Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi (born 11 August 1988), better known by his stage name Kwesta, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He was born in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. He is currently signed to his own Independent and media company known as Rap Lyf with co-founder Kid X. His third studio album DaKAR II was released on 26 February 2016. His latest song is called “Spirit”, the video of which was shot in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
Kwesta Early Life and Music Career
Kwesta attended Phumulani Secondary School in katlehong for three years, and later Alafang High School.
He took an interest in poetry during his high school years and received positive feedback and encouragement from fellow students and teachers.
In 2003, Kwesta, then known as Quest, and some friends, formed a group called “Ghetto Fellaz”, which became known as “The Juvenylz” with an additional member. His crew hoped to be discovered and signed, but this did not happen. Kwesta dropped out of high school at age 16 to pursue his music career full-time. He recorded his first demo in his home studio. This demo caught the attention of Africa’s Most Southern Record Company (AMS), which eventually allowed him to use their recording facilities.
Kwesta, still a teenager, convinced his mother to give him taxi fare necessary to get to Buttabing Entertainment’s offices. This meeting resulted in his being added to Buttabing Entertainment’s roster, co-owned by founding members Shugasmakx and Slikour.
He participated in YFM’s Rap Activity Jam and e.t’s youth programming block’s, Craz-e, Shiz Niz The Freestyle Kings special – and went on to win both. He later moved on to perform at The Rand Show and The Durban Beach Festival.
In 2007 he released his first radio single titled “Shap Fede” and followed up with a Mixtape with hip hop DJ C-live.
In 2008 he began work on his debut album while continuing to perform across South Africa with the likes of DJ Naves, Shugasmakx and Slikour.
In 2010 he was selected to be a Brand South Africa ambassador of the 2010 Fifa World Cup and headlined their nationwide roadshow tour.
On July 11, 2010 he performed at the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa closing ceremony at the FNB Stadium (Soccer City) ahead of the final match of the tournament between Netherlands and Spain.
Kwesta Father and Mother
Kwesta was raised by his mother, after his father left the family when Kwesta was five years old. He addresses this in the song “Johnnie (Keep Walking)” from his second album DaKAR.
Kwesta Wife / Marriage
Kwesta is currently married to his long time girlfriend whose name is Yolanda Mvelase. They have a child together, a daughter named Khai, born on 13 October 2012
Kwesta Songs
- Ngud’
- Spirit
- Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe
- Vur Vai
- Nomayini
- The Fire
- Spirit (feat. Wale)
- Afro Trap
- Mayibabo
- Tjovitjo
- GGG
- K1 GOD
- Day One
- Let a Nigg* Hit
- Shooting Star
- Tshek
- Mind Fcuk
- Spirit ft. Wale
- Kokotela
- Mmino
- Lights
- Preacher
- Karma
- Act Like
- Lala Khai
- Boom Shaka Laka (feat. Kid-X)
- One Day
- Thank You
- Suster
- Mayibabo (feat. DJ Maphorisa, DJ Buckz & Okma
- Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe (feat. Thabsie)
- Ready For More
- All About
- U Got It
- Hood Rich
- Make You Go
- Afro Trap (feat. Busiswa)
- Day One (feat. AKA)
- Flava
- Family Matters
- Preacher (feat. Nota)
- Spirit ft. Wale | Fakaza.com
- Find a Way
- One Day (feat. Psyfo)
- Radio
- Pray Hard
- Kokotela (feat. Yanga & Kid X)