A decade ago, a quiet yet powerful voice emerged from the Eastern Cape, captivating the hearts of South Africa and beyond. Today, Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, known globally as Msaki, stands as a testament to what it means to blend passion, purpose, and resilience in an ever-changing musical landscape. As she celebrates her 10th anniversary in the industry, Msaki reflects with gratitude on a journey that has not only shaped her career but has defined a new era of South African music.
“It’s been 10 years! I want to say ‘Thank you.’ The support and love from all those who stood by me did not go unnoticed, even during the challenging times. I look back at that with gratitude. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to close this chapter by saying Camagu to my supporters, my partners in the arts, my collaborators, my friends, and my incredible family,” expresses Msaki.
A Decade of Msaki’s Sonic Journey
Msaki’s journey began like many South African stories—with a deep sense of community, culture, and purpose. Her debut album, Zaneliza, introduced a genre-blurring sound that was as poetic as it was protest-laden, setting the stage for a career that would redefine South African music. Whether through acoustic ballads or electrifying dance tracks like “Fetch Your Life” (a collaboration with Sun-El Musician), Msaki has become synonymous with introspection, healing, and hope.
From her Grammy-winning work with Black Coffee to her genre-defying collaborations with Tresor, Kabza De Small, and orchestras across the globe, Msaki’s music is a testament to resilience and evolution. Her ability to effortlessly move between folk, electronica, amapiano, and orchestral arrangements has cemented her status as a versatile force in global music conversations.
Beyond the Music: A Trailblazer and Mentor
What sets Msaki apart is not just her contribution to music but her unwavering dedication to nurturing others and creating spaces for independent artists to thrive. Parallel to growing her own career, Msaki founded ALTBLK>>Continua, an intentional developmental platform designed to empower independent musicians and cultural workers. The vehicle supports artists with pre-production, rollout, and post-production, while fiercely protecting ownership rights and ensuring ethical practices.
ALTBLK>> also provides opportunities for artists to perform on major festival stages globally, from Sauti za Busara to Sakifo and 1Beat in New York. Through ALTBLK>>, Msaki has mentored emerging talents, focusing on uplifting female artists and building a team of six, which includes five Black women.
Msaki’s influence also extends into the world of social upliftment. Her Fetch Your Life Foundation, inspired by her hit song of the same name, focuses on empowering youth in underserved communities through music, creativity, wellness, and outdoor education. The foundation partners with key organizations such as the Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Foundation, Tomorrow Trust, and Bridges Academy, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to find purpose and connect with their dreams.
Her work with Bridges Academy, where she serves as a board member and mentor, showcases her commitment to education as she helps guide young artists through industry pathways. In addition, she is a driving force at Flames Studios, where she has launched a podcast and peer interview system, further fostering a sense of community among artists.
A Legacy Rooted in Creativity and Community
Msaki’s impact on the industry goes beyond music and mentorship. As the newly appointed head of the Music and Development Activation Department for the City of Johannesburg, she is tasked with linking entities, developing programmes, and activating spaces to support the city’s creative industry. Her optimism and vision for Johannesburg’s music scene are infectious, making her the perfect candidate to drive cultural growth.
Through her Misimu Life initiative, a space that blends creativity, wellness, and nature, Msaki continues to create environments where artistic expression and holistic health can flourish. Every September, Misimu Life hosts its Spring Equinox Creativity Retreat, providing a sanctuary for creatives to recharge and reconnect with their purpose.
Gratitude and Reflection
As Msaki reflects on this milestone, her message is clear: gratitude is at the heart of her journey. This decade of Msaki’s career is not just a reflection of her success; it is a celebration of the communities she has built, the lives she has touched, and the future she continues to shape. As she steps into the next chapter, Msaki remains a trailblazer, mentor, and visionary, inspiring the next generation of South African artists and creatives.
“The transition I am feeling is about making more space to use my energy and vision to serve while I am young. I understand my calling as an artist, but it now comes with a responsibility to care holistically about my peers in the industry and the next generation. I am open to where this charge to serve takes me and how it will intertwine with my future expression. For now, there is so much work to do on the ground,” shares Msaki.
ALTBLK>>Continua, Fetch Your Life Foundation, and Misimu Life are all entities Msaki founded and runs to move this work forward because ubomi abumanga (life has not ended), and the common denominator is her desire to see people have the opportunity to align with their dreams.
Msaki leaves us with a single message: “Camagu. Thank you for the love, the support, the challenges, and the triumphs.”
