Msaki announces a thanksgiving concert, Camagu in Symphony: 10 Years of Gratitude taking place this December at SunBet Arena in Tshwane. Picture: Instagram
In 2023, singer-songwriter Msaki announced that she would be taking a break from the music industry. Now, she has returned to celebrate a 10-year milestone in her career.
But the 35-year-old performer says she is still not back from her break, revealing at a press conference that she is preparing for her 10-year celebration and reflection on her journey in the music industry, which she has titled “Camagu In Symphony: 10 Years of Gratitude.”
She shared the message behind the concert, explaining that it is meant to acknowledge her decade of creating and collaborating with others, while expressing her gratitude. She emphasised that this is not a return to performances.
“It’s to say, if I never do anything else again in this space, in this concerting way, please can it be accepted, but also can I leave with this note of gratitude because I don’t know what’s going to happen next or how the art is going to pull me, how the gift is going to shake me.
“I think the openness to that also means that there needs to be an openness to stepping away, but I can’t do that without saying thank you,” she said.
Her breakout song, Iimfama Ziyabona, which came to her in a dream, marked the beginning of how far she has come.
Reflecting on her journey, she says “thank you,” recognising how the song has carried her.
Throughout her 10-year career, she has consistently delivered healing through her music and collaborative work, with songs like Ubomi Abumanga and Khusela becoming soothing anthems for many.
Born Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, Msaki has not only healed people’s hearts with her artistry, but she also made them dance while exploring sounds and themes that resonate with her audience.
The singer explains that “Camagu In Symphony” is a way to give thanks for both the good and the bad, for the experiences that have helped her grow, and for the people who have supported her throughout her journey.
As she closes one chapter and prepares for the next, she looks forward to working on projects that will uplift and enrich young people. For her, the first ten years were about figuring out her path and understanding her purpose within her community.
“Young people are not given a chance to self-actualise because arts and culture in a province does not activate the arts centres but instead, what’s active are bottle stores.
“I cannot allow my energy and my gift to be focused solely on getting a plastic statue.
“I think the next 10 years will be about figuring out how to make a real impact on a daily basis because communities are filled with people who need help, and I want to learn how to assist them and find out how my gift can support that,” she added.
One of Msaki’s passions is song-writing, a field for which she won a Basadi in Music Award. She is committed to helping young people pursue song-writing as a potential career, recognising that it remains a “vague” concept in the country.
She believes that there is strong potential for songwriters to earn a living, and she wants to provide opportunities for young people in South Africa and across the continent.
The Khusela singer will conclude the year with a concert, giving thanks in symphony, at the SunBet Arena on December 12.
IOL