes from SlikourOnLife, brand partnerships with KFC and Coca-Cola, Buttabing Entertainment, and his family’s taxi business.