Kwaito in the Shayamoya kitchen

Recording in their own studio, set up in a kitchen of an RDP house in Shayamoya, the Imasters kwaito group is making sound waves across the townships of KwaDukuza and Durban.

Their love of disco lights, happy crowds and kwaito music is what motivated two security guards to quit their jobs and dedicate their lives to a new beat.

Syabonga “Nkwawza” Malwane and Musa “Mnisi” Mthembu previously worked at Fidelity Security but decided to quit, invest their savings in recording equipment and set up a small studio.

“The magic happens in the kitchen. We compose, record and produce the music on our own and help other local upcoming artists to do the same,” said Nkwawza.

They too learnt by working with people who are more experienced in the industry, like Bhutiza, known for the song ‘Inkosazane’.

The group was formed in 2013 when the Kwamhlabuyalingana born pair (north eastern KZN bordering Swaziland and Mozambique) met in KwaDukuza.

Even during their schooling days they were part of kwaito groups. Mthembu was part of the Rockstars and Malwane was with the Staring group.

“We knew of each other but we did not think of performing together. However when we worked for the same company, we realised that we have similar interests and passion for music. We then decided to start this group and we are slowly making progress,” said Mnisi.

Mnisi said he learnt a lot about music from his father who was an Mbaqanga artist, playing bass guitar and keyboard. Mbaqanga is a popular Zulu genre that emerged from the traditional Marabi jazz and swing as well as Kwela, both popular South African genres.

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The talented pair have been seen performing at various events including the KwaDukuza music festival and Eyadini Lounge in Umlazi.

Their music had also been playing on community radio stations including Inanda FM.

“We want to see ourselves going far in the music industry and we hope that our dedication and passion will get us there,” said Mthembu. While they are yet to release an album they have three singles to date, the latest of which is called ‘Somebody’.

“It is a love song that we released in February and people seem to be enjoying it. It is available on iTunes,” said Mthembu.

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