Kwesta

Last updated

Kwesta
Kwesta Perfoming at City-View in Durban.jpg
Kwesta performing at City-View in Durban 2016
Born
Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi

(1988-08-11) 11 August 1988 (age 36)
Katlehong, Gauteng
Other namesDaKAR
Occupations
Spouse
Yolanda Mvelase
​
(m. 2017)​
[1]
Awards
Musical career
Origin Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa
Genres Hip hop
InstrumentVocals
Years active2002–present
Labels
  • Buttabing (former)
  • Urbantainment (former)
  • RapLyF (former)

Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi (born 11 August 1988) known professionally as Kwesta, is a South African rapper and songwriter. [3] Born in Katlehong, Gauteng, a township also known as "K1". [4] In 2003, at the age of 15, he and his friends formed a rap group Ghetto Fellaz which then changed to The Juvenylz, same year. He is currently signed to his own independent media company known as RapLyf Records with co-founder Kid X. [5]

Contents

In 2010, he released his debut studio album Special ReKwest. His second album DaKAR (2013), peaked at number 3 on the iTunes South African Hip-hop/Rap chart. [6] Kwesta's third studio album, DaKAR II (2016), [7] spawned with singles includes; "Ngud", "Nomayini", "Day One", "Ngiyazifela Ngawe," "Mayibabo" and "Mmino". The album was certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). [8] [9] Having sold 210,000 copies in South Africa, DaKAR II became South African hip hop's best-selling album. [10] [11] His fifth studio album g.o.d Guluva (2021), which debuted at number 3 in South Africa.

His most reputable accolades include 6 South African Music Awards, 4 South African Hip Hop Awards, 1 MTV Africa Music Awards, and 1 Metro FM Awards.

Life and career

Kwesta attended Phumlani Secondary School in Katlehong for three years, and later Alafang Secondary School.

He developed an interest in poetry during his high school years and received positive feedback and encouragement from fellow students and teachers. [12]

In 2003, Kwesta became a part of the group The Ghetto Fellas later known as The Juvenylz. [13] The group disbanded after two years.

After the group's disbandment, Kwesta made an agreement with Africa's Most Southern Record Company for the use of their studios. During this time, Kwesta participated in competitions and events to provide visibility for his brand. He took part in YFM's Rap Activity Jam MC of the Month competition. [14] He topped ETV's Shiz Niz Freestyle Kings Special. [15] Also, he performed at The Rand Show, Miss Confidence Show and The Durban Beach Festival.

The rapper dropped out of high school at the age of 16. [16] After which he convinced his mother to give him the taxi fare necessary to get to Buttabing Entertainment's offices. The meeting resulted in him being added to the record label's roster marking the beginning of his signed career. [17]

Career beginnings

In 2007, Kwesta earned a judging gig on the Sprite Hip Hoop Tour and a feature on The Ventilation Street Tape. [15] He was also part of The Nokia Defend Your Street Campaign, where he worked with other artists to create the theme song. [18]

In the same year, Kwesta released his inaugural single Sharp Fede. [19] He later released a mixtape in collaboration with DJ C-Live. [20]

In 2010, Kwesta was among the few chosen as Brand SA Ambassadors. He performed during the national roadshows held before the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa. [18] Kwesta worked alongside Kelly Rowland, Jozi, and 2Face amongst other artist on the Everywhere You Go anthem for MTN. He also performed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony. [21]

2010–2012: Special Rekwest

In September 2010, Kwesta released debut studio album titled Special Rekwest. [22] The album featured hit singles such as Babhemi, Flash It, Stomp and Pump It. [23]

Flava received a synch-deal with DStv and got featured in the Loeries TV's 2011, ad-campaign. [24]

Pump It received a synch-deal with DStv and Redds. [24]

Stomp was one of the soundtracks for Death Race 3, [25] an America action movie.

