Kwesta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kwesta
|
|
|---|---|
Kwesta performing at City-View in Durban 2016
|
|
| Born |
Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi
11 August 1988 Katlehong, Gauteng
|
| Other names | DaKAR |
| Occupation |
|
| Spouse(s) |
Yolanda Mvelase
(m. 2017) |
| Awards |
|
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts |
|
Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi (born 11 August 1988), known as Kwesta, is a famous South African rapper and songwriter. He was born in Katlehong, Gauteng, a township also called "K1".
In 2003, when he was 15, Kwesta and his friends started a rap group called Ghetto Fellaz. They later changed the name to The Juvenylz that same year. Today, Kwesta runs his own music company, RapLyf Records, with his friend Kid X.
Kwesta released his first album, Special ReKwest, in 2010. His second album, DaKAR (2013), reached number 3 on the South African Hip-hop/Rap chart on iTunes. His third album, DaKAR II (2016), was a huge success. It included popular songs like "Ngud" and "Ngiyazifela Ngawe." DaKAR II sold 210,000 copies in South Africa, making it the best-selling hip-hop album in the country's history. His fifth album, g.o.d Guluva, came out in 2021 and reached number 3 in South Africa.
Kwesta has won many awards for his music. These include 6 South African Music Awards, 4 South African Hip Hop Awards, 1 MTV Africa Music Award, and 1 Metro FM Award.
Contents
Kwesta's Early Life and Music Journey
Kwesta went to Phumlani Secondary School for three years, then Alafang Secondary School in Katlehong. He loved poetry in high school and got lots of encouragement from his friends and teachers.
In 2003, Kwesta joined the group The Ghetto Fellas, which later became The Juvenylz. The group stopped making music after two years.
Starting His Music Career
After his group broke up, Kwesta made a deal to use the studios at Africa's Most Southern Record Company. He entered many competitions and performed at events to get his name known. He won ETV's Shiz Niz Freestyle Kings Special and performed at big events like The Rand Show.
Kwesta left high school when he was 16. He convinced his mom to give him money for a taxi to Buttabing Entertainment's offices. This meeting led to him joining the record label, which was the start of his professional music career.
Early Success and First Album
In 2007, Kwesta became a judge for the Sprite Hip Hoop Tour. He also worked on the theme song for The Nokia Defend Your Street Campaign with other artists.
That same year, Kwesta released his first single, Sharp Fede. He also released a mixtape with DJ C-Live.
In 2010, Kwesta was chosen as an ambassador for Brand SA. He performed at national roadshows before the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Kwesta also worked with international artists like Kelly Rowland and Wale on the "Everywhere You Go" song for MTN. He even performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony.
Special Rekwest Album (2010-2012)
In September 2010, Kwesta released his first album, Special Rekwest. It featured popular songs like Babhemi, Flash It, Stomp, and Pump It.
The song Flava was used in a DStv advertisement and in The Loeries TV's 2011 ad-campaign. Pump It was also used in ads for DStv and Redds. The song Stomp was even part of the soundtrack for the American action movie Death Race 3.
With the success of this album, Kwesta became the first South African rapper to have seven songs on different radio charts in the same year. Special Rekwest was nominated for Best Newcomer and Best Rap Album at the SAMA in 2011.
DaKAR and DaKAR II Albums
On November 25, 2013, Kwesta released his second album, DaKAR (Da King of Afrikan Rap). This album quickly reached third place on the South African iTunes Hip-Hop Charts when it first came out.
DaKAR II (2016-2019)
In 2016, Kwesta released his third album, DaKAR II. On January 18, 2016, the hit song "Ngud'" featuring Cassper Nyovest was released from this album.
"Ngud'" was nominated for Song of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards. In October 2017, Kwesta released his single "Spirit" which featured American rapper Wale. This song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
By April 26, 2018, DaKAR II had been certified 7 times Platinum by RiSA. This means it sold a huge number of copies in South Africa.
g.o.d guluva Album (2021-Present)
In March 2021, Kwesta released "Fire In The Ghetto" featuring Troublle. This was the first single from his new album.
On April 30, 2021, Kwesta released his fourth album, g.o.d guluva. The title is short for "ghost of dakar." The album cover art was created by Nelson Makamo. The album features other South African artists like Thabsie, Focalistic, and Yanga Chief. It reached number 4 on the South Africa Top 100 Albums chart and received good reviews from music critics.
At the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, his song "Njandini" won the award for Best Kwaito song.
Kwesta's Music Albums
Kwesta has released several studio albums:
- Special ReKwest (2010)
- DaKAR (Da King of Afrikan Rap) (2013)
- DaKAR II (2016) - This album was certified 7 times Platinum!
- 2 Skeif (2020)
- g.o.d guluva (2021)
- Speak N Vrostaan (with Kabza de Small) (2022)
Popular Songs by Kwesta
Some of Kwesta's most well-known singles include:
- "Ngyaz'fela Ngawe" (featuring Thabsie) (2016) - This song achieved an amazing 11 times Diamond certification!
- "Ngud'" (featuring Cassper Nyovest) (2016) - Certified 7 times Platinum.
- "Spirit" (featuring Wale) (2017) - Certified Platinum.
- "Vur Vai" (2018)
- "I came, I saw" (featuring Rick Ross) (2020)
Awards and Recognitions
Kwesta has won many awards for his contributions to music:
- In 2017, he won several SAMAs, including Best Male Artist of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best Album of the Year. His song "Ngud'" also won Highest Airplay of the Year twice. He also won Favourite Music Artist/Group at the DStv MVCA.
- In 2025, he won Best R&B Song at the Metro FM Music Awards. He was also nominated for Song of the Year, Best Hip Hop Song, and Best Collaboration Song.
