For Tembisa-born musician Bafana Gift Kubheka Vilakazi, better known as Crush_RSA, music is more than just making songs; it is a way to express himself, process life experiences and connect with others.

Crush_RSA, who lives in Tembisa, started taking music seriously around 2013, when what began as an interest in writing and recording gradually developed into a career he wanted to build his life around.

Recording his first song, Uzi Rah, was among the early experiences that gave him the confidence to pursue music professionally.

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“I started taking music seriously around 2013,” he said. “At first, it was something I was exploring and learning about, but as I continued writing, recording and developing my sound, I realised that music was something I genuinely wanted to build my life around.”

His musical journey began with an interest in rap before developing into a sound influenced by Amapiano and other contemporary South African styles.

Along the way, he has worked on singles, collaborations and other projects while learning the business of being an independent artist.

For Crush_RSA, building a career means more than spending time in the studio and performing.

He has had to develop an audience, participate in interviews and podcasts, submit music to radio stations and seek out opportunities to grow.

One of the most significant milestones in his journey is his EP, Nkanyezi, which was released on September 4. The isiZulu word means ‘star’ and carries a deeply personal meaning for the musician, as the project is dedicated to his late son, Nkanyezi Hope Phaloane.

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“A star represents light, hope, direction and the ability to shine even when everything around you is dark,” he said.

For Crush_RSA, the EP is also a reminder to keep moving forward despite difficult experiences.

“It is also a reminder that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can still find your light and shine,” he said.

The project draws on different aspects of his life, including his emotions, dreams, relationships and the challenges he has experienced.

He hopes listeners will find their own meaning in the music and take away a message of hope, perseverance and healing.

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“I want listeners to take away a message of hope, perseverance and healing,” he said. “I want them to understand that their circumstances do not have to define their future. Sometimes you have to go through difficult moments before you see the light.”

Creating Nkanyezi involved extensive writing, recording and experimentation. He also collaborated with other creatives, including DJ_Odyccy and Tr#nD.

His involvement with Midnight In Paradise Recording Studio provided him with a space to work on and develop his music while also helping him develop his skills as a producer. Some of the EP’s tracks carry particular emotional significance, including Nkanyezi (Intro) and Amashisa (Outro).

“The project is not simply a collection of songs; it represents different chapters of my life and the emotions that came with them,” he said. The September 4 release marked an important moment for the Tembisa artist.

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“After putting in the work behind the scenes, seeing the project officially released was emotional and rewarding,” he said.

Since its release, he said he has been encouraged by the response from listeners and supporters who have streamed the project, shared his music and supported him on social media.

For Crush_RSA, there is a close connection between the person and the artist.

His relationships, emotions, successes and challenges have all influenced his songwriting, making music a space in which he can process his experiences.

“I believe it is difficult to separate the artist from the person completely,” he said.

Despite taking his career seriously, Crush_RSA said he remains grounded by remembering where he started and appreciating every opportunity, from a small performance or studio session to gaining a new listener.His ambitions extend beyond releasing music. He wants to grow his career across South Africa before eventually reaching international audiences.

He hopes to perform on bigger stages, collaborate with established and emerging artists and continue creating music that reflects who he is.

He also wants to use his experience in the industry to create opportunities for other creatives.

For Crush_RSA, building a music career is ultimately about creating something lasting.

“Being an artist is about more than releasing songs,” he said. “It is about building something that can last, connecting with people and using my experiences to inspire others.”

His story is still unfolding, but Nkanyezi represents an important chapter — one shaped by loss, hope, growth and the belief that there can be light even during difficult times.

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“My hope is to leave a legacy of inspiration,” he said. “I want someone listening to my music years from now to feel that they can overcome their circumstances and pursue their dreams. I want my music to remind people that even in darkness, there is always a star that can shine.”