Biography
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana (born December 31, 1988), best known by her stage name Msaki, is a South African composer. She has sung and written many songs.
In 2013, Msaki dropped her debut Extended Play Nal’ithemba. Three years later, in 2016, she released her debut solo album, Zaneliza: How The Water Moves.
The piece was a nominee for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
Msaki  | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Asanda Lusaseni Mvana |
| Other Names: | Msaki |
| Born: | December 31, 1988 (age 34 years old) |
| Place of birth: | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Alma mater: | Rhodes University (MFA) |
| Occupation: | Composer, Songwriter, Singer |
| Years Active: | 2008- |
| Record label: | One Shushu Day Artistry |
| Genre: | Alternative/Indie, Indie folk, Country, Amapiano |
| Nomination: | South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year |
Early life
Msaki was born Asanda Lusaseni Mvana on December 31, 1988, in East London, Eastern Cape. She grew up in a family that loves music. Her father was a Disk Jockey, while her grandmother was a composer like her.
Coming from a family like this influenced her love for music. She started to involve herself in music activities in childhood.
Education
Lusaseni studied at Nelson Mandela University for a year before she dropped out. She graduated from Rhodes University eventually.
Msaki holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and attended music school in North Carolina in the United States of America in 2012.
Career
Msaki joined the East London-based The Patience alternative rock group in 2008. She also became a member of a Cape town-based electro-experimental band Johnny Cradle.
In 2009, she joined the Kate and I duo formed in Grahamstown as guitarist and lead vocalist.
The composer has a record label, One Shushu Day Artistry. She released her first extended play Nal’ithemba, in 2013.
In 2016, she won an ovation at the 7th Standard Bank Ovation Awards and the Gold Award for First Place at Cape Town Fringe.
In 2016, she dropped her single Imfama Ziyabona, and her debut album followed in June 2017. Nduduzo Makhathini co-produced the album Zaneliza: How the Water Moves.
Msaki has performed at the National Art Festival. The album was a nominee for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 23rd Ceremony of the South African Music Awards.
Aside from solo performances, she has collaborated with other local artists. In 2019, she worked with DJ Prince Kaybee on the song Fetch Your Life.
The song climbed to number one on the iTunes Dance chart. She collaborated with TRESOR and Kid X on a single, Pearls to Swine, in November 2019, nominated for Best Produced Video.
Asanda was a co-writer of Kelly Khumalo’s single Undithatha Kancinci.
Msaki dropped double single of Fetch Your Life II and Mntakababa featuring Kabza De Small and Focalistic in October. She made a collaboration on the platoon compilation album African Lullabies Pt. 1. She dropped her double project Platinumb Heart.
In 2021, Msaki headlined the 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival held at State Theatre, Gauteng.
In January 2022, she worked with Goodluck, Shekhinah, and YoungstaCPT to release Own the Future. She was a nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 Global Music Awards Africa. Apple Music featured her on Home Session.
Msaki was a guest judge on season 17 of Idols South Africa in November 2021.
Personal Life
The singer is a mother of three. She and her husband were expecting their third child, and she was going on maternity leave in August.
Asanda Mvana made headlines after Kefiloe Mdutyulwa accused her husband of cheating. She openly set the record straight after allegations of her being a homewrecker.
Reports had it that Smash Afrika’s wife had found an image of Smash Afrika and Msaki kissing. She also saw other letters from the singer professing her love for him.
Songs
- Mntakababa
- Kuja Utanipata
- Tomorrow Silver
- Mjolo for Who
- Fetch Your Life II
- Fika Kaloku
- Urban Child
- Nangomso
- No Rainbow
- Chasing Summer
- Chem Trails
- Iimfama Ziyabona
- Come Around
- Ndizincamile
- Uthando Lwam
- Pearls To Swine
- Delakufa
- Boy from Soshanguve
- Born in a Taxi
- Pata Pata Saguquka
- Statues II
- Liwa Lentliziyo
- Hold Me Down
- Heart Mend Hotel
- Dreams
- Nal’ Ithemba
- Sizophelelaphi
- White Shadow
- Ulwandle Lutshile
- Mhlaba Wakhala
- Blood Guns and Revolutions
- Umbane
Albums
- Platinumb Heart (2021)
- Zaneliza: How the Water Moves (2016)
- Synthetic Hearts (2023)
Social Profile
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana is on social media to promote her work and music brand. She posts her live performances, dates to perform, and release dates for her work.
Her dress has made many fall in love with her. Styling her hair with beads has further gained her the love of many. After being nominated for some categories, like the Basadi in Music Awards, she uses the platform to ask for votes and support.
Awards and Nominations
- No Rainbow featuring Da Capo, Best Collaboration at South African Music Awards – Nominated (2022)
- SAMPRA Artist of the Year at South African Music Awards – Nominated (2022)
- Platinumb Heart Open, Female Artist of the Year at South African Music Awards – Won (2022)
- Best Produced Album of the Year at South African Music Awards- Nominated (2022)
- Best Adult Contemporary Album at South African Music Awards – Won (2022)