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
Bnoskka analyzed the Shatta Wale concert in Jamaica with Vybz Kartel. It was a sunny evening in Kingston, Jamaica, as the crowd gathered at the famous Sabina Park stadium, eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated concert featuring Ghana’s dancehall king, Shatta Wale.
Sharing the stage with him was the talented Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican reggae artist known for his soulful voice and energetic performances. As the lights dimmed, Shatta Wale burst onto the stage, his signature energetic vibe electrifying the crowd. With his trademark braids flying, he launched into his hit song “Ayoo,” sending the audience into a frenzy. Vibe Catel joined him on stage, and together they delivered a thrilling performance, blending their unique styles to create an unforgettable experience.
Back in Ghana, Bnoskka, a respected music industry expert, and a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba also the CEO of PMAGHANA Foundation watched the concert unfold on social media, beaming with pride. “Shatta Wale has come a long way,” he thought to himself. “It’s about time he starts branding himself as a highlife artist.” Bnoskka believed that Shatta Wale’s unique sound, which blended elements of dancehall, reggae, and traditional Ghanaian highlife, was a perfect representation of the genre.
By embracing his highlife roots, Shatta Wale could not only revitalize the genre but also inspire a new generation of young artists to explore their cultural heritage.
Bnoskka shared his thoughts during an interview on Adom 106.3FM’s popular show, hosted by Mike 2, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. “It’s time for Shatta Wale to take ownership of his highlife sound and use his platform to promote Ghanaian music globally,” Bnoskka exclaimed. “He has the talent, the charisma, and the fan base to make it happen. By doing so, he’ll not only cement his legacy as a music icon but also pave the way for future generations of Ghanaian artists.”
As Shatta Wale and Vybz Kartel brought their electrifying performance to a close, the crowd roared with applause, already eagerly anticipating their next collaboration.
Meanwhile, Bnoskka’s words echoed in the minds of music enthusiasts, sparking a renewed appreciation for Ghana’s rich musical heritage and the incredible talent of its artists.
Ghanaian Reggae Dancehall artist, Tillie Gya, has come to the defense of Shatta Wale following his performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom concert. While some fans, particularly those of Stonebwoy, have been mocking Shatta Wale’s performance, Tillie Gya believes this is uncalled for. According to him, Shatta Wale’s inclusion in the concert is a big win for Ghana and Africa, and should be celebrated.
Tillie Gya took to social media to express his disappointment at the behavior of some Stonebwoy fans. He believes that fan bases in Ghana should know when to celebrate and when to compete. Instead of mocking Shatta Wale, fans should be proud of his achievement and the fact that he is putting Ghana on the map.
The debate highlights the intense rivalry between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, two of Ghana’s biggest Reggae Dancehall artists. However, Tillie Gya’s comments serve as a reminder that there is room for all artists to shine and make Ghana proud. By celebrating each other’s successes, Ghanaian artists can work together to take the music industry to the next level.
Tillie Gya’s defense of Shatta Wale has sparked a conversation about the need for unity and support among Ghanaian artists and their fans. As the music industry continues to grow, it is essential for fans to recognize and celebrate the achievements of all artists, regardless of their affiliations or rivalries.
Music: Regina Botwe – Afe Wei [Prod. by The Boss PI]
Oheneba Grande – Dw3 (Prod By Quab Sea)
I Quit Schooling Because Of Music – Mary Owusu
Bnoskka Urges Shatta Wale to Embrace His High Life Music Roots by Rebranding
