FOR two years he was part of the media mill with reports of a broken marriage, going broke and a war within his band.
But Bongani Nchang, part of Afro-pop duo Malaika, has bounced back with his first solo album, My Life.
He performed some of the songs for the first time at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg and OR Tambo Conference Centre, during the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Evening, on Friday.
Nchang says the album is about his life, but mostly his love life. “It’s a transition between love gone right to love gone wrong and where I am now. Mostly, I’m talking about love in a personal experience, especially after my divorce,” he says.
One song he performed at the event is called Hold On – which he says is for inspiration. Other songs from the album include Typical Man and I Love You.
Although he remains loyal to the Afro-pop genre, he says he wants to create something different which people can still relate to.
“I did more ballads because I realised there was a gap in the industry. Everyone is going mainstream like house and kwaito. I thought if I don’t do anything different from where I come from, what’s the point?” he asks.
He adds that the new music is meant to be for easy listening and something his fans can still relate to.
Nchang could not confirm the date the 14-track album will be released, but says it should be “very soon”.
The SABC2 Gospel Classics co- host also says a gospel album may follow.
“I made a vow to God that should this album be a success and I go past the things that were happening in my life, I will make an album with original songs dedicated to Him,” he says.
“I have learnt my lessons and have come up with plans to move forward.”
With regard to Malaika, he confirmed that the group has not broken up and is “still contractually bound”. —
Nchang reclaims his life with debut solo album
But Bongani Nchang, part of Afro-pop duo Malaika, has bounced back with his first solo album, My Life.
He performed some of the songs for the first time at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg and OR Tambo Conference Centre, during the Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz Evening, on Friday.
Nchang says the album is about his life, but mostly his love life. “It’s a transition between love gone right to love gone wrong and where I am now. Mostly, I’m talking about love in a personal experience, especially after my divorce,” he says.
One song he performed at the event is called Hold On – which he says is for inspiration. Other songs from the album include Typical Man and I Love You.
Although he remains loyal to the Afro-pop genre, he says he wants to create something different which people can still relate to.
“I did more ballads because I realised there was a gap in the industry. Everyone is going mainstream like house and kwaito. I thought if I don’t do anything different from where I come from, what’s the point?” he asks.
He adds that the new music is meant to be for easy listening and something his fans can still relate to.
Nchang could not confirm the date the 14-track album will be released, but says it should be “very soon”.
The SABC2 Gospel Classics co- host also says a gospel album may follow.
“I made a vow to God that should this album be a success and I go past the things that were happening in my life, I will make an album with original songs dedicated to Him,” he says.
“I have learnt my lessons and have come up with plans to move forward.”
With regard to Malaika, he confirmed that the group has not broken up and is “still contractually bound”. —
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos