FROM being a dancer for some of Mzansi’s biggest artists to building his solo career, Ma-Ten10 is a dedicated creative.
The singer and dancer, whose real name is Buyani Mlangeni, has been in the music industry for the past 23 years.
He spoke to SunBuzz about his journey and the ups and downs he’s been through.
“I started dancing in 1998 at dance halls. I used to look up to Professor, because he lives in my hood. My friends and I would dance in halls around the community, and sometimes dance for Professor when he needed dancers,” he said.
“In 2003 we saw that guys we used to dance with, Skomplazi, were now dancing for Zola 7. So we decided to move to Joburg to also try our luck.
“We were called Mpintshi’ Yesgubhu. The first dance gig we got was Akekh’ ugogo by Mzekezeke. We also danced for the late Lebo Mathosa’s Awudede.”
MaTen10 said from there, they started dancing for more musicians.
“In 2004, I met Hhashi Elimhlophe and we danced for him. In 2005, we met the late Jabu Khanyile and we toured the world with him, dancing. Unfortunately, he died and things kind of slowed down for us,” he said.
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“Mpintshi’ Yesgubhu then decided to try music. We released an album titled Knock Knock in 2008. It didn’t do well, but that didn’t put us down. We were signed under Candy Tsa Mandebele’s label. Through the years, I’ve worked with Shota Mdabe and Professor and we worked very well. But I decided to do my own thing.”
He then started his own record label with his friend, Vinolia Ganess.
“I started a label called Spunky Jive in 2019. I released my first song titled Iyawa iRoof featuring Sdudla Somdanso and Next Level. That also didn’t do well, but I didn’t give up. In 2020, we pushed the song, but Covid-19 happened,” he said.
But he said things were looking up now. “I released a song titled Underpende with Busiswa and Master Clap in May this year. I’m getting a good response from people, and we released the music video too. I’m happy about how things are looking for me, and I’m glad that it’s under my company,” he said.
He said he still hopes to work with Professor and release a song with him.
