Masandi’s latest EP Kaleidoscope has been hitting the right notes with fans and critics alike. The project has amassed over 750K streams across platforms and proves how valuable tapping into different parts of your creativity can be.
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In Kaleidoscope, Masandi explores his spirituality, an avenue he may not have always embraced in his music as a recording artist but has been an integral part of the tapestry of his life growing up as a child to a pastor in KwaZulu-Natal. The transition into inspirational music had been an important step for the young musician on his journey but it wasn’t until after surviving a car accident that he considered this more intimately.
‘Ithemba’ was released in 2020, serving as a reminder to keep faith strong during a bleak time in the world’s history. Masandi reimagines the classic South African hymn ‘Ithemba Lam’, with a fresh and galvanising approach and it set the temperature of the rest of the seven-track EP with songs including ‘Ngibonga Wena’ and ‘Noma Kunzima’. Produced by well-known Gospel, Afro-pop artist and producer Mojalefa Mjakes Thebe, Kaleidoscope is a guiding light of what contemporary South African praise and worship might look like, with Masandi as the torchbearer. The music he makes now has also shifted his who he is as an artist:
‘Ithemba’ was released in 2020, serving as a reminder to keep faith strong during a bleak time in the world’s history. Masandi reimagines the classic South African hymn ‘Ithemba Lam’, with a fresh and galvanising approach and it set the temperature of the rest of the seven-track EP with songs including ‘Ngibonga Wena’ and ‘Noma Kunzima’. Produced by well-known Gospel, Afro-pop artist and producer Mojalefa Mjakes Thebe, Kaleidoscope is a guiding light of what contemporary South African praise and worship might look like, with Masandi as the torchbearer. The music he makes now has also shifted his who he is as an artist:
"The type of music I make now is more meaningful and has more substance than before. When I’m within my creative process, I go a bit more deeper than I used to. The aim is to convey a message that moves the listener both emotionally and spiritually," he says.
The singer and actor has been nominated for two awards at the 2022 Crown Gospel Music Awards for ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Gospel Video’ for ‘Ithemba’. As an artist who has newly ventured into a different musical space, to have the community embrace him in this way is no mean feat. Of his two nominations the singer has expressed his gratitude and the gravitas, for him, of winning the awards:
"It would mean a lot to me, it would mean recognition of this gift God has given me and that my music is making impact. That I am on the right path," he added.
Masandi, is an inspirational soul musician, songwriter, and actor raised in Durban South African. Masandi was a born entertainer, who at 7 years old, began performing at church and local talent shows. Masandi was also the lead trumpeter in the school brass band.
2014 was the year that marked the beginning of his solo music career, after the release of his first single “Bring it Back”. The hit single attracted the attention of rapper K.O. who is also the co-founder of Cashtime Life. After a studio session with K.O. the hit single ‘One Time’ was born.
In 2016, Masandi founded his own record label and released his multi–chart-topping, single “Ngane Yabantu”.This was followed by his first body of work titled; “Escalation EP” in 2017, where he worked with the likes of Big NUZ, Gemini Major, Aewon Wolf, August Rush (USA), Nana Atta, SpiritBanger, Skatta, and Captain Blu (Nigeria). As part of “Team Durban” alongside DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Duncan, NaakMusiq, and others, they clinched the title at the Redbull Culture Clash competition. Alongside Kwesta, Masandi featured on Duncan’s Hit song “Change for Nobody”.
In 2020, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actor penned a global deal with Warner Music South Africa with his new single “Amagate” released in 2021. The song peaked at number 1 on the Gagasi Afropop charts and continues to garner impressions on radio stations across the country.
Masandi - who has transitioned into worship / inspirational music. A journey that’s been long coming for him, after a fatal car accident, temporary paralysis, and in a head brace for over 3 months. Where he found himself pleading to God to save his life and that if this happened, we would transition to the gospel and become a steward of the gospel.
Having turned 30, 3 years ago, he began his transition into worship and last year made the decision to fully commit to the pact that he made with God on the hospital bed. He has since seen God move on his behalf, and landed 3 major acting roles this year - one of which is a lead in the most-watched soapie in South Africa.
Masandi is set to release his follow-up single ‘Noma Kunzima’ on March 25th 2022, followed by his EP, titled: ‘Illumination’ which according to Masandi means: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Image Cred: Twitter