Early Life and Family Background
Full Name: Asanda Lusaseni Mvana
Stage Name: Msaki
Date of Birth: December 31, 1988
Place of Birth: East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Family Background: Raised in a musically inclined family, with her father being a DJ and her grandmother a music composer, Msaki was immersed in music from a young age.
Growing up in various towns, including East London, Butterworth, Grahamstown, Peddie, Nqamakhwe, and Cathcart, Msaki was exposed to a rich tapestry of South African cultures and musical traditions.
Education and Musical Development
Msaki’s academic journey began at Nelson Mandela University, where she pursued studies before transferring to Rhodes University. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. In 2012, she attended a music school in North Carolina, USA, selected from over 900 applicants worldwide. This experience deepened her understanding of music and spirituality, shaping her artistic vision.
Musical Career and Achievements
Early Career and Breakthrough
Msaki’s musical journey began in 2008 as a member of the alternative rock group The Patience in East London. She also joined the electro-experimental band Johnny Cradle in Cape Town. In 2009, she formed the duo Kate and I in Grahamstown, serving as the guitarist and lead vocalist. In 2013, she released her debut EP, Nal’ithemba, followed by her first full-length album, Zaneliza: How The Water Moves, in 2016. The album was co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini and nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards.
Collaborations and Notable Singles
Msaki gained widespread recognition through collaborations with prominent South African artists. Her feature on Prince Kaybee’s “Fetch Your Life” became a hit, topping the iTunes Dance charts. She also co-wrote “Undithatha Kancinci” for Kelly Khumalo. In 2019, she released “Pearls to Swine” featuring TRESOR and Kid X, which was nominated for Best Produced Video.
Platinumb Heart and Artistic Growth
In 2021, Msaki released her double album Platinum Heart, which received critical acclaim and surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify. The album won Best Alternative Album at the 2022 Clout Africa Awards and was recognized at the South African Music Awards. She also showcased her visual art through the exhibition “Platinum Heart of Love In Protest” at Nirox Sculpture Park.
Recent Projects and Collaborations
In 2023, Msaki collaborated with Tubatsi Moloi on the album Synthetic Hearts. They released Synthetic Hearts (Part II) in 2024, featuring singles like “Imini Yesithembiso” and “Green to Gold”. She also teamed up with Sun-El Musician for the single “Amandla” in 2023. In 2024, she announced the “Camagu in Symphony: 10 Years of Gratitude” concert, celebrating a decade in the music industry.
Awards and Recognition
Msaki’s contributions to music have been acknowledged through various awards:
- 2022: Won Female Artist of the Year and Best Alternative Album at the South African Music Awards.
- 2022: Awarded Songwriter of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards.
- 2022: Won Best Alternative Album at the Clout Africa Awards.
- 2022: Nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Global Music Awards Africa.
- 2024: Nominated for Best African Pop Song at the Metro FM Music Awards for “Umusa”.
Personal Life
Msaki is a mother of three and has been private about her family life, including her husband’s identity. She occasionally shares personal sentiments on her official personal Tumblr blog but maintains a level of privacy regarding her relationships.
Conclusion
Msaki’s journey from East London to becoming a celebrated figure in the South African music scene exemplifies her dedication to her craft and her cultural roots. Through her soulful voice, poignant lyrics, and artistic versatility, she continues to inspire audiences both locally and internationally. Her work transcends musical boundaries, blending folk, symphonic elements, and African rhythms to create a unique and impactful sound.
