Thembisa’s own Yooh Kwenzakalani shines

My name is Vusi Reshumela Qwabe, but most people know me as ‘Yooh Kwenzakalani’ from Endulwini, Thembisa.

I’ve lived here my whole life. I’m known for being talkative, loving and caring, and I always treat everyone with respect.

One of my favourite memories growing up in Thembisa was going to the studio after school in Grade Nine with Caeser RSA, 2Face and Maglakz.

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A special moment was meeting Thato and Zama Mofokeng during after-school marketing classes – an experience that shaped how I saw the future.

Our community is supportive. People like Makhosazana Buthelezi uplift others, and the Endulwini Community Group keeps us informed and united.

I’m grateful for Bongane Jethro from my kasi, who supports young people and gives us hope.

I love golf, a passion I picked up from my brother, Sam. For fun, I create and post videos on TikTok or collaborate with my friend Mnaka on funny skits. When it comes to food, I enjoy pap, rice, ice cream, cake, bananas, cornflakes and Weet-Bix.

Two life-changing moments for me are meeting Zama Mofokeng and my mom opening her own business.

Music plays a big part, too, especially meeting Bean MusiQ, who helped launch my journey as an artist.

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Our community faces challenges, particularly crime and drug use. We need to protect the next generation by stopping the spread of drugs; too many young lives are lost too soon.

I’m inspired by people like Makhosazana Buthelezi, who serves the community through Thato One Big Family LGBTQIA+ Society, and Zama Mofokeng, who holds a world record.

I dream of meeting Vusi Khekhe Ngwenya from Uzalo and Caeser RSA, one of my musical influences.

To me, Thembisa is a warm, welcoming place with immense talent and room for everyone.

Aside from being a musician, I design posters, logos and cartoon characters and act.

My genre is amapiano. I’ve released a track called Yooh Kwenzakalani. The video features the Endulwini Crew dancers and Sipho.

If I could change one thing in Thembisa, I would open a studio and creative office to support local musicians and grow talent in our kasi.

“The best advice I’ve received came from my dad: “Never give up in life.” My friend Mnaka once said, “One day, you’ll see yourself on TV.” That stuck with me.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped me on this journey -my parents, Zama Mofokeng, my church, The Place of Hope, Mnaka, Bean MusiQ, Khodani, DJ Lick MusiQ SA, Chabzin, Anelevusi and DJ Kwaal192.

To me, home means love, peace and safety. Thembisa is all of that and more.