Kwesta Opens Up About Career Setback, Admits Losing Key Team Changed Everything
South African rap heavyweight Kwesta has delivered one of the most honest reflections on his career, admitting that the absence of a strong management and distribution team has played a major role in the underperformance of his recent music.
Speaking candidly during a live recording of Podcast and Chill with MacG at the entertainment marquee, Makubenjalo, during the Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville Racecourse over the weekend, the award-winning rapper explained why his latest projects have not reached audiences in the same way as his earlier chart-topping releases.
The conversation began when co-host Sol Phenduka asked Kwesta why albums such as The Big Boy Theory, released last year, and Speak N Verstaan, his 2022 collaborative project with Kabza De Small, did not enjoy the widespread success of his previous work.
Kwesta, whose real name is Mfundo Vilakazi, pointed directly to the end of his working relationship with former manager Nota Baloyi.
“My problem is that after the end of my relationship with Nota Baloyi, there was never again a direct and strong team that I worked with to distribute my music properly and present it well to music fans,” he said.
The rapper acknowledged that the music industry has changed rapidly and admitted that he failed to adapt quickly enough.
According to Kwesta, he became too comfortable relying on the reputation he had built over the years instead of seeking fresh ideas from younger people who understand today’s digital music landscape.
“Another thing I have realised becomes a problem is that I relied too much on how old I am in the industry, which made me complacent in asking for help from other people, especially the youth who have strategies that align with the current times we are in now.”
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Kwesta said the experience has become an important lesson.
He believes every stage of an artist’s career requires continuous learning, regardless of experience, and says he is determined to approach his next project differently.
“However, that proves that we never stop learning, so I will build on that to help ensure that my next artwork is marketed properly by having a strong team to help me where I cannot reach.”
The remarks offer a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by established artists in an industry increasingly driven by digital platforms, social media strategy and changing listener habits. While talent remains essential, effective promotion and distribution have become just as important in determining whether music reaches a wide audience.
Kwesta rose to national and international prominence with hit songs including Ngud’, Spirit, Noma Yini and Mayibabo, many of which were released during the period when Nota Baloyi managed his career. Those records helped cement his status as one of South Africa’s most influential hip hop artists.
Over the years, he has built an impressive catalogue that includes DAKAR (2013), DAKAR II (2016), GO.D GULUVA (2021), Speak N Verstaan (2022) and The Big Boy Theory (2025).
Although his recent releases may not have achieved the same commercial impact as his earlier work, Kwesta’s candid admission signals a renewed determination to evolve with the industry. By acknowledging past mistakes and committing to rebuilding the right team around him, the veteran rapper appears focused on ensuring his next chapter reaches the audience he believes it deserves.
