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Repositioning yourself in any way is a difficult task, especially in public, but it is often a necessary step in order to grow as a person in this time-space reality. The transition from pop musician to inspirational music star was not an easy one for Masandi, but it was a watershed moment in his life.
With his debut Gospel EP Kaleidoscope, the singer-songwriter declared his place in the praise and worship canon, and his efforts have been recognized by the community. Masandi was nominated for two awards at the 2022 Crown Gospel Music Awards, in the categories of ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Music Video,’ winning the latter for his music video for ‘Ithemba.’ The video, directed by Monde Dube, allows Masandi to express the full breadth of his faith, as he does in the lyric. Dube points:
The main purpose of the performance scenes was to capture Masandi on a spiritual journey. We followed him walking on a long road to show him on a pilgrimage home, toward himself. The scenes we incorporated such as the desert scene give depth to his journey and help viewers imagine just how rich and complex a spiritual voyage can be, and hopefully, it inspires them to explore their own.
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To celebrate this win Masandi will share an EPK where he talks fans through key moments in his musical journey and everything that has influenced him as an artist thus far. The World of Masandi will give insight into the singer’s childhood; how he grew up, his time in school; and the musical genres that shaped his approach to music-making. The star also divulges details of his near-fatal car accident, which was a catalyst for his venture into Gospel music. As Masandi paves his own path in both life and music, what remains important for him is the connection he has with his fans and bringing them ever so close to his world and inspiring them to live in their truth:
“My dream is for people to look at my path and how I’ve carved out my life and see themselves. We are all really seeking the same light and we’re doing the best we can with the resources we have, that said there’s always room to stretch ourselves beyond what we could ever imagine. I want to inspire people to reach deep within and nurture the relationship they have with themselves and God. I am so happy and grateful to have been awarded this award and to be recognized by the Gospel community. This is only the beginning of the great things faith and God can do,” he said.
Masandi is a born entertainer who, at 7 years old, began performing at church and local talent shows. It was at this time that Masandi assumed a lead trumpeter position in the school brass band.
The year 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 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 stint was followed by his first body of work titled, Escalation EP (2017). Escalation EP was a work engulfed with features by the likes of Big NUZ, Gemini Major, Aewon Wolf, August Rush (USA), Nana Atta, SpiritBanger, Skatta, and Captain Blu (Nigeria). His close affiliation with Durban musicians, at the time, saw Masandi collaborate and rub shoulders with artists in different spaces outside the studio. As part of “Team Durban”, Masandi, alongside DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Duncan, NaakMusiq amongst many others took part in the Redbull Culture Clash competition in which they clinched a win. Furthermore, a noteworthy feature alongside Kwesta saw Masandi serenade on Duncan’s hit song “Change for Nobody”
In 2020, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actor penned a global deal with Warner Music Africa and release his new single at the time “Amagate” (2021). The song peaked at number 1 on the Gagasi Afropop charts and continued to garner impressions on radio stations across the country.
Congratulations to him!