Msaki
{{Short description| South African singer and songwriter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Msaki
| image =
| image_upright =
| image_size =
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Asanda Lusaseni Mvana
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|12|31|df=y}}
| birth_place = East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| occupation = {{hlist| Composer | Songwriter | Singer
}}
| alma_mater = Rhodes University (MFA)
| module = {{infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| origin = Johannesburg
| genre = Indie Folk
| instrument = {{hlist| Vocals | Guitar
}}
| years_active = 2008–present
| label = One Shushu Day Artistry
| associated_acts = {{hlist| Sun-El Musician| TRESOR
}}
| website =
}}
}}
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana{{cite news|title= South African Singer-Songwriter Msaki Spreads Her Wings With Angelic Voice on Billboard Live At-Home |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9388519/msaki-live-at-home-performance/ |access-date=19 October 2021|publisher = billboard.com}} (born 31 December 1988) known professionally as Msaki, is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Born and grew up in East London, 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.{{cite news|title= Msaki on Afternoon Express |url= https://afternoonexpress.co.za/guests/msaki/5145 |access-date=19 October 2021|publisher =afternoonexpress.co.za}}
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.{{cite web|title=5 minutes with Msaki |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/2019-04-29-5-minutes-with-msaki/| publisher=SowetanLIVE| access-date=2022-01-20| first=Thabile| last=Mokone|date=2019-04-29}} She attended Cathcart High School and Nelson Mandela University before dropping out after one year. Mvana attended Rhodes University and obtained Master of Fine Arts degree.{{cite web|title=Msaki takes long walk to stardom |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2019-05-10-msaki-takes-long-walk-to-stardom/|first= Emmanuel| last=Tjiya|work=Sowetan LIVE|access-date=10 May 2019}}
In 2008, she Joined The Patience alternative rock group based in East London and electro-experimental band Johnny Cradle based in Cape town.{{cite web|title=Asanda Msaki Mvana, the angel-voiced songstress {{!}} East London |url=https://showme.co.za/east-london/lifestyle/asanda-msaki-mvana-the-angel-voiced-songstress/| website=showme.co.za}} 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.{{cite news|title=Msaki the musician to play a gig in Gugs {{!}} News24|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/msaki-the-musician-to-play-a-gig-in-gugs-20180404|access-date=5 April 2018|location=South Africa|publisher =News24}}
In 2016, she won ovation at 7th Standard Bank Ovation Awards and Gold Award First Place at Cape Town Fringe.{{cite web|title=Standard Bank Ovations winners 2016|url=https://m.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/477/147696.html|access-date=11 July 2016|publisher=BizCommunity}} Her single "Imfama Ziyabona" released in 2016, debuted on Metro FM Charts for 19 consecutive weeks.{{cite web|title=Msaki: Music helps me sort through the joy and mess of life – The Citizen| publisher= The Citizen| access-date=2022-05-12|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/msaki-music-helps-me-sort-through-the-joy-and-mess-of-life/|first=Vhahangwele |last=Nemakonde|date=2016-09-24}}
In June 2017, her debut album Zaneliza: How The Water Moves was released in South Africa.{{cite web|title=Msaki & The Golden Circle {{!}} Music In Africa|date=May 30, 2017 |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/gig-guide/msaki-golden-circle|publisher=Music In Africa|access-date=3 July 2017}} The album was co-produced by Nduduzo Makhathini.{{cite web|title=Interview: Exploring Msaki's Genre-Defying Voice - OkayAfrica|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/south-african-music-msaki-interview/|publisher=OkayAfrica|first=Nadia|last= Neophytou|access-date=8 October 2020}} To further promote her album she performed at National Art Festival. At the 23rd ceremony of South African Music Awards 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.{{cite web|title=Prince Kaybee's Fetch Your Life, featuring Msaki, tops iTunes Charts – JustNje |url=https://justnje.com/prince-kaybees-fetch-your-life-featuring-msaki-tops-itunes-charts/|date=2019-02-08|website=JustNje| access-date=2022-02-22}} In November 2019, her single "Pearls To Swine" featuring TRESOR and Kid X was released, bagged nomination for Best Produced Video.