“WE want to heal broken souls with our music, bring hope to those who have lost it, make people dance and enjoy life and have some good times.”

That’s the aim of Pietermaritzburg Kwaito band, Walker No Busted, who are making waves on the local music scene, writes ESTELLE SINKINS.

Twenty-two-year-old Sfundo Maphumulo, aka Walker, and Nkosikhona Memela (Busted), who is 22, both attended Siqongweni Secondary School, before heading to the Durban University of Technology to study further.

“When we came back from school for holidays, we were so sad and disappointed to see the people we grew up with, that went to the same school with us being so lifeless,” said Maphumulo.

“They are on drugs, and living in the street, simply because they want the fast life and when you check their family background, their home situation is way better than ours.

“We got worried thinking of the younger kids and what message and lessons we are sending them… if our behaviour is so reckless and negative, we won’t be setting a good example to them.

“That’s why we have decided that Walker No Busted will be a good example to them. We want to send a message to all our brothers and sisters to please stay out of trouble. It’s time to put your hustle on and build an empire for yourselves. Let’s not waste time on negative things.”

The band was formed in 2012 and earlier this year was nominated for the Live Your Dream 2017 Awards at the Playhouse in Durban.

They have also performed gigs around KwaZulu-Natal, appearing alongside Big Nuz, Black Motion, DJ Bongs, DJ Tira, Dream Team, Zakwe, DJ Sox and Zakes Bantwini, amongst others.

Says Walker: “We met in high school but at that time we were doing different genres. Busted was doing hip hop and I was doing kwaito.

“We were the only kids in school that year who were doing music, so Busted suggested that we collaborate. So we made a kwaito song together, released it for free and people loved it.

“We went on to perform at parties, school fundraising events and everybody would be really excited and happy when they saw us on stage.”

“We believe in our craft so much,” says Memela, adding that the pair were inspired by the challenges that people faced in their everyday lives.

Walker No Busted have released two singles to-date, Awnalutho, which addresses the issue of Blessers, and Imeshemeshe, about night life in South Africa.

Says Memela: “We want to change the way people look at Pietermaritzburg and we want to make the city proud of us. One day we would love to host our own big events.”

Asked who they would like to work with in the future, they said to of the list would be Khuzani Mpungose.

In the meantime, fans are encouraged to follow them through their social media links on Facebook (Walker No Busted), on Twitter @walkersa1 or Instagram: walker.sa

You can also check out their music on YouTube and SoundCloud.