Tsakani – Thembinkosi Masina (20) is known on stage as Nonkosii Yano, a vocalist, composer, and singer.

He was born and raised in Langaville, a township that Thembinkosi describes as rich in culture, rhythm, and musical diversity.

He says the blend of cultures has played a huge role in shaping his sound and identity as an artist.

“I became an artist through a deep passion for music that started at a young age. I was always drawn to sound, rhythm, and storytelling through music.

“I mainly focus on AfroPop, 3step, Amapiano – a genre that speaks to the soul with its deep log drums, smooth chords, and emotional storytelling,” he said.

“My inspiration comes from everyday life experiences, love, struggles, and the environment around me. I aim to create music that connects emotionally with people.”

Thembinkosi said his motivation comes from a desire to express himself and tell stories people can relate to.

For Thembinkosi, music has become a safe space for him, a way to communicate emotions that he could not always put into words.

“Seeing how music can uplift, heal, and bring people together pushed me to take this path seriously. I started engaging with music at a young age, especially through school, church, and community environments.

“I was not always in formal spaces like studios at first; it began with passion, experimenting, and learning,” he added.

Thembinkosi mentioned that over time, he transitioned into more professional recording and production spaces.

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He looks up to artists who have shaped the Amapiano sound and pushed it globally, such as Mlindo De Vocalist, Aymos Shilii, Kabza De Small, De Mthuda, and Mnqobi Yazo, whose musical approach really resonates with his style.

Thembinkosi also admires artists who are authentic and consistent in their craft. He has worked with numerous artists in and around his area.

In the future, Thembinkosi would love to collaborate with more established names in the Amapiano space and beyond, including artists like Kelvin Momo, Stixx, DE Mthuda, Young Stunna, Nvcho, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo, DJ Jaivane, Stokie, DJ Msaro, Mthetho The Law, Ntokzin and others who bring depth and musicality into the genre.

Thembinkosi has a track available, titled IKhaya, where he features multiple artists, as well as other collaborative projects.

He explained that he’s working on bigger projects, more refined sounds that show growth in both production and storytelling.

He is currently working on new music, saying he has an upcoming single titled Isipho featuring MorGan_Da_KruGer.

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“This track brings a fresh, energetic yet soulful Amapiano vibe. The song reflects lifestyle, groove, and expression, and it’s something listeners can both vibe to and connect with emotionally.

“More details regarding the official release date will be announced soon,” he said.

His vision is to become one of the most impactful artists in the Amapiano scene, both locally and globally.

“My goal is to create timeless music that resonates across different generations and cultures. My mission is to stay authentic, grow musically, and inspire others through my journey and sound,” he said.

“My music is mainly motivated by the desire to heal, inspire, and connect. I want people to feel understood when they listen to my songs, whether they are going through good or difficult times.”

Thembinkosi said his music has helped him grow both personally and creatively.

“It has taught me discipline, patience, and self-expression. It has also helped me understand myself better and given me a sense of purpose.

“I am still growing in terms of performances, but I have been part of local events and platforms that are helping me build my presence and experience as a performer,” he mentioned.

“My journey is still building, but I am looking forward to travelling more through my music, performing in different cities and eventually internationally, alongside other artists and collaborators.”