{{cite web|title=Watch! Msaki Set To Release New Visuals "Pearls To Swine" Ft Tresor & Kid X - SA Music Magazine|url=https://samusicmag.co.za/2019/11/watch-msaki-set-to-release-new-visuals-pearls-to-swine-ft-tressor-kid-x/amp/|publisher=SA Music Magazine|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024090635/https://samusicmag.co.za/2019/11/watch-msaki-set-to-release-new-visuals-pearls-to-swine-ft-tressor-kid-x/amp/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Msaki {{!}} Music In Africa
|date=October 14, 2021 |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/msaki|publisher=Music In Africa}} She co-written "Undithatha Kancinci" single by Kelly Khumalo.{{cite web|title=kelly Khumalo's carthatic songwriting process - PressReader|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/daily-dispatch/20191031/281681141674416| via=PressReader| access-date=2022-01-21| date=2019-10-31}}
Msaki was featured on Rhythms of Zamunda (Music Inspired By: Coming 2 America), released in March 2021.{{cite web |title=Def Jam Recordings & Def Jam Africa Present Rhythms Of Zamunda: Music Inspired By Coming 2 America Arriving March 5th |url=https://www.defjam.com/def-jam-recordings-def-jam-africa-present-rhythms-of-zamunda-music-inspired-by-coming-2-america-arriving-march-5th/#/ |website=www.defjam.com |access-date=July 27, 2024}}
In October 22, Msaki released double single of "Fetch Your Life II" and "Mntakababa" featuring Kabza De Small and Focalistic.{{cite web|title=Msaki releases singles off upcoming double album {{!}} Music In Africa |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/msaki-releases-singles-upcoming-double-album|publisher =Music In Africa|first=Ano|last=Shumba|date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=22 October 2021}} That same month she made a collaboration on platoon compilation album African Lullabies Pt. 1.{{cite web|date=2021-10-04|title=Ami Faku, Msaki, TRESOR, others feature on Platoon's African Lullabies album -|url= https://museafrica.com/2021/10/04/ami-faku-msaki-tresor-others-feature-on-platoons-african-lullabies-album/| website=museafrica.com| access-date=2022-05-12}}{{cite web|title=SA: Platoon celebrates Kids Music Day with release of African Lullabies album {{!}} Music In Africa| access-date =2022-05-12|first=Ano|last=Shumba|date= 2021-10-01|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-platoon-celebrates-kids-music-day-release-african-lullabies-album}} In November 19, her double project Platinumb Heart, was released.{{cite web|title=Msaki Releases Highly Anticipated Double Album|first=Akshay |last=Bhanawat |date=2021-11-19| access-date =2021-11-19 |url=https://themusicessentials.com/amp/music/msaki-platinumb-heart-beating-platinumb-heart-open/| publisher =THE – Music Essentials}}
In December 2021, Msaki headlined to 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival along with Amanda Black, Zoë Modiga, and Mandisi Dyantyisa was held in State Theatre, Guateng.{{cite web|first=Kedibone |last=Modise|title=Msaki, Amanda Black, Zoë Modiga to headline Mzansi Fela Festival |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/pretoria/msaki-amanda-black-zoe-modiga-to-headline-mzansi-fela-festival-26a6dbde-9136-4d81-9e5a-b1d8e77958e0 |date=2021-12-04| access-date=2021-12-10| publisher=Independent Online}}
In January 2022, Msaki collaborated on a song "Own The Future" with Goodluck, Shekhinah, and YoungstaCPT.{{cite web|title=Goodluck, Shekhinah, YoungstaCPT & Msaki collaborate on one-of-a-kind school anthem 'We Own The Future' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/goodluck-shekhinah-youngstacpt-and-msaki-collaborate-on-one-of-a-kind-school-anthem-we-own-the-future-3ac6cbe1-c79b-4143-8444-0e250e35120e| publisher =Independent Online| access-date=2022-01-06| date=2022-01-24}} She also received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at Global Music Awards Africa 2022.{{cite web|title=Global Music Awards Africa 2022: All the nominees {{!}} Music In Africa |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/global-music-awards-africa-2022-all-nominees|date=2022-01-26| first=Ano|last=Shumba|publisher=Music In Africa|access-date=2022-02-27}}
