EMALAHLENI – Thabang Kganakga known as Masterpiece YVK’s rise to fame is a story rooted in his love for music, fashion, and the energy of the streets. From a young man hosting fashion shows with his crew SteezeFresh to collaborating with South Africa’s top music producers, his journey has been one of passion, growth, and hard work.
It all began when Masterpiece was asked to be a master of ceremonies (MC) at a fashion show after no one else was available.
Little did he know, this would be the moment that sparked his love for the microphone. “I believe that day behind the microphone started it all,” he says.
Later, he ventured into a different style of MCing, which is where he further honed his skills after moving to Witbank to pursue his studies.
Masterpiece’s big break came when Leehleza, a fellow artist, spotted him after an event and offered him an opportunity to dive into the world of music.
Leehleza introduced him to the legendary Kabza De Small, marking the beginning of his journey as a performing artist.
“My first major breakthrough was recording ‘Tanqueray’ with Snowdeep and Shuffle Musiq,” Masterpiece explains.
He adds that hearing himself on the radio and later seeing himself on TV was a defining moment. “It solidified his belief that he could fully pursue life as an artist, leading him to drop out of school and focus solely on music.”
Masterpiece YVK’s also shares that his creative process is deeply personal. “I used to have creative sessions with my friends where we would randomly jam to beats. Some of my biggest hits came from those sessions. These sessions laid the foundation for my unique sound and hit songs.”
He says that collaboration is more than just working with famous names; it’s about energy and growth. “I only work with people whose energy aligns with mine,” he says.
This has helped him move forward with each feature, choosing collaborations that enhance his artistic journey.
His dream collaborations? Chris Brown and Asake. With Chris Brown soon visiting South Africa, Masterpiece jokes about meeting him at the airport to seize the opportunity.
Among the highlights of his career was performing at Kabza De Small’s Symphonic Concert with Redbull, an unforgettable experience that saw him share the stage with greats like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Ofentse Pitse. “It was a mind-blowing experience,” he recalls. “Honestly, I just pray and let God handle the rest. It’s worked wonders for me.”
Fashion has always been intertwined with Masterpiece YVK’s career, stemming from his early days in fashion shows. “I believe fashion and music go hand-in-hand. I aim to look good and do good,” he states.
Always aiming to stand out, he has collaborated with various brands, and dreams of working with South African designer Thebe Magugu. Currently, Rossimoda is his go-to brand, and his unique style has become a part of his brand identity.
As he grows in his career, Masterpiece YVK is exploring new ways to showcase his creativity.
He’s preparing to curate his first event on November 30 at Zone 6 Venue in Soweto, where he’ll debut new music just in time for the festive season. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his brand beyond music, exploring fashion and television. “God knows where Masterpiece YVK is heading in the future,” he says.
Despite his success, he remains grounded in his roots. “The streets always guide me,” Masterpiece concludes.
His lyrics reflect the real stories and experiences of the streets, and staying true to himself is what keeps him relevant.
Masterpiece YVK is proof that passion, dedication, and a little faith can turn dreams into reality. As he continues to grow, he remains a true embodiment of the spirit of the streets, combining music, fashion, and creativity to inspire those around him.
