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
Unraveling the Myth: Joseph Matthew Says Dreadlocks Don’t Equal Sin”
“Pioneering the Afro-gospel music genre in Ghana, Joseph Matthew is breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes in the Gospel music industry.
In a recent interview with Metro TV, the talented artiste boldly shared his thoughts on the rigid expectations placed on Gospel musicians in terms of dressing and music style. He argued that it’s limiting and demeaning to condemn artistes who don’t fit the traditional mold, simply because of their appearance or sound.
Using his own experience as an example, Joseph Matthew revealed that some gatekeepers in the industry have rejected him due to his dreadlocks and unconventional sound, which deviates from the typical ghanaian Gospel music norm. He emphasized that what truly matters is the message of hope and redemption, not the messenger’s appearance or style.
Joseph Matthew hinted on a virtual concert and a new album on the horizon.
Watch what he said at the interview from below.
Also, be sure to check out his latest single, “Promise Land,” a soul-stirring anthem that embodies the essence of Afro-gospel music.
ENTERTAINMENT
Meet Budding Afrobeats Artiste, Big Rain Who Is Spreading Love With His Music
As a rising star in the Afrobeats scene, Big Rain is spreading love and positivity through his music, leaving a lasting impact on fans and critics alike.
Christined Paul Raymond Osemudiame, Big Rain was born on June 12th, 1995, in the vibrant city of Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. His early life was filled with the sweet sounds of jazz, reggae, and gospel music, courtesy of his music-loving parents, who encouraged his passion for music. He spent hours listening to the likes of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Michael Jackson, studying their craft and learning from their legacies.
Big Rain’s musical journey began in the church choir, where he honed his vocal skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of music to uplift and inspire. As he grew older, he began writing his own songs, pouring his heart and soul into every lyric and melody.
After exploring the world of business, Big Rain returned to his first love, music, in 2023, and the result was nothing short of magic. His debut project, “Lifestyle,” released on November 12th, 2023, was a resounding success, garnering impressive numbers and earning him a loyal fan base. The song’s catchy beat and inspiring lyrics resonated with listeners from all walks of life, cementing Big Rain’s place as a rising star in the Afrobeats scene.
Since then, he has released five more songs, each one a testament to his creative genius and dedication to his craft. His music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that speak to the human experience, love, and self-empowerment. With his unique sound and style, Big Rain is poised to take the music industry by storm.
Inspired by the legendary likes of Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley, Big Rain believes that music should be a powerful tool for spreading love and goodwill. With this in mind, he has pioneered a sub-genre under Afrobeats, dubbed “Afrolove,” aimed at sharing love and positivity through his music. His mission is to use his platform to inspire and uplift others, promoting unity and togetherness through the universal language of music.
As we eagerly await his next release, “Sere,” dropping on 1st May, 2024, we can’t help but feel excited for what the future holds for this talented artiste.
Join the movement and connect with Big Rain on the following social media fora to stay updated on his latest releases, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive contents.
Instagram – Big Rain
Facebook – Raymond Paul
Twitter – @BIG_Rain
Tiktok – @big.rain
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