Kopala Swag vs XYZ Entertainments: The Rivalry That Defined Zambian Hip-Hop
The Kopala Swag vs XYZ Entertainments rivalry is the biggest beef in Zambian hip-hop history – a decade-long competition between two camps that divided the nation, produced classic diss tracks, and culminated in an unforgettable Christmas Eve battle in 2015.
Kopala Swag (led by Macky 2) represented the Copperbelt. XYZ Entertainments (led by Slapdee) represented Lusaka. The question: Who is the real King of Zambian Hip-Hop?
This is the complete story.
THE FOUNDATIONS (2000s-2008)
XYZ Entertainments: First on the Scene
Founded: Early 2000s
Leader: Slapdee (Mwila Musonda)
Meaning: “Xample Ya Zed” (Zambia’s Example)
Base: Lusaka
Early Roster:
- Slapdee
- Ruff Kid
- PJay
- Johnny C
- Bmak
XYZ dominated Zambian hip-hop from 2005-2008. Slapdee was crowned the undisputed king, building his reputation through lyrical battles and beef with artists like Mampi.
Kopala Swag: The Challenger Emerges
Founded: 2008
Leader: Macky 2 (Mulaza Kaira)
Meaning: “Kopala” = Copperbelt in Bemba slang
Base: Copperbelt (Kitwe/Ndola)
Parent Label: Alpha Entertainments
Early Roster:
- Macky 2
- Chef 187
- Pilato
- Jemax
- Muzo AKA Alphonso
Macky 2’s strategy: Attack XYZ in his raps, push Kopala Swag pride, and challenge Slapdee’s throne.
THE BEEF BEGINS (2008-2012)
How It Started
The Catalyst:
- Macky 2 began dissing XYZ in his songs
- Promoted Copperbelt superiority over Lusaka
- Challenged Slapdee’s “King” status
- Created territorial rivalry: Kopala vs Lusaka
Regional Pride:
- Copperbelt fans rallied behind Kopala Swag
- Lusaka fans defended XYZ Entertainments
- Debate became emotional and tribal
- “Who’s better?” divided Zambian hip-hop
Was It Real or Marketing?
The Truth: Both.
According to later revelations, Macky 2 and Slapdee strategically staged the rivalry to grow Zambian hip-hop’s fanbase. But as it escalated, personal pride and real competition took over.
THE PEAK YEARS (2012-2015)
Diss Tracks & Subliminals
Both camps released songs firing shots:
Macky 2/Kopala Swag:
- “We Don’t Care” – Anti-XYZ anthem
- “Nangu Banchinge” – Copperbelt pride
- Multiple subliminal disses
Slapdee/XYZ:
- “Nomba Ninshi” – Lyrical assault
- XYZ Anthem – Lusaka supremacy
- Counter-attacks in verses
Artist Defections
Muzo AKA Alphonso:
- Started with Kopala Swag
- Left in 2015 (bitter split with Macky 2)
- Later featured on Slapdee‘s “Someone” – major betrayal to Kopala
Camstar:
- Left Alpha Entertainments for XYZ
- Publicly stated: “Alpha has no support system compared to XYZ”
The Debate Raged
Who was better?
- Kopala fans: “Macky 2 is the real hip-hop! XYZ is finished!”
- XYZ fans: “Slapdee built this! Macky 2 is just copying!”
- The truth: Both were incredible, the rivalry elevated everyone
THE LEGENDARY BATTLE (December 24, 2015)
Christmas Eve Showdown
Event: Macky 2 vs Slapdee – Hollywood City, Lusaka
Date: December 24, 2015
Organizers: Shawn Kaystar (Macky 2), DJ Hmac (Slapdee)
MC: KB Killer Beats
The Build-Up:
- Fans had been waiting years for this
- Venue packed by 10 PM
- Kopala Swag vs XYZ chants filled the air
- Bottles thrown on stage due to anticipation
The Battle Format
Round 1 (02:15 AM):
Macky 2:
- “Nangu Banchinge” (feat. Exile)
- “We Don’t Care”
- Kopala fans went crazy
Slapdee:
- XYZ Anthem
- “Nomba Ninshi”
- XYZ fans roared back
Support Acts:
- Kopala: Tiye P (“Munjeleko,” “Unajaila Ine”)
- XYZ: Kantu (“Alangiz”), Willz (“Londole,” “Toliwe”)
Final Round
Macky 2:
- Thanked fans
- Dissed Slapdee: “You only had good music years back, not anymore”
- Performed “So Much More” and “Lolo Lolo”
Slapdee:
- “I respect Macky 2 and Kopala Swag for giving us competition”
- “The only difference is I do REAL hip-hop music” (Mic drop)
- Performed “Someone” (feat. Muzo – rubbing salt in Kopala’s wound)
The Outcome
Official Winner: NONE declared
Real Winner: Depends who you ask
Actual Winner: Zambian hip-hop (the event was legendary)
The show ended at 3:45 AM. Fans left debating. The question remains unanswered to this day.
