How Meskay wants to take his music to a national platform

Khuthadzo Tshifudi, known as Meskay in music circles, wants to see his music played all over the country.

The 26-year-old Venrap artist from Vleifontein has been dominating the local music scene since the release of his first album in April last year. Since the release of the album, which features a hit song Vhano rivhenga mutshiko ukhavho that literally translates as “those who hate us, pressure is on them”, he has been a household name among young people and fans of Venrap in the region.

His only album, entitled Darkest before dawn, features 19 tracks and, since its release, it has been doing well, giving him an opportunity to perform at various events in the Vhembe region. Most of his songs have received airplay at various local radio stations as well as Phalaphala FM. 

Meskay recalled that he started singing while he was doing his first year at the Tshwane University of Technology. “I started with music in 2012 in a group called New Found Records. I have worked with artists such as Fizzy, Prifix, Makhadzi and Mizo Phyll,” he said.

Although he only became actively involved in the industry recently, passion and talent have always been part of his life. He remembers that when he was still in primary school he used to play drumbeats with a school ruler on his desk inside the classroom while singing. He did all this just for fun, but the whole class would respond by dancing.

Though he was young, these incidents made him realise that he was talented and if he exploited his skills he could one day yield an exceptional harvest from his talent. “That’s when I realised that I have talent. Singing to me is natural, because every time when I am down and not feeling happy I turned to music; I just sing until I feel better,” he said.

Initially starting out in the industry under New Found Records, Meskay has been signed with Mosbee Records.

He grew up listening to veteran artists such as Oliver Mutukudzi, Spokes H and Colbert Mukwevho, which shaped him to become the artist he is today. He reckons that the Venrap industry was extremely tough when he started. At the time he was not known, did not have fans and felt like he needed to prove himself in order to convince people to love his music.

“It took hard work, sleepless nights and perseverance. I remember there was a time when I was struggling to get even just a single event in a year where I could perform. I then had to attend events and do free shows just to promote myself,” he says.

Meskay has since featured with almost 90% of the Venrap artists, collaborating with them on different songs as well as at various events. “I am planning to take my music to a national level, because I believe that around Venda I have already done my homework,” he said.

He is working towards achieving his goal of taking his music to the whole country. “It is just a matter of time before this happens,” said Meskay.

Entertainment - Date: 22 February 2019

Phathutshedzo Luvhengo

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