SOUTH AFRICA – 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 MC a fashion show after no one else was available.
Little did he know, this would be the moment that sparked his love for the mic. “I believe that day behind the mic started it all,” he says.
Later, he ventured into a different style of MCing—hypeman gigs—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.
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 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,” he shares.
These sessions laid the foundation for his unique sound and hit songs.
For Masterpiece YVK, 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.
He expressed his aspiration to collaborate with Chris Brown and Asake. With the anticipation of Chris Brown’s upcoming visit to South Africa, Masterpiece jests about the prospect of rendezvousing with him at the airport to capitalize on 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 striving to distinguish himself, he has forged partnerships with various esteemed brands, harboring aspirations of collaborating with the renowned South African designer, Thebe Magugu. Currently, Rossimoda stands as his preferred brand, with his distinctive style solidifying as a cornerstone of his brand identity.
As he ascends in his professional journey, Masterpiece YVK is actively exploring innovative avenues to showcase his boundless creativity.
In anticipation of his inaugural event on November 30 at Zone 6 Venue in Soweto, where he will unveil new musical creations just in time for the festive season, he is diligently preparing.
Looking forward, he envisions broadening the scope of his brand beyond music, venturing into the realms of fashion and television. “Only divine providence can fathom the trajectory that Masterpiece YVK is bound for in the days to come,”he muses.
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.
