08/09/2025
Sphamandla Phila Zondo, known professionally as ANDRWMAARS (pronounced Andrew Mars), was born on March 18, 1998, in the vibrant township of Umlazi, located in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Raised in Umlazi’s R Section, ANDRWMAARS grew up immersed in a community rich with talent and culture, which profoundly shaped his musical journey. A multifaceted artist, he is a rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and graphic designer whose music reflects his emotional depth, creative vision, and dedication to authenticity.
ANDRWMAARS’ love for music was sparked at a young age, influenced by the sounds of R. Kelly, Coolio, Busta Rhymes, 2Pac, Eminem, and NWA, which he recalls hearing while watching R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet. This early exposure ignited a passion for music that he carried into his teenage years. In 2012, at the age of 14, he began his recording career, laying down his first freestyle alongside his late friend and collaborator, DJ/Producer Bongokuhle “Sir B” Mbhele. This marked the beginning of his creative journey, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through his art. For ANDRWMAARS, music is about more than fame—it’s about “using everything you have to create more than you ever have, a fantasy and a dream,” rooted in hard work and determination.
Using production software like FL Studio and Cubase, ANDRWMAARS crafts a distinctive sound that blends hip-hop, rap, and emotional storytelling. His music is a reflection of his personal experiences, capturing the essence of life in Umlazi and his aspirations as an artist. In 2013, he released his debut EP, First Attempt, in collaboration with Sir B. The following year, he dropped the single “Nortoyah” and worked on a 14-track mixtape that was never released, as he was still completing his matriculation.
In 2015, ANDRWMAARS released his debut mixtape, Me Time, on SoundCloud, followed by a single with Durban MC Jo-Kim in 2016 and the mixtape Trap Name Tony. In 2017, he released his first compilation, Pisces, and the emotionally charged EP HEARTBRK5. The year 2018 was a breakout period for the artist, marked by the release of the Luv Lost EP, Pisces II, and the SNWFLVKES EP. His freestyle “POWER” garnered significant attention, amassing nearly 10,000 listens and earning a spot on Gagasi FM’s The Fresh Cut and the MoveHipHop SEASON III compilation, showcasing Durban’s hottest tracks. That same year, he toured with YSP, secured four radio interviews, including with Radio DUT and Bongumusa Dhlamini, and appeared on a TV interview.
In June 2019, ANDRWMAARS collaborated with Italian producer D-D Beatz on an EP that introduced him to Sicilian hip-hop audiences. He also featured on D-D Beatz’s single “Vivo” alongside Nebula. Later that year, he celebrated the birth of his son, Phila-Jr Coco, and released the 22-track debut mixtape Coco Wrld, featuring Brianthasensei and other artists. The project received positive reviews on social media, cementing his place in the South African hip-hop scene.
ANDRWMAARS continued to build his discography with releases like the 2021 album Christmaarsy (Deluxe), featuring tracks such as “GIFTED,” “BLESSED,” and “KHISI MUSI.” His catalog includes over 50 songs across digital platforms, with notable tracks like “Sithi Shwi” (feat. Jay D Beats), “Fake (Fugazi),” “Brenda Fassie,” and “Luv, S*x, Dreams.” His lyrics often explore themes of ambition, love, loss, and life in Umlazi, as seen in songs like “LIVE AND DIE IN NUZ” (feat. Blacc Hustler) and “Maarsinati,” where he raps about chasing dreams in a Maserati.
A fan of Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV (Deluxe Edition), and his own projects Coco Wrld and Pisces III (Deluxe), ANDRWMAARS draws inspiration from artists who shaped his musical ear and creative identity. His work is characterized by its versatility, blending hard-hitting beats with introspective lyricism, and his commitment to his craft has earned him a growing fanbase, with 36 monthly listeners on Spotify and a strong presence on platforms like SoundCloud, Deezer, and Apple Music.
Beyond music, ANDRWMAARS is a graphic designer, showcasing his creative talents across multiple disciplines. With a discography that continues to expand and a deep connection to his hometown, he remains a proud representative of Umlazi, determined to leave a lasting mark on the global hip-hop scene. Follow ANDRWMAARS on social media () for updates on his latest releases and performances.
