Theophilus De Bruin, professionally known as Villyn, was born on November 15th in South Africa. A multi-talented rapper, emcee, poet, and songwriter, Villyn is a creative force whose work cannot be confined to a single label. His artistry is defined by his mastery of bars, punchlines, metaphors, quadrupled entendres, and multi-syllabic rhyming, which together paint vivid and thought-provoking pictures with words. Raised in an era where poetry is valued no matter the poet's background, Villyn views poets as prophets—believing that his own vision is shaped by the giants he has stood on.
Villyn’s journey began in 2005, when, as a young child, he heard the music of Tupac Shakur for the first time and fell in love with rap. Influenced by legendary figures like Nas, Common, and Tupac, he was drawn to the art of emceeing, believing that rap is not just a talent but a craft that requires deep knowledge. As he grew, Villyn realized that emcees and poets must constantly expand their vocabulary and understanding of the world. A true student of the culture, he has always sought to understand the roots of Hip Hop and the powerful tradition of Rhythm and Poetry.
From his humble beginnings in Uitenhage, Villyn witnessed Hip Hop’s evolution from a neighborhood dream to a global phenomenon. This transformation ignited his drive to become a poet-emcee who not only creates art but also inspires and influences the next generation. In 2022, Villyn was nominated for Best Hip Hop Artist at the Mzansi Arts and Media Awards, further solidifying his place in the South African Hip Hop scene.
Now, in 2024, Villyn has expanded his craft beyond music and written an anthology, abstracted from his recent work. Through his poetry, he continues to inspire the world to be greater than himself, using the power of words to guide others toward self-realization and creative expression. Today, Theophilus De Bruin, known as Villyn, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Hip Hop, poetry, and the art of self-expression.
Subscribe to receive email updates from Theo.