Kwesta Celebrates 10 Years Of “DaKAR II” & Its Lasting Impact

Kwesta Celebrates 10 Years Of “DaKAR II” & Its Lasting Impact. South African hip-hop heavyweight Kwesta is celebrating a landmark moment as his seminal album DaKAR II marks its 10th anniversary.

Originally released on February 26, 2016, the double-disc project cemented his place among the most influential voices in local rap and continues to echo through speakers across Mzansi a decade later.

In a heartfelt message shared through Spotify Africa, the rapper reflected on the journey of the album and the fans who carried it with him. “Dakar II is 10 years old, an album you took from me and made it your own. What a classic! I appreciate every single one of you for having that type of relationship with the music, changing my life,” he said.

Born Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi, Kwesta used DaKAR II to tell stories that felt both deeply personal and universally South African. The project fused raw street narratives with kwaito textures and sharp hip-hop production, creating a sound that was unmistakably homegrown yet globally resonant.

Anthems such as “Ngud’” featuring Cassper Nyovest, “Nomayini,” “Mayibabo,” and “Ngiyazifela Ngawe” became cultural staples. They dominated radio rotations, shook festival stages, and found permanent homes on playlists nationwide.

The album’s impact was matched by its commercial success. Certified seven times platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa, DaKAR II stood as a powerful reflection of life in South Africa, balancing celebration and hardship with equal honesty. Its triumph opened doors to international collaborations and elevated Kwesta’s profile beyond local borders.

To honour the milestone, Spotify Africa spotlighted the project across its platforms, reviving beloved lyrics and reigniting nostalgia among longtime supporters. Ten years later, DaKAR II remains more than just a body of work in Kwesta’s catalogue. It is a shared memory, a soundtrack to countless milestones, and a reminder of how music can shape lives.

Happy 10 years to a true South African classic. Ngud’ forever.