Today, on #TheSitDownrelationships, we are in conversation with internationally acclaimed musician, Bongeziwe Mabandlawho has steadily built a career that now see him take his place as the enigmatic spirit of African Soul.
We talk his upbringing, the impact of growing up without a father, his definition of love and the art behind his music.
Bongeziwe Mabandla
Bongeziwe Mabandla is a South African singer and musician. He has created a matchless Afro-folk sound over which his soulful voice delivers in both Xhosa and English.
The Johannesburg-based artist expanded his global audience with a brace of performances across Europe and Africa, alongside finishing an album that is set to cement his standing as an artist of the most singlular gifts.
Mabandla first came to the attention of audiences outside South Africa when he was named one of 10 finalists in the 2011 Radio France Internationale Discoveries Awards. That was on the cusp of the release of Umlilo (“fire”) when Mabandla was refining his performaning skills and songwriting – the latter then a gorgeous, understated mix of Xhosa lyrics with tradional music and folk stylings.