Represent chats to one of South Africa’s renowned artists Bongeziwe Mabandla, check out how our conversation went down below
You’ve recently done a collab show with another SA’s finest, your good friend Nakhane Toure, how was the whole experience for you?
Nakhane is a very talented musician so it was incredible to finally share the stage with him. We had been discussing the show for a while and the time became right. The show was great so it was just a great night.
How did it feel to play your new songs to a crowd that likes your artistry and music?
It’s hard because you worry if people get what you trying to bring. But I have been having a good time bringing new songs. It seemed like an impossible task in the beginning but I’m getting comfortable with the songs. I even have favorites now. I think I had to basically think very different for these songs they didn’t come easily but I enjoyed the process.
Since your first album have you been collaborating with artist such as Joss Stone and Vieux Farka Toure on stages, any exciting in studio collaborations we may not know of or up-coming?
I have some new collaboration but I rather you check on the album, collaborations can be difficult and you want to make sure everything is finalized before announcing but yes there are some collabations I’m writing and working on.
Do you regard yourself as under rated as many would say when describing your artistry?
I suppose but I guess I’m a little bit comfortable with that view. I don’t see my self as underrated I feel blessed and fortunate to be living my dream.
From a theme and lyrics point of view, how’s the second album different from the first one?
This album is definitely a more mature look at life, I went through so many things after the release of my new album. It’s about hope, rebuilding but more spiritual and more honest.
You were announced as one of the South African artist to perform at the much anticipated BushFire festival, what was going through your mind when you received the news?
I thought at long last because I had been applying every year to Bushfire. It’s always been a dream to me, so it’s just such a wonderful time to see it happen. I’m very very excited.
You have played at festivals around the country and world wild with an upcoming Us and Canada tour in the ranks, do you anticipate this festival (Bush fire) which is closer to home to be different from the others?
I don’t really ever have expectations about festivals I always want to be surprised so I’m hoping it will be filled with great people.
What can you promise the Bush Fire fans that will be traveling to go see you?1.
That they can get to hear some of the new material that I’ve been putting together with my band. So it it’s indeed going to be a special night
