Bongeziwe Mabandla

Bongeziwe Mabandla

Bongeziwe Mabandla is a South African singer and musician from Tsolo, South Africa. He works in folk pop and pop, and is known for a sound that blends Afro-soul and Afro-folk with elements of traditional Xhosa music, Mbaqanga, soul, hip-hop and dub. He sings in both Xhosa and English.

Style and influences

His music has a rhythmic, roots-based feel and centres on soulful vocals. He names Tracy Chapman, Simphiwe Dana, Jabu Khanyile and Oliver Mtukudzi among the influences behind his approach.

Albums and recognition

His debut album, Umlilo, receives two nominations at the South African Music Awards in 2013: Best Newcomer and Best Adult African album. His follow-up album, Mangaliso, includes the tracks “Ndokulandela”, “Bawo Wam” and “Khaya”. The album title means “marvel” or “miracle”. It is produced by Tiago Correia Paulo, with contributions from Tiago Correia Paulo and Mike Wright.

Live work and international appearances

Bongeziwe Mabandla performs at major festivals in South Africa including Cape Town World Music Festival, Oppikoppi and Rocking the Daisies, and also appears at Sakifo Festival in Réunion and Azgo Festival in Mozambique. He performs at the Australasian Worldwide Music Expo and the Mullumbimby Music Festival in Australia, Africa Festival in Germany, Festival d’Île de France in Paris, Primavera Sound in Spain and Sukiyaki Meets the World Festival in Japan. He also takes part in the One Beat programme in the United States, which supports collaborative music projects with social aims.

Collaborations

In South Africa, he collaborates with Joss Stone and Vieux Farka Touré on their tours. The newer live format for Mangaliso also includes performances with Tiago Correia Paulo and Mike Wright.

Other activity

He plays extensive tours outside South Africa, including dates in Canada, Australia and other international markets, and appears at festivals such as Bushfire Festival, Nuits d’Afrique, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Mission Folk Festival, Canmore Folk Festival, Woodford Folk Festival and Sydney Festival.