Yooh Kwenzakalani: Hustle with a beat from Endulwini

Vusi Reshumela Qwabe, popularly known as ‘Yooh Kwenzakalani’, is a 30-year-old artist from Endulwini in Thembisa who is fast becoming a name to remember on the local entertainment scene.

With a blend of music, dance, fashion and ambition, Qwabe is turning his dreams into reality one beat at a time.

Qwabe’s journey into music started with encouragement from Bean MusiQ, who inspired him not to give up.

“After that, I started taking my music seriously and decided to pursue it as a career,” he explains.

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Qwabe’s musical style reflects his surroundings and curious nature.

“Whenever I see something new, I ask myself, ‘Yooh kwenzakalani?’ (What’s happening?),” he said.

He describes his sound as amapiano, and his music strongly focuses on fashion and street culture.

His music sends a clear message: Never give up.

“Push until you get what you want. My song is about dreams, hustle and my clothing brand,” he says.

The phrase that became his brand name came from a casual conversation at his mother’s shop.

“My friend, world-record holder Zama Mofokeng, once asked if I’d opened a shop. I said, ‘No, it was my mom’s’. He replied.

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‘Kwenzakalani?’ That moment stuck with me. Later, I kept repeating the phrase and decided to build a brand and a song around it,” said Qwabe.

After developing the brand idea, Qwabe hit the studio.

“Bean MusiQ suggested adding a chorus called Isdwadlo, meaning clothing. That’s how Yooh Kwenzakalani Isdwadlo was created,” he explained.

The music video came to life thanks to local support.

“I saw young girls and boys dancing to my song. I asked them to be part of my video, and the next day we shot it with the Endulwini Crew Dancers and Sipho,” he said. The video was released in November and is available on YouTube.

Qwabe lists several artists who shaped his journey, including Bean MusiQ, Zama Mofokeng, Doctor Mnaka, Khodani, Anelevusi, DJ Lick MusiQ SA and Chabzin.

Yooh Kwenzakalani is more than a slogan; it’s a brand built on awareness and observation.

“It represents how I see the world. When I notice something new or funny, I ask myself, ‘Kwenzakalani?’ That’s the meaning behind the brand.”

He admits the journey had its challenges.

“Not everyone buys my clothing, but I promote it by wearing it to events like Daily Thetha and Big Brother. That’s how people see it and start asking about it.”

Qwabe has big dreams for the future.

“I want to see my brand in stores and my songs playing across SA. I also hope to act in shows like Skeem Saam, Uzalo, and Isitha: The Enemy. One day, I’d love my music used in background scenes.”

He’s also planning future projects.

“If I get the chance to produce a new track, I’ll call it UMona, a love song about jealousy. I’d love to collaborate with Big Zulu, DJ Tira, Makhadzi, Caesar RSA, DJ Karri, and actors like Vusi Khekhe Ngwenya and Mdiniso from Uzalo.”

“My family and community always warmly welcome me. The children, especially, support me and even created a dance style for my song,” he shared proudly.

Among his proudest moments are his music video reaching 1.1K views on YouTube and hearing his song on Impendulo Yezwe FM.
His video also aired on Cape Town TV.

“I even received a Dominion best student award,” he said.

Qwabe’s message to others is simple but powerful: “Never give up. Don’t doubt your dream. There’s no reason to stay home. If you don’t show up, no one can help you. Stay active in chasing your dreams.”

Residents can connect with Yooh Kwenzakalani on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.