Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bongani's Journey


Bongani Nkwanyana
[History & Journey]

Bongani is a first Maskandi musician to win a national music competition known as The Shell Road to Fame in 1988.
He is a founder of popular bands such as Bambata, Nu World, Abafana Abalungile, The Scorers and recently Shosholoza. Working with top producers - Jabu Khanyile, Hugh Masekela, Bheki Khoza, Duma Ndlovu, Mthandeni Mvelase, Dumisani Dlamini & others has gained Nkwanyana experience both as a singer and producer.

Collaborating with World acclaimed musicians such as Phuzekhemisi, Thandiswa Mazwayi, Rude-Boy Paul, Tiny Motha and others, enabled Nkwanyana to record “The Rebellion Concert” Live at Bassline, which is available on VHS, DVD and CD.

The Solidarity For Ever recorded live at COSATU's 8th National Congress, Gallagher Estate afforded Nkwanyana an opportunity to perform at the presence of South Africa former President Nelson Mandela. He shared stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Chico Twala, Letta Mbulu, Sibongile Khumalo, Busi Mhlongo, to mention a few. Bongani also performed at Kippies Jazz Club, Hugh’s J&B Junction, Johannesburg, Civic Theatre and Kilimanjaro. Internationally, he performed at Africa Festival in Germany, as well as Africa Festival in Spain.

He performed at The Union Building in Pretoria - Tshwane, 27th April 2004 for "Freedom Day" at the President Thabo Mbeki Presidential Inauguration, privileged to perform for World leaders and also at the COSATU May Day event, in Bloemfontein, 1st of May 2004.

In September 2004, Nkwanyana released 3rd Bambata CD called Abashokobezi (1906-2006) sequel to 1st CD entitled 1906 and 2nd CD entitled Ukhandampondo (Poll-Tax); in honour of iNkosi (Chief) Bhambatha Zondi who vehemently fought against colonialism and imperialism at the beginning of the 20th Century. However, he (Bhambatha Zondi) was eventually apprehended and beheaded by British Soldiers in 1906.

Nkwanyana performed at the Reconciliation Day on the 16th December 2004, at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Johannesburg and Polokwane respectively.

Nkwanyana has received a total of 6 South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations thus far.


He is currently a chairperson for the Inner City Arts and Culture Forum in Region Eight, representing up and coming artists in Gauteng Province. The organization is a collaborative platform for up and coming artists, where they share their common knowledge through workshops, performances and debates.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Sowetan wrote on - 28 November '08


Siphokazi in Amacala row 28 November 2008Patience Bambalele
Composer claims singer, producer stole his song
Award-winning jazz singer Siphokazi Maranqana has been accused of riding on another musician’s sound waves.
Composer and singer Bongani Nkwanyana alleges that the singer and her producer, Sipho Sithole, have infringed on his composing rights in Maranqana’s songs Amacala and Ukufa.
The two songs are in the album Ubuntu Bam, which has won four awards.
“In 2006 Sithole asked me to compose three songs for Siphokazi and I agreed,” Nkwanyana said. “I composed three songs for her and they chose two.
“I registered the songs with Samro before I gave them to him.”
Sithole, who is also an SABC group strategist, has, however, rejected most of the claims.
He said: “Bongani composed two songs for us and was credited for them. He lied when he said there was no communication about
the songs.
“Bongani was the one who played guitar and producer Lawrence Matshiza was speaking with him.”
But Sithole admitted to having made a blunder by signing the publishing rights of the songs to Gallo.
“I made a mistake by assuming that Bongani was still publishing with Gallo Records. I have admitted that to him.”
But Nkwanyana said Sithole was lying.
“Sipho lied to you. He knew I had a company. He stole my songs and re-registered them at Samro with different titles so that he could pocket my money.”
Sithole said Nkwanyana was the one who gave Siphokazi, Lawrence and Brian Majozi, aka Zuluboy, a small percentage of royalties on the two songs.
“He signed an agreement in which he gave the three musicians four percent. I don’t know what he is trying to achieve with these accusations.”
Nkwanyana admitted having signed an agreement but claimed Sithole pushed him.
“He kept on telling me that Lawrence’s instruments were dominating the song. I felt pity for them and gave them a small portion,” he said.