At 31 years old, Simphiwe Nyawose, better known as Robin Thirdfloor, has solidified himself as a pioneer in South Africa’s independent music scene. Born in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, Robin began his musical journey at 15, but his path to success is far from ordinary.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Zululand in 2014, Robin bravely decided to follow his dream of becoming a full-time musician instead of getting a regular job in the corporate world.
While this decision initially shocked his mother, Robin’s clear vision and determination soon won her over. One of his first steps in showing her how serious he was about his career was registering his own company, Bhotela Republic, under which he would release his music. The name ‘Bhotela’ comes from a nickname he had as a teenager.

Robin’s music is a blend of raw talent, independent spirit, and business. In 2017, his rising profile caught international attention when he was selected to perform at South by South West (SXSW), a renowned music conference in Texas. This opportunity, made possible by his former management team Post Post and Independent Music Exporters South Africa (IMEXSA), allowed him to share the stage with very big artists like Kwesta.
“Meeting big artists and performing at SXSW was affirming,” Robin recalls. “It made me believe that my music was needed by the world, not just my city or country,” he added.

Today, Robin Thirdfloor is not just a rapper but an advocate for independent musicians across South Africa. His achievements have gone beyond music. He was recently selected to serve on the Grammy Awards voting board, a prestigious position that allows him to submit his work for consideration and cast votes on nominations. This role further solidifies his influence and voice in the global music scene.
In addition, to his work as a musician, Robin has also expanded into writing. His recently published e-book, ‘Middle-Class Musician’ is his contribution to reshaping how success is seen in the music industry. He highlights that while many aspire to be a superstar, there is a realistic path for artists to carve out successful careers without reaching that level of fame.
“The book offers practical insights, real-life case studies, and an alternative approach for musicians aiming to thrive in the industry,” said Robin.

Robin’s ambitions do not end there. He is currently working on his debut album, which promises to be a significant moment in his career. Beyond music, he has started venturing into film, with a documentary in the works that speaks of one of his favorite topics which is sustainable fashion.

Robin Thirdfloor’s journey from a commerce graduate to a well-known artist and an advocate for independent musicians is a story of hard work, strong vision, and determination. His story is not just about success in music, it’s about showing a new generation of artists what success can really mean.

Journalist: Mthokozisi Dlamini