Priddy Ugly Explains Why Outskirts Live Shows Mean More Than Big City Stages. Award-winning rapper Priddy Ugly has revealed that while South Africa’s major cities continue to shape his career, it is the country’s smaller towns that deliver the most electric performances and genuine artist-to-audience connection.
Priddy Ugly Explains Why Outskirts Live Shows Mean More Than Big City Stages
Speaking during a recent interview, Priddy Ugly was asked to choose his favourite city to perform in between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Instead of picking a metropolitan favourite, the rapper redirected the conversation to places often overlooked on mainstream touring routes.

“Let me tell you, bro, my favourite towns to perform in generally are towns on the outskirts,” he said, highlighting areas such as Kuruman in the Northern Cape and Phalaborwa in Limpopo. He referenced a recent performance in Phalaborwa alongside MashBeatz, describing the experience as unforgettable.

According to Priddy Ugly, the magic of these towns lies in the rarity of live performances. “You’re really connecting with people who are otherwise never gonna see you,” he explained. “They don’t see you, so they’re excited to see you.” The excitement, he noted, is louder and more intense because the moment feels special for both artist and audience.

While Johannesburg remains central to his identity, Priddy Ugly acknowledged that familiarity can soften the impact of live shows. Raised in the city, he described Joburg as home, but also a place where fans frequently encounter him in everyday settings. “People see me all the time. I’m in the streets, at the shopping centre buying bread,” he said, adding that this accessibility can make live performances feel less explosive compared to appearances in smaller towns.

Cape Town, however, remains a special place in his touring experiences. The rapper credited the city with consistently showing him love, pointing to recent performances in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha alongside Bravo Le Roux. These shows, he said, reaffirmed Cape Town’s reputation as one of his strongest supporter bases.

Perhaps most surprising was Priddy Ugly’s admission regarding Durban. Despite frequent visits to the coastal city for brand engagements and high-profile events such as the Durban July, he revealed that he has never actually performed there. “I’ve been to Durban for everything except for a performance,” he said, calling attention to a notable gap in his live performance history.

As Priddy Ugly continues to tour and expand his reach, his reflections highlight a broader truth within South African hip-hop: while major cities build visibility, it is often the smaller towns that deliver the most unforgettable energy. For fans in Durban, the revelation may also spark anticipation for what could be a long-overdue debut performance.