Riyadh Roberts, better known by his stage name YoungstaCPT, is a celebrated South African rapper, lyricist, and songwriter born on December 22, 1991. Hailing from Wynberg, Cape Town, he is widely recognized for weaving his Cape Malay heritage and local experiences into his music, establishing himself as a prominent and outspoken figure in South African hip-hop.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Riyadh Roberts |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Rapper, Lyricist, Songwriter, Actor |
| Labels | Y? Generation Enterprise, Independent |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $900,000 |
Early Life and Education
YoungstaCPT grew up in Wittebome, a suburb of Wynberg in Cape Town, within a devout Muslim Cape Malay family.
Raised mainly by his single mother and grandmother-who was an Islamic school teacher-his upbringing was deeply influenced by his family’s history of forced removals during apartheid. This background strongly informs his artistic voice.
He began writing and recording music at the age of 12. Although specific details about his formal education are scarce, his life experiences and community have been pivotal in shaping his creative outlook.
Career
Starting his musical career early, YoungstaCPT attracted attention in 2013 with his mixtape Takeaway. Since then, he has released an extensive body of work, including over 30 mixtapes, six EPs, and several collaborative albums.
His debut solo album, 3T (Things Take Time), launched in March 2019, earned him the Album of the Year award at the South African Hip Hop Awards. Known for addressing social issues affecting marginalized communities in Cape Town and beyond, his music resonates with many.
In addition to music, YoungstaCPT expanded into acting with a role in the second season of Netflix’s Blood & Water in 2021.
He also co-founded Y? Generation Enterprise, an initiative dedicated to empowering youth and supporting low-income families in Cape Flats through music education and community outreach.
Personal Life
YoungstaCPT is proud of his Cape Malay roots and practices Islam. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he has spoken candidly about his distant relationship with his father. Currently, he is single. His cultural and religious identity remains central to his life and work, and he maintains strong connections to his community.
YoungstaCPT Net Worth
As of early 2025, YoungstaCPT’s net worth was estimated to range between $500,000 and $900,000, derived from music sales, streaming platforms, and YouTube revenue. This figure may have evolved since then.
Discography
Studio Album
- 3T (Things Take Time) (2019)
Mixtapes and Collaborative Projects
- The Cape of Good Hope (2016) – with Ganja Beatz
- Y?-Fi (2017) – with Maloon TheBoom
- Kaapstads Revenge (2017) – with J-Beatz
- How to Make It in South Africa (2017) – with Loopsta
- Yungloon Taliboom (2018) – with Maloon TheBoom and Yungloon Taliboom
- To Be Continued (2018) – with Maloon TheBoom and Yungloon Taliboom
- Dreams Don’t Pay Bills (2021) – with Shaney Jay
- Suffer For Beauty (2023) – with Shaney Jay
Notable Singles
- “Salutas”
- “Top Ten List”
- “Flowing Through My DNA”
- “VOC”
- “YVR (Young Van Riebeeck)”
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work/Nomination | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Album of the Year | 3T | Won |
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Video of the Year | “YVR (Young Van Riebeeck)” | Nominated |
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Lyricist of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Male of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Remix of the Year | “Yeah Rmx” (DJ D Double D feat. YoungstaCPT) | Nominated |
| 2018 | South African Music Awards | Collaboration | “Buy it Out” (Riky Rick feat. YoungstaCPT) | Nominated |
| 2019 | South African Hip Hop Awards | Collaboration | “Skebe Dep Dep” (DJ Capital feat. YoungstaCPT) | Nominated |
YoungstaCPT’s powerful storytelling and activism have made him a vital voice in South African music, with his influence steadily growing both locally and internationally.
