Kwesta attended Phumlani Secondary School in
Katlehong for three years, and later Alafang Secondary School. He developed an interest in poetry during his high school years and received positive feedback and encouragement from fellow students and teachers. In 2003, Kwesta became a part of the group The Ghetto Fellas later known as The Juvenylz. The group disbanded after two years. After the group's disbandment, Kwesta made an agreement with Africa's Most Southern Record Company for the use of their studios. During this time, Kwesta participated in competitions and events to provide visibility for his brand. He took part in YFM's Rap Activity Jam MC of the Month competition. He topped ETV's Shiz Niz Freestyle Kings Special. Also, he performed at The Rand Show, Miss Confidence Show and The Durban Beach Festival. The rapper dropped out of high school at the age of 16. After which he convinced his mother to give him the taxi fare necessary to get to Buttabing Entertainment's offices. The meeting resulted in him being added to the record label's roster marking the beginning of his signed career.
Career beginnings In 2007, Kwesta earned a judging gig on the Sprite Hip Hoop Tour and a feature on The Ventilation Street Tape. In the same year, Kwesta released his inaugural single
Sharp Fede. He later released a mixtape in collaboration with DJ C-Live. In 2010, Kwesta was among the few chosen as Brand SA Ambassadors. He performed during the national roadshows held before the
2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.
20102012: Special Rekwest In September 2010, Kwesta released debut studio album titled
Special Rekwest. The album featured hit singles such as
Babhemi,
Flash It,
Stomp and
Pump It.
Flava received a synch-deal with
DStv and got featured in the
Loeries TV's 2011, ad-campaign.
Pump It received a synch-deal with
DStv and Redds. an America action movie. With the success of the album, Kwesta became South Africa's first rapper to have seven songs ranked on multiple radio charts in the same year.
Special Rekwest earned
SAMA nominations in 2011 for Best Newcomer and Best Rap Album.
20132015: DaKAR On 25 November 2013, Kwesta released his second studio album titled
DaKAR (Da King of Afrikan Rap). The album ranked third on the South African
iTunes Hip-Hop Charts during its debut.
20162019: DaKAR II In 2016, Kwesta released his third studio album titled
DaKAR II. On 18 January 2016, ''
Ngud''' was released featuring,
Cassper Nyovest. At annual
MTV Africa Music Awards, the single "
Ngud'" received a nominations for the song of the Year. In early October 2017, his single "Spirit" featuring the American rapper
Wale was released. The song was certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). On 26 April 2018,
DaKAR II was certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry of
South Africa (RiSA).
2021present: g.o.d guluva In March 2021, his single "Fire In The Ghetto" featuring Troublle was released, as album's lead single. On 30 April 2021, Kwesta released his fourth studio album, titled
g.o.d guluva [acronym for "ghost of dakar"]. The cover art was by
Nelson Makamo.
The album features
South Africa artists Thabsie, Focalistic, TLT,
Yanga Chief,
K.O. The album peaked No. 4 in
South Africa Top 100 Albums, and received generally positive reviews from music critics. At the 2021
Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, his single "Njandini" won the award for the best Best Kwaito song. == Discography ==