Msaki
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Msaki Biography
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana (born 31 December 1988), professionally known as Msaki, is a celebrated South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Hailing from East London, Eastern Cape, Msaki’s passion for music was nurtured from a young age, influenced by her DJ father and composer grandmother. Her musical journey began in 2008 when she joined alternative rock and electro-experimental bands while still in college. Over the years, Msaki has evolved into a versatile artist, blending genres and collaborating with prominent musicians, earning critical acclaim and numerous nominations.
| Full Name | Asanda Lusaseni Mvana |
| Stage Name | Msaki |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1988 |
| Place of Birth | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Education | Master of Fine Arts, Rhodes University |
| Debut EP | Nal'ithemba (2013) |
| Debut Album | Zaneliza: How The Water Moves (2016) |
| Record Label | One Shushu Day Artistry |
| Notable Collaborations | Prince Kaybee, TRESOR, Kid X, Sun-El Musician, Tubatsi Moloi |
| Television | Guest judge on Idols South Africa (2021), Judge on uShuni Womhlaba (2024) |
Early Life
Born and raised in East London, Msaki was immersed in a musical environment from childhood. Her father was a DJ, and her grandmother a music composer, which deeply influenced her artistic path. She attended Cathcart High School and briefly studied at Nelson Mandela University before transferring to Rhodes University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. Early in her career, Msaki joined the alternative rock band The Patience and electro-experimental group Johnny Cradle. By 2009, she was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the duo Kate and I in Grahamstown. In 2012, she expanded her musical education by attending a music school in North Carolina, USA.
Career
Msaki launched her professional music career in 2013 with the release of her debut Extended Play, Nal'ithemba, produced by Cobus Van Dyk under her own label, One Shushu Day Artistry. Her breakthrough came with the 2016 album Zaneliza: How The Water Moves, co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini, which earned a nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 23rd South African Music Awards. The single "Imfama Ziyabona" from the same year enjoyed 19 consecutive weeks on the Metro FM Charts.
Msaki’s collaborative spirit is evident in her work with South African DJ Prince Kaybee on the 2019 single "Fetch Your Life," which topped the iTunes Dance charts. That year, her single "Pearls To Swine," featuring TRESOR and Kid X, received a nomination for Best Produced Video. She also co-wrote Kelly Khumalo’s single "Undithatha Kancinci." In 2021, Msaki contributed to the compilation album Rhythms of Zamunda, inspired by the film Coming 2 America.
October 2021 marked the release of a double single, "Fetch Your Life II" and "Mntakababa," featuring Kabza De Small and Focalistic, alongside her collaboration on the African Lullabies Pt. 1 compilation. Her ambitious double project, Platinumb Heart, was released in November 2021, followed by a headline performance at the 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival in December.
In 2022, Msaki collaborated on "Own The Future" with Goodluck, Shekhinah, and YoungstaCPT, and was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Global Music Awards Africa. She also featured on Apple Music’s Home Session and showcased her visual artistry with an exhibition titled Platinumb Heart of Love In Protest at Nirox Sculpture Park.
Msaki continued to innovate with the joint album Synthetic Hearts, released with Tubatsi Moloi in March 2023, and a collaboration with Sun-El Musician on the single "Amandla" in November 2023. In early 2024, she announced Synthetic Hearts (Part II), releasing singles "Imini Yesithembiso," "Green to Gold," and "Izinto Zobomi," culminating in the album’s release in May 2024.
Looking ahead, Msaki announced the Camagu in Symphony: 10 Years of Gratitude concert, held at SunBet Arena in December 2024. In 2025, she revealed a collaborative EP titled Entropy with Jesse Clegg, releasing the lead single "Wayside Lover" featuring Sjava in September 2025. The EP was released in February 2026.
Television
Msaki made her television debut as a guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17 in November 2021. Continuing her presence on screen, she joined the judging panel of the SABC 1 singing competition uShuni Womhlaba in June 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Msaki’s musical career?
A: Growing up in a family with a DJ father and a composer grandmother, Msaki was surrounded by music from an early age, which inspired her to pursue a career in music.
Q: What are some of Msaki’s notable collaborations?
A: Msaki has collaborated with artists such as Prince Kaybee, TRESOR, Kid X, Sun-El Musician, and Tubatsi Moloi.
Q: Has Msaki received any awards or nominations?
A: Yes, her debut album was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards, and she has received nominations including Female Vocalist of the Year at the Global Music Awards Africa.
Q: What other artistic talents does Msaki have besides music?
A: Msaki is also a visual artist, having exhibited her artwork titled Platinumb Heart of Love In Protest at Nirox Sculpture Park.
Conclusion
Msaki stands as a dynamic and influential figure in South Africa’s contemporary music scene. Her ability to blend diverse musical styles, coupled with her commitment to artistic growth and collaboration, has earned her both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Beyond music, her ventures into visual art and television demonstrate her multifaceted talent and dedication to creative expression. As she continues to evolve and release new projects, Msaki’s impact on the cultural landscape remains profound and inspiring.
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