While Dakar II was packed with heavy hitters, it was the emotionally charged “Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe” that became the heart of the project. At the time, Thabsie was a rising talent, but her collaboration with Kwesta on this track didn’t just top the charts—it became a cultural anthem for love and resilience in the streets.
How Dakar II Redefined Thabsie’s Career
For Thabsie, the association with this album was more than just a guest feature; it was a total career pivot:
- From Background to Foreground: Before the smash hit, Thabsie was honing her craft behind the scenes. The success of Dakar II catapulted her into the spotlight as a premier solo artist.
- The Diamond Standard: “Ngiyaz’fela Ngawe” went on to become one of the most-streamed South African songs of all time, achieving multi-platinum status and setting a new benchmark for rap-and-vocal collaborations.
- The Soul of the Album: While Kwesta provided the grit and the bars, Thabsie provided the “soul.” Her hook on the track is often cited as one of the most recognizable melodies in SA Hip-Hop history.
Kwesta’s 10-Year Tribute
Yesterday, Kwesta kicked off the anniversary celebrations on his social media platforms, acknowledging the fans and the collaborators who helped Dakar II become the best-selling hip-hop album in South African history. He credited the project for cementing his legacy as the “Da KAR” (Da King of African Rap), a sentiment Thabsie echoed as she credited the project for “changing her life.