THE AFTERMATH (2016-2025)
Rivalry Cooled Down
After 2015, the beef gradually faded:
Why:
- Both achieved massive success
- Personal maturity
- Industry evolved beyond territorial beefs
- New generation of artists emerged
Current Status:
- Mutual respect (mostly)
- Occasional friendly competition
- Both focus on business over beef
- Collaboration occasionally (unthinkable in 2012!)
Impact on Their Careers
Macky 2:
- Built Alpha Entertainments empire
- Signed Chef 187, Jemax, others
- Became one of Zambia’s richest artists
- Kopala Swag remains strong brand
Slapdee:
- Solidified XYZ as premier label
- Mentored new generation (Daev, Bobby East, etc.)
- Remains “King Dizzo”
- Respected industry elder
WHO WON?
The Final Verdict
Commercially: Both won massively
Musically: Both have classic catalogs
Influence: Both shaped Zambian hip-hop
Legacy: The rivalry itself is the real winner
What fans say:
- Copperbelt: “Macky 2 forever!”
- Lusaka: “Slapdee is the real king!”
- Everyone else: “Both are legends”
LEGACY OF THE BEEF
What It Accomplished:
✅ Put Zambian hip-hop on the map
✅ Created massive fanbase for the genre
✅ Elevated production standards (both pushed each other)
✅ Proved Zambian rap could rival international quality
✅ Created unforgettable music moments
✅ Inspired next generation of artists
What It Cost:
❌ Artists caught in middle (Muzo, Camstar, others)
❌ Toxic tribalism at times
❌ Divided fanbase (though also united them)
KEY ROSTER COMPARISON
Kopala Swag / Alpha Entertainments
- Macky 2 (Leader)
- Chef 187 (Star rapper)
- Jemax
- Tiye P
- Muzo AKA Alphonso (departed 2015)
- Pilato
- Various others
XYZ Entertainments
- Slapdee (Founder/Leader)
- Bobby East
- Daev
- Kantu
- Willz Mr Nyopole
- Ruff Kid (early)
- PJay (early)
- Muzo AKA Alphonso (later featured)
- Camstar (from Kopala)
MEMORABLE QUOTES
Slapdee (2015):
“I respect Macky 2 for giving me competition. The only difference is I do REAL hip-hop music.”
Macky 2 (2015):
“Slapdee only had good music years back, not anymore.”
Camstar (on leaving Kopala for XYZ):
“Alpha has no support system compared to XYZ Entertainment.”
FAQS
Q: Who started the beef?
A: Macky 2 started challenging Slapdee around 2008 to establish Kopala Swag.
Q: Was it real or staged?
A: Started as marketing strategy but became real competition mixed with genuine rivalry.
Q: Who won the 2015 battle?
A: No official winner. Fans still debate. Both camps claim victory.
Q: Are they still beefing?
A: No. The rivalry cooled after 2015. They maintain mutual respect now.
Q: What does Kopala mean?
A: Bemba slang for “Copperbelt.”
Q: What does XYZ stand for?
A: “Xample Ya Zed” meaning “Zambia’s Example.”
CONCLUSION
Kopala Swag vs XYZ Entertainments wasn’t just a beef – it was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation of Zambian hip-hop.
Like East Coast vs West Coast in America or Grime battles in UK, this rivalry elevated everyone involved. Both camps pushed each other to create better music, build stronger brands, and ultimately grow Zambian hip-hop into what it is today.
The question “Who is better?” will never be settled. And maybe that’s the point. The debate itself keeps the legacy alive.
Kopala Swag. XYZ Entertainments. Both kings. Both legends. Both won.
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