Influence Profile
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Trending in Queen a.k.a. Iyaya’s World
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1975
1975
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Queen Sesoko first gained national recognition during the rise of kwaito in the late 1990s as Iyaya, a member of Abashante, one of South Africa’s popular groups of the era. At a time when male performers dominated much of the genre, her presence helped increase the visibility of women within kwaito’s mainstream success. Through television appearances, live performances, and charting releases, she became a familiar figure to audiences across the country and built a reputation that extended beyond the group itself.
As Abashante's prominence declined, Sesoko pursued a solo path and worked to establish herself independently. Projects released under her own name, including "Queen Ufikile," reflected her efforts to maintain a place in South Africa’s music industry while navigating the changing commercial landscape facing many kwaito artists during the 2000s. Her solo years also brought public attention through industry disputes and discussions surrounding production and copyright matters.
Beyond music, her relationship with kwaito pioneer Arthur Mafokate attracted widespread media coverage. The couple had a daughter, Owami Mafokate, who later entered the entertainment industry herself. Following the end of the relationship, family matters occasionally became public discussion, with Sesoko later speaking about rebuilding personal relationships and moving forward from difficult periods in her life.
After stepping away from the spotlight for several years, she experienced a major spiritual transformation and embraced Christianity as the central focus of her life. This change influenced both her personal outlook and artistic direction. By 2017, she publicly committed herself to gospel music and distanced herself from the secular image associated with her earlier kwaito career. Her return included gospel projects such as "The Atmosphere of His Presence" and appearances at faith-based events.
Her journey spans multiple chapters of South African entertainment history, from kwaito star and group member to solo performer, mother, gospel artist, and ministering musician. Through each phase, Queen Sesoko demonstrated an ability to adapt while remaining connected to audiences who followed her career across different generations.