A quickie with Kwesta
JOHANNEBSURG – Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi, AKA Kwesta, is rapidly working his way up the music industry ladder after working hard to get his foot in the door.
The 27-year-old rapper/songwriter was born in the township of Katlehong on the East Rand and has always had a passion for poetry and songwriting. However, it was only in 2005 that he made significant progress towards becoming the well-known rap star he is today.
“I did it the traditional way. I literally recorded a demo and sent it to Buttabing Entertainment, owned by Slikour and Shugasmakx. Two or three days later they called me and offered me the opportunity to be a part of the stable. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Kwesta’s debut album Special Rekwest was released in 2010 and the hit Flava was used by DStv as their summer time theme piece as well as in the 2011 Loeries TV ad-campaign that starred retired news anchor Riaan Cruywagen.
However, he revealed that one of the highlights of his career was the release of his second album DaKar. “[It was] through my own company, Urbantainment. It went on to be a success and win a MetroFM Award for Best Rap Album. Winning Lyricist of The Year was also a very proud moment.”
Don’t let the movies fool you. Kwesta admits that his career does come with many hurdles, like the traditional struggle for airplay and media representation. “The biggest struggle is constantly having to prove your worth in the industry through your talent and not big budget marketing strategies.”
Besides his daily plan of ‘trying to take over the world’, Kwesta has a few secretive cards up his sleeve. One thing for sure is that he will serenade the runners who participate in the Totalsports Women’s Race (IMBED – https://citybuzz.co.za/31683/women-run-this-city/) on 9 August.
Watch Kwesta’s music video for Boomshakalaka featuring Kid-X below:
Details: www.facebook.com/KwestaDaKAR
Twitter: @KwestaDaKAR