In early February, she was featured on Home Session by Apple Music.{{cite web|date=2022-02-01|title=Apple Music Home Session Features Msaki {{!}} Hype Magazine|url= https://hypemagazine.co.za/2022/02/01/apple-music-home-session-features-msaki/| publisher=Hype Magazine| access-date=2022-05-10}}
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.{{cite news|title=Take a peek at Msaki's art exhibition {{!}} Citypress|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/take-a-peek-at-msakis-art-exhibition-20220205| url-access= subscription| publisher=Citypress|first=Phumlani S|last= Langa | location =South Africa |date=2022-02-06| access-date =2022-02-13 }}{{cite web|title=SA: Msaki to play Platinumb Heart gig at Lyric Theatre {{!}} Music In Africa |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-msaki-play-platinumb-heart-gig-lyric-theatre| publisher=Music In Africa| access-date =2022-02-27|date=2022-02-22|first=Ano|last=Shumba}}
Msaki and Tubatsi Moloi released joint album Synthetic Hearts on March 10, 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-msaki-and-tubatsi-moloi-release-joint-album-synthetic-hearts | title=SA: Msaki and Tubatsi Moloi release joint album Synthetic Hearts | date=March 14, 2023 }}
Msaki and Sun-El Musician collaborated on a single "Amandla", released on November 3, 2023.{{cite web|title=Sun-El on collab with Msaki: I wanted to support my best friend through a hard time she was going through {{!}} Drum |work=Drum|url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/sun-el-on-collab-with-msaki-i-wanted-to-support-my-best-friend-through-a-hard-time-she-was-going-through-20231103|date=2023-11-03|url-access=subscription}}
Towards the end of April 2024, Msaki and Tubatsi Moloi announced the album Synthetic Hearts (Part II).{{cite web|access-date=2024-05-04|work=Ubetoo|date=2024-05-03|url=https://www.ubetoo.com/music/msaki-tubatsi-mpho-moloi-synthetic-hearts-part-ii/|title=Msaki & Tubatsi Mpho Moloi – Synthetic Hearts Part II Album|first=Thato |last=Siyabonga}} Two singles "Imini Yesithembiso" and "Green to Gold" were released on March 13, 2024.{{cite web|title=Msaki & Tubatsi Mpho Moloi To Release New Album 'Synthetic Hearts Part II'|first=Atlehang|last=Moloi|date=2024-04-24|work=Slikour On Life|url=https://slikouronlife.co.za/blog/26592/msaki-tubatsi-mpho-moloi-to-release-new-album-synthetic-hearts-part-ii|access-date=2024-05-04}}
"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.{{cite web|title=Msaki's 'Camagu In Symphony' concert to celebrate a decade in the music industry|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/pretoria/msakis-camagu-in-symphony-concert-to-celebrate-a-decade-in-the-music-industry-6d163595-7b79-41ee-a462-9022d5cb0057|work=Independent Online|date=2024-10-14|access-date=2024-10-16}}
= Television =
In early November 2021, she made her screen debut as guest judge on Idols South Africa season 17.{{cite web|title=Mzansi Magic - Msaki to act as guest judge this Sunday – Idols SA |url=https://mzansimagic.dstv.com/show/idols-sa/news/msaki-to-act-as-guest-judging-this-sunday-idols-sa/news| publisher =Mzansi Magic|date=November 13, 2021 |access-date = November 18, 2021}}
In June 2024, Msaki joined uShuni Womhlaba, SABC 1 singing competition reality television show as a judge.{{cite web|date=2024-06-20|title=Big Zulu, Phuzekhemisi, Msaki & Sho Madjozi unveil as judges of Ushuni Womhlaba|work=Waya Magazine|url=https://wayamagazine.co.za/2024/06/20/big-zulu-phuzekhemisi-msaki-sho-madjozi-unveil-as-judges-of-ushuni-womhlaba/|access-date=2024-07-08}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/a-new-talent-search-show-to-air-on-sabc-1-20240618|work=Drum|url-access=subscription|access-date=2024-07-08|title=A new talent search show to air on SABC 1|date=18 June 2024}}
Filmography
| class="wikitable"
|+Television !Year !Film !Roles |
| 2021
|Guest judge |
| 2024
|uShuni Womhlaba |Judge |
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=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name |
| scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|ZA |
| scope="row" | "Fetch Your Life II"
|rowspan=2|2021 | — | |rowspan=2|Platinumb Heart |
| scope="row" | "Mntakababa" (featuring Kabza De Small, Focalistic)
| |
| scope="row" | "Subaleka" (Msaki, Mpho Tubatsi)
|2022 |— | |rowspan=3|Synthetic Hearts |
| scope="row" | "Come In" (Msaki, Mpho Tubatsi)
| rowspan=2|2023 |— | |
| scope="row" | "Zibonakalise" (Msaki, Mpho Tubatsi)
|— | |