With the success of the album, Kwesta became South Africa's first rapper to have seven songs ranked on multiple radio charts in the same year. Special Rekwest earned SAMA nominations in 2011 for Best Newcomer and Best Rap Album. [26]

2013–2015: DaKAR

On 25 November 2013, Kwesta released his second studio album titled DaKAR (Da King of Afrikan Rap). The album ranked third on the South African iTunes Hip-Hop Charts during its debut. [27]

2016–2019: DaKAR II

In 2016, Kwesta released his third studio album titled DaKAR II . On 18 January 2016, Ngud' was released featuring, Cassper Nyovest. [28]

At annual MTV Africa Music Awards, the single "Ngud'" received a nominations for the song of the Year. [29] [30] In early October 2017, his single "Spirit" featuring the American rapper Wale was released. The song was certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). [31] [32]

On 26 April 2018, DaKAR II was certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). [33]

2021–present: g.o.d guluva

In March 2021, his single "Fire In The Ghetto" featuring Troublle was released, as album's lead single. [34]

On 30 April 2021, Kwesta released his fourth studio album, titled g.o.d guluva [acronym for "ghost of dakar"]. The cover art was by Nelson Makamo. [35] The album features South Africa artists Thabsie, Focalistic, TLT, Yanga Chief, K.O. [36] The album peaked No. 4 in South Africa Top 100 Albums, [37] and received generally positive reviews from music critics. [38] At the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, his single "Njandini" won the award for the best Best Kwaito song. [39] [40]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum details
Special ReKwest
  • Released: September 2010
  • Label: Buttabing Entertainment [41]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
DaKAR (Da King of Afrikan Rap)
  • Released: 25 November 2013 (SA)
  • Label: Urbantainment
  • Formats: Digital download & CD (5 May 2015)
DaKAR II
  • Released: 26 February 2016
  • Label: Urbantainment, Sony Music Entertainment Africa
  • Formats: CD, digital download
  • Certification: 7× Platinum
2 Skeif
  • Released: May 2020
  • Label: RapLyF
  • Formats: CD, digital download
g.o.d guluva
  • Released: 30 April 2021
  • Label: Dope Dreams Co.
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Speak N Vrostaan ( with Kabza de Small)• Released: December 2022

• Label: Dope Dreams Co. • Formats: Digital download

Notable singles

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationAlbum
South Africa (EMA)
"Ngyaz'fela Ngawe" (featuring Thabsie)20161 RiSA:
11× Diamond
(119× Platinum) [42] [43] 		DaKAR II
"Ngud'" (featuring Cassper Nyovest)20161RISA:

7× Platinum

 DaKAR II
"Spirit" (featuring Wale)20171 RISA: Platinum [44] [45] [46] [47] Non-album single
"Vur Vai"2018–TBANon-album single
"I came, I saw" (featuring Rick Ross) [48] 2020–––
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards

YearAwardsCategoryResultsRef.
2017 23rd SAMA Best Male Artist of the YearWon [49] [50]
Highest Airplay of the Year ( Ngud' )Won
Best Rap AlbumWon
Highest Airplay of the year ( Ngud' )Won
Best Album of the YearWon
DStv MVCAFavourite Music Artist/GroupWon [51]

Related Research Articles

Tabure Thabo Bogopa Junior, professionally known as JR, is a South African entrepreneur and musician. He frequently performs Motswako rap, in both Setswana and English. He has had two number-one hip hop songs as well as two number-one pop hits on South African charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">L-Tido</span> Musical artist

Thato Madonsela, better known by his stage name L-Tido, is a South African hip hop recording artist from Alexandra, Johannesburg. He is best known for being one of the few independent artists in the country to reach commercial success, winning the Best Newcomer in Africa award at the 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassper Nyovest</span> South African rapper (born 1990)

Refiloe Maele Phoolo, professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer and amateur boxer. Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the most successful artists in South Africa. In 2014, he established his own record label, Family Tree Records. Nyovest rose to fame with the release of his debut studio album, Tsholofelo (2014) which produced the hit singles "Gusheshe" and "Doc Shebeleza".

Ntokozo Mdluli, known professionally as K.O, is a South African rapper. He began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group which released its debut album, K'shubile K'bovu, in 2006, followed by Wafa Wafa (2008), Dark or Blue (2009) and Num8er Num8er (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AKA (rapper)</span> South African rapper (1988–2023)

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (28 January 1988 – 10 February 2023), known professionally as AKA, was a South African rapper, record producer, and businessman. Born in Cape Town and raised in Johannesburg, Forbes gained recognition after releasing his single "Victory Lap" from his debut studio album, Altar Ego (2011). He was one of the most popular South African musicians of his era and the best-selling South African hip hop artist of all-time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riky Rick</span> South African rapper (1987–2022)

Rikhado Makhado, known professionally as Riky Rick, was a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur. He was also the founder and owner of record label Cotton Club Records and a member of Boyz N Bucks and he's well known for his hit song Boss Zonke from his album Family Values.

Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee is a South African rapper.Regarded as one of the best and most influential figures in the South African music scene .He was born and grew up in Rockville, Soweto, where he was involved in talent shows. His career began at the age of 17, and his debut hit single, "Roll Up" was released in 2015. Emtee was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment, released his debut album Avery (2015), which was commercially successful and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nasty C</span> South African rapper

Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

<i>DaKAR II</i> 2016 album by Kwesta

DaKAR II is the third studio album by South African hip hop recording artist and poet Kwesta. The album was released on 26 February 2016, by Urbantainment, under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment Africa. The album was certified diamond and became South Africa's best selling hip-hop album of all time.

<i>DaKAR</i> 2013 studio album by Kwesta

DaKAR is the second studio album by South African hip hop recording artist and poet Kwesta. The album was released digitally on November 25, 2013, with physical copies being released the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ngud'</span> 2016 single by Kwesta featuring Cassper Nyovest

"Ngud'" is a song from South African rapper Kwesta's third studio album DaKAR II (2016). The song features a guest appearance from Cassper Nyovest. The song was produced by DJ Maphorisa and samples Joakim's remix of "Camino Del Sol" by Antena. It debuted at number 1 on iTunes and also debuted at number 7 on the EMA Local Top 10 chart. It peaked at number 1, making it Kwesta's first number one on the chart. It was certified 5× platinum by RISA. As of June 2016, the song had spent 14 non-consecutive weeks at 1 and was the most playlisted song on South African radio in 2016.

Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spirit (Kwesta song)</span> 2017 single by Kwesta featuring Wale

"Spirit" is a single by South African rapper Kwesta featuring American rapper Wale, released on October 12, 2017 through Sony and Urbantainment. The song was written by Kwesta, Wale, and Makwa who also handled the production.

South African hip hop artist and record producer AKA has released four studio albums, two collaborative albums with Anatii as well as Costa Titch respectively, one extended play (EP), 42 singles and 23 music videos. AKA's music has been released on record labels Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Vth Season and Beam Group.

South African rapper Nasty C has released four studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), 36 singles and 22 music videos. Nasty C's music has been released on record labels Venomous Production, Outy Records, Free World Music, Mabala Noise Entertainment and Universal Music. He gained major attention after the release of his second mixtape Price City, which was released in 2015. He won the Best Freshman Award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards for Price City at the age of 18, making him the youngest recipient for the award.

Ntokozo Zakwe is a South African rapper born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Zulu</span> South African rapper and songwriter

Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to spotlight after releasing the single "Donsa Nkabi" in 2016.

Sandile Fortune Msimango, popularly known by his stage name Young Stunna is a South African singer. He is known for his hit singles "Bopha" and "Adiwele". He has also extensively worked with record producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

Yanga Ntshakaza, professionally known as Yanga Chief is a South African rapper, record producer and singer-songwriter. Born in Mthatha and raised in Queenstown, Yanga studied film studies at University of Johannesburg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe</span> 2017 single by Kwesta

"Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe" is a single by South African rapper Kwesta from his third studio album DaKAR II. It features a guest appearance from Thabsie. It was released on 24 January 2017 through South African Recordings.

