EASTERN Cape praise singer Bonga “Mbongi” Siyoko has been nominated for a prestigious national award.
Siyoko, who is related to Nelson Mandela’s former praise singer Zolani Mkiva, began following in his uncle’s footsteps at the tender age of 10.
He said he was honoured to be one of four nominees in the Best Praise Singer category of the South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) awards.
This is the second time in a row that he has been nominated in the category.
He said his style had changed since last year, as he had featured other well known musicians in his work.
“The song I was nominated for, Kulungile Ma Africa, features award- winning musician Ishmael Morabe and Versatyle. The song is about uniting our continent and encouraging people to love each other,” he said.
The song was recorded on June 16, he added.
“I had a meeting with Versatyle and it happened that Ishmael was there playing his beats. One of his beats was really good and I asked him if I could drop a few lines.
“Next thing Ishmael and myself are doing verses and Versatyle did the chorus,” he said.
Siyoko said the song was ready by the end of the day and Ishmael gave him a copy.
“I registered the song and started sending it to radio stations.
“It is different to what I usually do,” he said, adding it was a blessing for him to record a song with Morabe.
“Ishmael is a well-known and talented musician, and having him in a track is not something that I saw coming. I thank God for that opportunity,” he said.
He said he would love to expand the praise-singing market.
“I don’t want it to only appeal to traditional people but everyone in South Africa.”
He said the nomination showed that his work was recognised in the industry.
“I am humbled by the nomination and hope I bring the award home,” he said.
The Satmas, which are in their eighth year, will be held in East London for the second time in a row in October.
According to project manager Nomcebo Msweli all nominees will walk away with prizes. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Praise singer in line for award
Siyoko, who is related to Nelson Mandela’s former praise singer Zolani Mkiva, began following in his uncle’s footsteps at the tender age of 10.
He said he was honoured to be one of four nominees in the Best Praise Singer category of the South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) awards.
This is the second time in a row that he has been nominated in the category.
He said his style had changed since last year, as he had featured other well known musicians in his work.
“The song I was nominated for, Kulungile Ma Africa, features award- winning musician Ishmael Morabe and Versatyle. The song is about uniting our continent and encouraging people to love each other,” he said.
The song was recorded on June 16, he added.
“I had a meeting with Versatyle and it happened that Ishmael was there playing his beats. One of his beats was really good and I asked him if I could drop a few lines.
“Next thing Ishmael and myself are doing verses and Versatyle did the chorus,” he said.
Siyoko said the song was ready by the end of the day and Ishmael gave him a copy.
“I registered the song and started sending it to radio stations.
“It is different to what I usually do,” he said, adding it was a blessing for him to record a song with Morabe.
“Ishmael is a well-known and talented musician, and having him in a track is not something that I saw coming. I thank God for that opportunity,” he said.
He said he would love to expand the praise-singing market.
“I don’t want it to only appeal to traditional people but everyone in South Africa.”
He said the nomination showed that his work was recognised in the industry.
“I am humbled by the nomination and hope I bring the award home,” he said.
The Satmas, which are in their eighth year, will be held in East London for the second time in a row in October.
According to project manager Nomcebo Msweli all nominees will walk away with prizes. —poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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