Mabandla performs this evening, June 15, 2012, at Allaiance Francaise de Harare.
He cites international artistes Tracy Chapman and Lauryn Hill, as well as South African vocalists Simphiwe Dana and Jabu Khankyile along with Zimbabwean icon Oliver Mtukudzi as some of his influences.
Joining him at the Alliance Francaise show will be two Zimbabwean musicians, guitarist Clive ‘Mono Mukundu’ and drummer Blessing Chimanga.
There will be an opening act by Frank Mapfumo. Show starts at 8pm. US$10 cover charge.
Bongeziwe was born in Tsolo, a rural part of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, where grew his early passion for art and music. He learnt the guitar at 17, matriculated from Lady Grey Arts Academy and studied drama at Johannesburg film school AFDA. As a student, he soon turned to music, started to write songs and to perform solo gigs, while developing his own unplugged music style and earning recognition as a musician. Together with his band, he created a matchless afro-folk sound, fused with his soulful voice delivering in Xhosa, sometimes in English.
(Bio: Alliance Francaise | Bongeziwe Mabandla website)
