Family Time With The Vilakazis

We catch up with Kwesta and his family to chat about their plans for the festive season and the New Year

- Qhama Dayile

UNLIKE many of his peers, he isn’t dripping in designer clothes and gold jewellery, nor does he drive a luxury German whip. On a Friday night, you won’t find him popping bottles at clubs because Senzo “Kwesta” Vilakazi would much rather spend the evening at home on the couch, watching a great movie with his loved ones while digging into takeaways.

The Ngud’ rapper has a reputation of having his feet firmly on the ground while always putting his family first – and this is why Kwesta is crushed he can’t spend Christmas with his makoti and their daughter.

But his wife, Yolanda Vilakazi, and daughter, Khai Asemahle Vilakazi (6), understand everything he does is for them and he’ll be back home before the firecrackers light up on New Year’s Eve.

We meet the family at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton where they’re spending family time after picking Khai up from school. They’re holed up in a two-bedroom penthouse suite, towering above the hustle and bustle of the city.

The peace and quiet is a slice of heaven for the popular rapper, who just wants to chill with his girls.

Kwesta (31) and Yolanda (29) challenge each other to a pillow fight. They’re like teens in love, we remark. “Before anything, we’re best friends,” he tells us. “I don’t think this life and parenting thing would come so naturally had it not been for our friendship and love.”

Khai drags her dad by the hand to a corner of the room where they sit side by side at a grand piano, running their fingers along the keys. “I think today we might just learn how to play,” Kwesta says, attempting to play Happy Birthday to You.

Khai has taken a liking to music, he adds. “She loves my music and sings at school concerts. Her favorite song is Send Me Away by Nasty C and Rowlene.”