Msaki
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Asanda Lusaseni Mvana (born 31 December 1988) known professionally as Msaki, is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Born and grew up in
East London East London is the part of London, England, east of the ancient City of London and north of the River Thames as it begins to widen. East London developed as London Docklands, London's docklands and the primary industrial centre. The expansion of ...
, during her childhood she was involved in musical activities. Her career in music began in 2008, at the age of 20, when she was a member of alternative rock band while attending college. Her debut Extended Play ''Nal'ithemba'' (2013) and debut solo studio album ''Zaneliza: How The Water Moves'' (2016), which was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album.


Early life

Asanda Lusaseni Mvana was born in East London, Eastern Cape in 1988. Her father was a DJ and grandmother was a music composer. She attended Cathcart High School and
Nelson Mandela University Nelson Mandela University, formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, is a public university in South Africa. Established in 1882 as Port Elizabeth, Art School it comprises the former University of Port Elizabeth, the Port Elizabeth Tec ...
before dropping out after one year. Mvana attended
Rhodes University Rhodes University () is a public research university located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is one of four universities in the province. Established in 1904, Rhodes University is the prov ...
and obtained
Master of Fine Arts A Master of Fine Arts (MFA or M.F.A.) is a terminal degree in fine arts, including visual arts, creative writing, graphic design, photography, filmmaking, dance, theatre, other performing arts and in some cases, theatre management or arts admi ...
degree. In 2008, she Joined The Patience alternative rock group based in East London and electro-experimental band Johnny Cradle based in Cape town. Following year in 2009, she was guitarist and lead vocalist for Kate and I duo formed in Grahamstown. In 2012, Msaki attended music school in North Carolina in the USA.


Career

She established her own record label, One Shushu Day Artistry and released her debut Extended Play ''Nal'ithemba'', in 2013 produced by Cobus Van Dyk. In 2016, she won ovation at 7th Standard Bank Ovation Awards and Gold Award First Place at Cape Town Fringe. Her single "Imfama Ziyabona" released in 2016, debuted on
Metro FM Metro FM is a national commercial radio station in South Africa owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The station broadcasts on FM Stereo as well as the DStv Bouquet Channel 801. Telephone : History The station started broad ...
Charts for 19 consecutive weeks. In June 2017, her debut album ''Zaneliza: How The Water Moves'' was released in South Africa. The album was co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini. To further promote her album she performed at National Art Festival. At the 23rd ceremony of
South African Music Awards The South African Music Awards (often simply the SAMAs) are the Recording Industry of South Africa's music industry awards, established in 1995. The ceremony is held annually, usually in late April or May, with the judging process starting in ...
''Zaneliza: How The Water Moves'' was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album. Msaki teamed up with South African DJ Prince Kaybee on a single "Fetch Your Life", released on February 8, 2019. The song debuted number one on iTunes Dance charts. In November 2019, her single "Pearls To Swine" featuring TRESOR and Kid X was released, bagged nomination for Best Produced Video. She co-written "Undithatha Kancinci" single by
Kelly Khumalo Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo (born 11 November 1984) is a South African singer, actress, and television personality. She was Born in Vosloorus and later moved to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up. Khumalo was discovered while per ...
. Msaki was featured on ''Rhythms of Zamunda (Music Inspired By: Coming 2 America)'', released in March 2021. In October 22, Msaki released double single of "Fetch Your Life II" and "Mntakababa" featuring Kabza De Small and
Focalistic Lethabo Sebetso (born 26 May 1996), professionally known as Focalistic, is a South African rapper. He rose to prominence after his single " Ke Star", reached number 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts. Born and raised in Pretoria, Sebetso w ...
. That same month she made a collaboration on platoon compilation album ''African Lullabies Pt. 1''. In November 19, her double project '' Platinumb Heart'', was released. In December 2021, Msaki headlined to 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival along with
Amanda Black Amanda Benedicta Antony (born 24 July 1993), known professionally as Amanda Black, is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Gcuwa, her career began in 1999 at the age of 6 singing in church choirs. Amanda was a contestant o ...
, Zoë Modiga, and Mandisi Dyantyisa was held in State Theatre, Guateng. In January 2022, Msaki collaborated on a song "Own The Future" with Goodluck, Shekhinah, and YoungstaCPT. She also received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at Global Music Awards Africa 2022. In early February, she was featured on Home Session by Apple Music. In February 6, Msaki unveiled six pieces of her artwork titled ''Platinumb Heart of Love In Protest'' and performed at Nirox Sculpture park to promote her double album. Msaki and Tubatsi Moloi released joint album ''Synthetic Hearts'' on March 10, 2023. Msaki and
Sun-El Musician Sanele Tresure Sithole (born 28 March 1989), known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River (town), Mooi River, he attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal bu ...
collaborated on a single "Amandla", released on November 3, 2023. Towards the end of April 2024, Msaki and Tubatsi Moloi announced the album ''Synthetic Hearts (Part II)''. Two singles "Imini Yesithembiso" and "Green to Gold" were released on March 13, 2024. "Izinto Zobomi" was released on May 4, 2024, as second single. The album was released on May 24, 2024. In October 2024, Msaki announce Camagu in Symphony: 10 Years of Gratitude concert which was held at the SunBet Arena on December 12.


Television

In early November 2021, she made her screen debut as guest judge on ''
Idols South Africa ''Idols'' was a television show on the South African television network Mzansi Magic, and previously on M-Net, based on the popular British show ''Pop Idol''. The show was a contest to determine the best young singer in South Africa. The gener ...
''
season 17 A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and polar ...
. In June 2024, Msaki joined ''uShuni Womhlaba'', SABC 1 singing competition reality television show as a judge.


Filmography


Discography


Studio albums

* ''Nal'ithemba'' (2013) * ''Zaneliza: How The Water Moves'' (2016) * '' Platinumb Heart'' (2021)


Collaborative albums

* ''Synthetic Hearts'' (2023) (Msaki and Tubatsi)


As lead artist


As featured artist


Achievements


Amapiano Music Awards

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Basadi in Music Awards

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Clout Africa Awards

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Metro FM Music Awards

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Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards

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South African Music Awards

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