South Africa as a cosmopolitan nation boasts of immense talents talk of musical artists within the South African music artistry. South Africa has in it numerous and diverse talents from DJ, through to musicians and down to dancers including a lot of other talents all encompassing music.

Born Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi, professionally known as Kwesta, or DaKAR, is a talented rapper and prolific songwriter from South Africa. Kwesta is under the management of his own record label, RaplyF Records for the genres of Hip Hop and Rap Music.

Early Life

Kwesta attended Phumlani Secondary School in Kattlehong for two years and later Alaphang Secondary school. He developed interest for poetry during high school which made him work harder and received motivations from friends and teachers to develop his maximum potential.

In 2003, Kwesta joined The Ghetto Fellas, a group which was meant for discovering young talents which was later renamed The Juvenyl Group. The group disbanded two years later.

After the dissolution of the group, Kwesta, as young as he was, made an agreement with Africa’s Most Southern Record Label for the use of their studios.

Kwesta after exiting the dissolved group engaged in concerts and battles which would expose his brand and bring him to the limelight. He partook in YFM’s Rap Competition Jam MC of the Month. He topped ETV’s Shiz Niz Freestyle Special. He also performed at The Durban Beach Festival, The Rand Show and Miss Confidence Show.

Kwesta audaciously dropped out of school at the age of 16 and convinced his mother to give him the fare to get to Buttabing Entertainment Office. After concession was met he was officially signed to the record label, which marked his first official record label.

Career Beginning

In 2007, Kwesta earned a gig on the e Sprite Hip Hoop Tour and was featured on the Ventilation Street Tape.

He later released his single Sharp Fede, that same year after which he released a mixtape in collaboration with DJ-C Live.

In 2010, Kwesta was privileged to be part of Brand SA Ambassadors along with a few others. He also performed during the National Road Shows 2010 South African FIFA World Cup.

Kwesta worked alongside Kelly Rowland, 2Face, Jozi and many other renowned artists.

Previous Record Labels

• Buttabing Entertainment
• Urbantainment

Discography

• Special Request
• DaKAR(Da King of African Rap)
• DaKAR II
• Ngud ft Casper Nyovest
• Spirit ft Wale
• Vur Vai
• I Came I Saw ft Rick Ross
• 2 Skeif

Awards

During the 23rd SAMA Awards in 2017, he earned:

• Best Male Artist of the Year
• Highest Airplay of the Year
• Best rap Album
• Best Album of the Year

During the DSTV MACA Awards he achieved:

• Favourite Music Artist/Group

Personal Life

Kwesta is married to Yola Mvelase with whom he has two beautiful daughters.Their traditional and white wedding were held on 2018 and 2019 respectively.

written by Ruth Ama Onumah