Last year he passed Grade 12 with flying colours but then took a gap year this year to focus on his music. In 2024, KwaZulu-Natal musician Mfana Kah Gogo is planning to go back to school to study his first year in Marketing.

A GAP YEAR

The Gibela singer tells ZiMoja that the gap year was much needed. "There's a lot that I have learned about the music industry during the gap year," he says., adding that, "I learned much more about the business of music and got to be hands-on with my brand. But I also got to save some money so that I can be able to pay for my fees next year," he says. Musically, he reached many milestones. "I received gold status for my song Azul with DJ Karri. I also got time to think carefully about what it is that I want to study." This year he also collaborated with top Amapiano artists like MalumNator, with whom he has recorded a few songs, one beingVelaphi ,which pays tribute to the 80s TV series of the same title. "The song celebrates the legends of the TV series, especially the late Mr Mvuyiswa Renek "Velaphi" Ntlokwana." He says he also got to engage with a number of his peers like Taylor ICU, Blxckie, and many others.

HELPING OUT 

When he took a gap year, his family gave him their blessing. "I agreed with my mom and grandmother that I would focus on the music, raise some money and go back to school after one year, which is what I have done," he says. "They were not sure about it in the beginning, but they trusted my judgment. They know how much I love music and that I am very disciplined, so they supported me and their support has encouraged me a lot. I was able to decide on my style of music. I did many collaborations with other artists. I helped to raise my siblings and take them to school and for me, those are my biggest wins." Mfana Kah Gogo also plans to continue supporting his siblings to continue with their education. "I will be paying the fees for my siblings who passed and make sure they stay in school in order to fulfil their dreams."

He believes that education is important. "Every career requires you to have some level of education. Artists usually sign contracts that bind them due to lack of education," he says. "It is also important to have something to fall back on."

BALANCING ACT

His latest single Phathaphatha is an ode to Sophiatown and the old-school South African sound. "I was remembering the good old days. My father used to dance for me when I was a young boy and he would play Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata. So, the song is for both young and old." Next year he hopes to focus and be able to balance music and university. "It won't be easy but I know it's possible," he says. "I also wish that my grandmother lives long to see my success and to build a home for myself as I have done for my family."