Local Amapiano artist on the rise
A Thembisa artist released a music video after his song went viral.
Vusi Reshumela Qwabe (29), an emerging amapiano artist, began his music journey in 2022.
His inspiration came from a brand he created, Yooh Kwenzakalani, which was initially a standalone concept.
Over time, Qwabe realised that creating and performing music could help elevate his brand and solidify his presence in the competitive music industry.
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He credits his family, particularly his parents, and friends for their unwavering support.
“I’ve always had people asking when I would release music, and that encouragement kept me going,” he said.
The positive reception of his recent track, which has inspired duets on social media, further motivated him to pursue his musical ambitions.
In 2023, Qwabe’s career gained momentum after performing on the popular TV show Daily Thetha, an experience he described as a dream come true.
The exposure saw him connect with a wider audience and bring his music into the spotlight.
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Reflecting on artists’ challenges, Qwabe acknowledged the struggle of low compensation from streaming platforms, especially for musicians with limited streams.
“Not everyone will like your music. So, create your own style, market your songs on social media, and take every gig offered. Marketing is key. No one will call you if you are not promoting your work,” he advised.
On the brighter side, Qwabe recently released a video for his latest single, featuring dancers from the Endulwini Crew and fellow artist Sipho. The video is on YouTube under ‘Yooh Kwenzakalani’.
The song and its video are also on various streaming platforms.
In 2023, Qwabe saw his music resonate with audiences, earning him gigs and creating memorable dance moments.
By 2024, he had expanded his reach by marketing his music on platforms like Thuthuka FM and producing his music video, a milestone for his career.
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“Never doubt your dreams. You never know who is watching or willing to help. Push yourself until you achieve what you wish for,” he urged.
“My music journey started while helping at my mother’s business. My friend, Zama Mofokeng, a world record holder for flipping with one hand, asked me what was happening in my life, and the rest is history. Now, here we are, trying to live the dream.”
