After leaving MultiChoice, many were interested in the future plans of media personality Sidwell Ngwenya, known as Mr C, Sidwell, or Psyfo. He revealed what he has been working on, and it combines his two main passions: storytelling and music.
Ngwenya is starting a new chapter with the #SouthernExploration project, which is an interdisciplinary endeavor. It combines a digital docu-reality series, travel, music, and personal reflection.
However, this project goes beyond simply exploring different regions of South Africa; it also offers an opportunity to pause, reflect on life, and define one's next step. Speaking with IOL, Ngwenya explained that the project allowed him to reconnect with himself by stepping away from the usual demands of work and the entertainment industry.
When asked about returning to music, he noted: 'I wouldn't call it a return because I don't think I'm returning.' For him, this chapter is less about a grand triumph and more about creating something that reflects his current self.
In an industry where things are constantly happening, taking a break to reflect can be difficult. For Ngwenya, the #SouthernExploration project became a chance to slow down and analyze his career both in front of and behind the camera. The project accompanies him on a solo journey across South Africa, using travel and interaction with local communities to explore issues of identity, purpose, and personal growth.
Announcing the project, Ngwenya described it as a chance to find peace away from the noise. He stated: 'Southern Exploration for me is a moment of calm to become myself again, away from the noise.' He added: 'It was therapeutic time away from friends and family, searching for answers, some of which I haven't found yet.'
This last point is very relatable to many. It is often assumed that a break or a trip to a new place will instantly provide all the answers, but sometimes the process itself is simply setting aside time for contemplation. Despite extensive travels for work, Ngwenya discovered there is still much to see in his own country. He reported visiting about 70% of the country, and he was impressed by places like Graaff-Reinet, home to the Valley of Desolation, and Oudtshoorn, where the Cango Caves made a strong impression.
This journey is part of the broader #SouthernExploration vision, which SID Records describes as a project aimed at helping people reconnect with their values, strengths, and sense of purpose, especially during times when burnout and the pressure of daily life become increasingly common.
Beyond his career, Ngwenya has experienced significant personal growth over the past two decades. One of the biggest changes has been fatherhood. He acknowledges that he is still figuring out fatherhood, and this has influenced his approach to music. He said: 'So much has happened in my personal life over the last two decades that has shaped me into who I am.' He continued: 'And I think one of the key moments in that was fatherhood.'
Interestingly, this experience inspired a song he is still deciding whether to include in his upcoming project. His son is already a fan. On this note, he observed: 'If my son likes it, why not?'
This is a sweet reminder that not everything an artist creates needs to be aimed at satisfying the masses. Sometimes a song can hold personal meaning for you, even if it doesn't fit public expectations. For Ngwenya, this freedom seems like an important part of this new chapter.
South African music has changed significantly since Ngwenya released his first track in 2004. Amapiano and Afrobeat currently dominate, while hip-hop continues to evolve. But he is not inclined to change his style just because a certain genre is popular. He stated: 'I have always been the type of person who never tries to follow trends when it comes to making music. It has always been important to create something authentic.'
This does not mean he is closed off to experimentation. Ngwenya enjoys collaborating with different artists and recognizes that working with people from various music circles can influence his sound. Nevertheless, he is not interested in forcing himself into a genre just because it is commercially successful. He noted: 'If I had the skills or knowledge to do Amapiano, I probably would, but it's not quite my vibe.'
He believes there is room for diverse sounds in the industry, even when one genre dominates the charts. A more important lesson, according to him, is understanding the difference between evolving as an artist and chasing trends to stay relevant. He advised: 'It's fine if you are like Madonna in terms of reinventing yourself. That's great, and it's one way to stay relevant.' He added: 'But if you are chasing a trend instead of building something for yourself that is sustainable, you will get lost.'
This is advice based on experience. Having worked in the entertainment industry for over two decades, Ngwenya has seen how quickly audiences switch to the next big thing. Instead of trying to recreate his former self, he believes artists should focus on building a career that stands the test of time.
Ngwenya has always been interested in storytelling, whether through music or television. To him, these two worlds are closely linked. Both offer a way to share experiences that people can relate to, whether personal stories or reflections of societal happenings. He observed: 'Everything you watch on TV is some kind of reflection of what is happening in society.'
The same thought influenced his new music project, which will be part of #SouthernExploration. Although he is the producer of the project, one should not expect him to rap in every track. Ngwenya mentioned that he rarely takes on the role of rapper in songs; most of his contribution is in production. He also embraced the idea of letting other artists lead the song in a direction he didn't initially envision.
'Sometimes, when I sit down and listen to the music after I produced it, I think: I did enough,' he said. He continued: 'Now pass it on to someone else.'
For him, collaboration is an exchange of ideas and allowing various influences to shape the final product. He also wants people to see what happens behind the scenes, so documenting the music creation process is an important part of the project. He recalled how some artists who visited his first music camp were surprised by how meticulously the experience was planned and filmed. Ngwenya wanted people to be able to look back years later and see how the music came to be, not just listen to finished tracks.
'The music is great, but I also think the process is even better when people watch the process,' he emphasized.
This approach merges his production experience with his love for visual storytelling, offering viewers a glimpse into the creative process behind the music.
Looking back at his early years in the industry, Ngwenya recalls being a young man who simply wanted to make music. When he released his first track in 2004, he didn't fully grasp the business side of the industry. He spoke of his younger self: 'Not knowing that there was much more to it than just releasing a song.'
Over the years, he learned that artists need to think bigger than just the music. Protecting their brand, managing royalties, and making decisions that support their long-term career are equally important. He stated: 'The most important thing for me is always protecting your brand and maintaining integrity in everything you do.'
His experience has also taught him not to become too attached to a specific phase of his career. The entertainment industry is constantly changing, and trying to replicate the success or popularity of an early period can lead artists to struggle to move forward. For Ngwenya, the answer lies in staying true to oneself, allowing one's work to grow alongside them.
After many years in music, television, and production, Ngwenya seems comfortable with the idea that his next chapter doesn't necessarily have to look like the previous one. With #SouthernExploration, he merges his interests in travel, storytelling, and music while giving himself space to explore new ideas.
The docu-reality series cycle began releasing over a week ago, starting October 12th, with weekly episodes available on his Instagram page, @iammrcroc, and on the official #SidwellsPOV channel on YouTube. A companion EP will feature collaborations with artists he has previously worked with, as well as another performer who, the project promises, will be a surprise to listeners.
Ultimately, Ngwenya says he wants people to remember him as someone who remained true to himself and worked diligently at his craft. He wants people to know that he has always been true to himself. He strives to create music that resonates with people without losing himself in the attempt to please everyone. Perhaps that is the essence of this new chapter. Instead of chasing the next trend or trying to recreate the past, Ngwenya is giving himself space to explore what he wants to do next. For those wondering what he will do after leaving MultiChoice, the answer is becoming clearer: he is telling his own story on his own terms.