BA KAE: TKZee Family’s Gwyza Finds New Life in Carpentry

Former TKZee Family rapper Kagiso “Gwyza” Diseko has found a new creative outlet in carpentry, running his own furniture business after years in the South African music industry. The artist, known for his work with the legendary kwaito group TKZee Family, transitioned to woodworking during the Covid-19 pandemic when live performances and television work came to a halt.

Gwyza began his journey into carpentry in 2020, purchasing basic tools including a drill, jigsaw, and screws with savings from his entertainment career. At the time, he had been sober for five years. Now, a decade into his sobriety, he operates Patsi Creations, producing both bulk and home furniture pieces.

The shift to carpentry was driven by necessity during lockdowns, as Gwyza sought ways to stay mentally and spiritually grounded. He described the craft as a solution for his creativity during a period when traditional recreational outlets were unavailable. “I was going crazy because all the recreation areas were shut down,” he said in an interview with TshisaLIVE, explaining how the hands-on work helped him navigate the challenges of the pandemic era.

Beyond personal fulfillment, Gwyza emphasized how carpentry has allowed him to rebuild personal connections that were strained during his years in the spotlight. He noted that fame had distanced him from family and friends, but working with wood has created opportunities to spend quality time with his children, who also participate in the craft.

“One thing that fame did very effectively was it removed me from my personal relationships — my family, friendships and bonds,” Gwyza reflected. “Carpentry is a quiet life and it lets me spend time with my kids. And I love teaching other people the skill. I love that it’s a business I can do in front of my kids. My kids do carpentry as well.”

His last known television appearance was on SABC 2’s Lithapo, produced by Quizzical Pictures, which aired before the pandemic disrupted the entertainment industry. Since then, Gwyza has focused on growing Patsi Creations, using the business as a platform for both artistic expression and family engagement.

While he has not ruled out a future return to music, Gwyza currently finds stability and purpose in his carpentry work, which he describes as a sincere and grounding pursuit that aligns with his long-term sobriety and personal growth.