References

  1. ↑ "Stylish wedding for Kwesta". SowetanLIVE.
  2. ↑ "Under 30 Creatives – Forbes Africa". 4 June 2018.
  3. ↑ "VIDEO: South African rapper, Kwesta unveils new project". ABTC. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  4. ↑ Kwach, Julie (15 November 2018). "Kwesta's biography: origin, career, album, family". Briefly. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. ↑ "Kwesta on his team: If I ran Raplyf, I'd run it to the ground". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  6. ↑ "Kwesta's Rise To Fame". ZAlebs.
  7. ↑ "WATCH | Kwesta's in studio cooking up Dakar III & it sounds like fire". TimesLIVE.
  8. ↑ Pillay, Deshni (29 November 2019). "Kwesta celebrates new milestone: Dakar II is SA's best-selling album". briefly.co.za.
  9. ↑ "Kwesta's 'DaKAR II' Album Has Gone 7x Platinum". okayafricasite. 16 April 2018.
  10. ↑ "Kwesta Becomes SA Hip Hop's Best Selling Album Reaching New Milestone". 29 November 2019.
  11. ↑ "Kwesta's Da KAR II is now the best selling SA hip hop album of all time | MTV Africa". www.mtvbase.com.
  12. ↑ Tshiqi, Bongiwe (22 August 2017). "Out and about in Katlehong with Kwesta". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  13. ↑ "South African Band bookings – KWESTA". www.bands.co.za. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  14. ↑ "Hi my name is Hip Hop: LOCAL RAPPER OF THE MONTH". Hi my name is Hip Hop. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  15. 1 2 "Music – Kwesta aka Mr Cool | Presenter". www.expressoshow.com. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  16. ↑ "Kwesta dropped out of school to follow music but wants to go back". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  17. ↑ "Kwesta leaves Buttabing Entertainment | MTV Africa". www.mtvbase.com. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  18. 1 2 "Kwesta | HDS" . Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  19. ↑ "Sharp Fede". Hype Machine. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  20. ↑ "Mixtapes can cut through red tape". News24. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  21. ↑ "Kwesta – MTN Bushfire Festival 2020 : MTN Bushfire Festival 2020". www.bush-fire.com. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  22. ↑ "TheMusic.Today – Music album Special ReKwest by Kwesta". themusic.today. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  23. ↑ "Special Rekwest by Kwesta". Genius. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. 1 2 "AdminBallitoPro – Page 14 – The Ballito Pro 2024". theballitopro.com. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  25. ↑ Death Race 3: Inferno (Video 2013) - Soundtracks - IMDb . Retrieved 1 June 2024– via www.imdb.com.
  26. ↑ "2011 SAMA nominees announced". www.bizcommunity.com. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  27. ↑ Said, Tumelo (9 March 2015). "Kwesta: biography". HipHopAfrican. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  28. ↑ "Kwesta drops 'Ngud' new single feat. Cassper Nyovest – Mytvnews". Mytvnews. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  29. ↑ Alyssa Klein (23 October 2016). "The Full List of MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 Winners". OkayAfrica.
  30. ↑ Alyssa Klein (22 October 2016). "Here's the Full List of Nominees at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards in Johannesburg". OkayAfrica.
  31. ↑ "Kwesta drops hit single Spirit in collaboration with US rapper Wale". SowetanLIVE.
  32. ↑ "Kwesta is in high Spirits for his new track". CapeTalk.
  33. ↑ "Kwesta's 'DaKAR II' Album Has Gone 7x Platinum". OkayAfrica. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  34. ↑ Khathi, Mzwandile (16 April 2021). "Dakar ii hands over the batton to G.O.D Guluva – Soweto Urban". Soweto Urban.
  35. ↑ Bourdin, Nils (20 May 2021). "Kwesta on g.o.d. guluva and coming to terms with vulnerability". PAM - Pan African Music.
  36. ↑ "Kwesta's New Album 'g.o.d Guluva' is Finally Here".
  37. ↑ "South Africa Top 100 Albums | Top Charts". Top Charts.
  38. ↑ Jabulani, John (2 May 2021). "Kwesta "g.o.d Guluva" Album Review". Ubetoo. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  39. ↑ "Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2021: All the winners". Music in Africa. 2 December 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  40. ↑ Shumba, Ano (18 June 2021). "Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music in Africa.
  41. ↑ "Kwesta – Butan". Butan. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  42. ↑ "Hip-hop hooray: Kwesta's 'Ngiyaz'fela Ngawe' hits 10-million mark [watch]". The South African. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  43. ↑ "Kwesta has surely earned himself the King Kwesta title | See Why". Soundcity. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  44. ↑ "Kwesta and Wale go platinum in SA". channel24. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  45. ↑ "@KwestaDaKAR #Spirit Has Gone Platinum!". SlikourOnLife. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  46. ↑ "Kwesta's #Spirit goes platinum". SA Breaking News. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  47. ↑ "Kwesta's 'Spirit' Single Hits 'Platinum'". Hype Magazine. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  48. ↑ "Kwesta and Rick Ross' new single out". www.iol.co.za.
  49. ↑ Pitjeng, Refilwe, "Kwesta Steals the Show With Most SAMA Awards", EWN
  50. ↑ Emmanuel Tjiya (21 December 2018). "Kwesta crowned King of SA hip-hop". SowetanLive.
  51. ↑ "Who won what at the DStv Viewer's Choice Awards". Independent Online. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.