| scope="row" | "Amandla" (Msaki, Sun-El Musician)
| 2023 | — | |{{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "Imini Yesithembiso"
(Msaki, Mpho Tubatsi) |rowspan=6|2024 | — | |rowspan=2|Synthetic Hearts (Part II) |
| scope="row" | "Green to Gold" (Msaki, Mpho Tubatsi)
|— | |
| scope="row" | "Let Me" (NNAVY, Karun, Msaki, Hendrick Sam)
|— | |rowspan=3|Closer |
| scope="row" | "Feel" (NNAVY, Karun, Msaki, Hendrick Sam)
|— | |
| scope="row" | "Raise Your Glass" (NNAVY, Karun, Msaki, Hendrick Sam)
|— | |
| scope="row" | "Unozala" (Kenza, Ami Faku, Msaki featuring Sun-El Musician)
|— | |{{non-album single }} |
| scope="row" | "You're Light" (Sun-El Musician, Msaki, Karyendasoul)
|2025 |— | |{{Non-album single}} |
| colspan="8" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
=As featured artist=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name |
| scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|ZA |
| scope="row" | "Love Colour Spin" (Mobi Dixon featuring Msaki)
|2015 |— | |Tribal Soul (Special Edition) |
| scope="row" | "Sondela" (TRESOR featuring Msaki)
| rowspan="2"|2019 | |
| scope="row" | "Fetch Your Life" (Prince Kaybee featuring Msaki)
| | 6× Platinum{{Cite web|url=https://naijahotstars.com/in-south-africa-prince-kaybees-fetch-your-life-is-certified-6x-platinum/|title=IN SOUTH AFRICA: Prince Kaybee's "Fetch Your Life" is certified 6× platinum|first=Yeye|last=blogger|date=March 11, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2021-03-12-halala-prince-kaybee-goes-multi-platinum-on-four-singles/|title=Halala! Prince Kaybee goes multi-platinum on four singles!|website=TimesLIVE}} | Re Mmino |
| scope="row" | "Bomi Abumanga" (Sun-El Musician featuring Msaki)
|2020 | — | RiSA: 2× Platinum{{Cite web|url=https://www.risa.org.za/website/certification/certifications/?page=4|title=Certifications 2022|website=www.risa.org.za}} |
| scope="row" | "Khusela" (Kabza De Small featuring Msaki)
| 2022 | 1 | |
| scope="row" | "Jacaranda" (Karyendasoul featuring Msaki)
| rowspan=2|2023 | | |We Live 4 Our Music |
| scope="row" | "Moon" (Justin Micheal Williams, Global Soul Collective featuring Msaki
| — | |{{Non-album single}} |
| scope="row" | "Umusa" (Nomfundo Moh featuring Msaki, Cassper Nyovest)
|2024 | — | |Twenty Four |
Achievements
{{Infobox awards list
| name = Msaki
| image =
| caption =
| wins = 5
| nominations = 10
| customs = {{Custom award|Basadi in Music Awards|1|2}}
{{Custom award|Clout Africa Awards|1|1}}
{{Custom award|South African Music Awards|2|5}}
{{Custom award|Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards|1|2}}
}}
= Amapiano Music Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|2023
|Herself
|Friends of AmaPiano
|{{cancelled}}
{{end}}
= Basadi in Music Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|2022
|rowspan =2
|rowspan=2|Songwriter of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
|2023
|{{won}}
|
{{end}}
= Clout Africa Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2022
| Platinumb Heart Open
| Best Alternative Album
|{{won}}
{{end}}
= Metro FM Music Awards =
{{awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|2025
|div style="text-align: center";>|"Umusa"
|Best African Pop Song
|{{pending}}
{{end}}
= Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards =
{{awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|rowspan=2|2024
|
|Best House Artist
|{{won}}
|-
|"Marry Me" - Black Motion featuring Msaki
|Best House single
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
= South African Music Awards =
{{Awards table}}
!{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|rowspan="5"|2022
|"No Rainbow" featuring Da Capo
|Best Collaboration
|{{nom}}
|-
|
|SAMPRA Artist of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="3"|Platinumb Heart Open
|Female Artist of the Year
|{{won}}
|-
|Best Produced Album of the Year
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Adult Contemporary Album
|{{won}}
{{end}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:South African folk singers
Category:South African women folk singers
Category:South African women guitarists
Category:Musicians from the Eastern Cape
Category:Rhodes University alumni
Category:21st-century South African women singers
Category:21st-century South African guitarists
Category:South African women record producers
Category:English-language singers from South Africa
Category:Xhosa-language singers of South Africa