ENTERTAINMENT
Artiste Profile: Meet Bongo Riot, South African’s Most Prolific Reggae Dancehall Artiste
Multiple award winning and most vibrant reggae cum dancehall artiste, Bongo Riot, born Mphikeleli Zungu, took a bold step with his solo career channeling his love for music through a music genre that isn’t so popular in South Africa amongst the youth in comparison to House; Kwaito, Amapiano and Hip Hop.
However, with his leading single “Saka Leyena” receiving positive feedback in the form of radio plays, it has proven to be a step in the right direction for the innovative musician who is setting to embark on a country-wide tour to promote his upcoming album.
It would be an unfair assumption to state that Riot’s career started when he joined Gang Of Instrumentals, a musical group in South Africa. The truth is, that’s where we all got to know the kwaThema resident after his voice reverberated over Teargas’ “Champions”, a song that took South Africa by storm and put Riot on the map.
Crowned ”Mzansi’s Finest” after he won a Castle Lager Hip Hop competition that required him to battle Hip Hop performers around South Africa, Riot
boldly stood out with his Ragga/Reggae rhymes as a member of SAMA winning urban-pop group from Johannesburg, Gang Of Instrumentals, whose members included the songstress (Tumi) and
rapper Mandla N.
In the shedding of his dreadlocks, he emancipated himself and aptly dropped the “Bongo” from his stage name. Bongo Riot is the king of the Southern Africa Reggae Dancehall fraternity.
In the quest for independence and to further showcase his skills, Riot signed with TS Records with a licensing deal from EMI Music/CCP Records and released a 14-track album that kicks off with a nostalgic intro that flows into the second track – “Far Away Bride” and you will certainly know that you’re in for a treat with the Reggae/Ragga album. The bulk of the production is from the legendary Robbie Malinga as well as fellow stable mate at TS Records, Lungelo and also boasts a feature from Lungelo on “Life” and Zahara on a track called “Thetha Nami”. The album, which is suitably titled “I Am an African”, is a melting pot of Reggae/Ragga/Hip Hop and Afro-Soul sounds.
Bongo Riot is currently working with Bantu Media Productions and in 2019, he released a new album titled “Next Levels” His Music will be distributed through Powertainment Reggae Sound.
“Bongo Riot” aka Dancehall Wakanda, is one of the greatest South African vocalists who does not excel only in Dancehall/Reggae genres but also does House, Afrobeat, Amapiano and Pop.
Bongo Riot has won several awards during his career span, the most recent being Best Reggae Dancehall album at South African Music Awards, 2020/2021.
Follow Bongo Riot on the following social media fora…..
Facebook – Bongo Riot Da Rebirth
Twitter – Bongo_Riot
Instagram – Bongo Riot
YouTube – Bongo Riot Da Dancehall Wakanda
Buy or stream Next Levels By Bongo Riot from below….
Book Bongo Riot via email at [email protected] or via phone at +27739748317
ENTERTAINMENT
”Industry May Be Dark, But God’s Light Leads to True Success” – Shatana Gh
In a candid conversation on Kingdom 107.7 FM’s Evening Vibes, Shatana, a celebrated Ghanaian singer and philanthropist, shed light on the entertainment industry’s unspoken challenges.
Shatana recounted her early days in the industry, revealing a pivotal encounter with media personality, Delay. Despite being advised to leverage her physical appearance for success, Shatana remained resolute in her values.
Shatana’s experience highlights the industry’s darker side, where emerging artists face immense pressure to compromise their integrity.
With unwavering conviction, Shatana urged aspiring artists to prioritize their artistic vision and values.
“Stay true to yourself, your craft, and God’s direction,” she emphasized. “Success built on integrity lasts forever.”
Watch the interview from below.
ENTERTAINMENT
Jacinta unveiled as Lekzy DeComic’s running mate for ‘The New False’
Ghanaian stand-up comedian, Lekzy DeComic, has named comedienne Jacinta Ocansey as running mate for his upcoming comedy special, ‘The New False.’
Jacinta will be playing a supporting role to Lekzy whose comedy event comes off September 28, 2024 at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra.
The name of the show, ‘The New False’ is a parody of the new political movement, The New Force, led by business magnate Nana Kwame Bediako.
Following the model of the unveiling of Nana Kwame Bediako as a Presidential Aspirant, Lekzy mounted masked images in town prior to the announcement of his comedy show. This generated conversations with most people suggesting it could be another political figure.
The New False comedy show promises to be his biggest and most hilarious comedy event in the history of Ghana’s arts and pop culture.
With this show, Lekzy and his production hub, 2Cute Entertainment intend to douse the political tension in the country with humour.
‘The New False’ comedy special will not just make people laugh but to also drum home some of the pressing needs of the Ghanaian citizenry in a witty and non-provocative fashion.
Lekzy has won the hearts of people with his comedy specials such as ‘Too Cute to be Mute 1k’, ‘Too Cute to be Mute (Amplified Edition) and ‘CanPAIN MESSage.’
In Ghana, he has performed at high-profile events like Laughline Comedy Show, Easter Comedy Show, Comedy Fiesta, MMC Live, Night of Laughs and Music, Romanus Incomplete, Journey to the West, among others.
Lekzy’s hard work has also taken him outside the country to perform at comedy shows such as Bloemfontein International Comedy Festival, Extreme Comedy Wednesday – Hosted by Thabiso Mhlongo & Bexta Jolly Cool, Weekly Comedy Show, Monday Night Comedy @ Six Cockta, Coming from Africa – Columbus USA and Go Bananas Comedy Club
USA – GH Memorial Holiday Party in the United States of America.
He has won a number of awards including the Best Comedy Special award with ‘CanPAIN MESSage’ at the 2024 Ghana Comedy Awards.
Tickets for The New False are selling at GHS 150 (regular) and GHS 250 (VIP). They can be purchased via shortcode *714*800# or via https://veetickets.com/ev/BuyTicket/1761
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