Zola (entertainer)
Encyclopedia
Bonginkosi Dlamini, aka Zola, is a South Africa
n musician, actor and presenter. He also presents Zola 7, a television show named for him, on SABC 1
.
is a South African urban genre of music. It emerged post-Apartheid amidst the numerous political and social changes that were occurring in South Africa. These changes included the release of Nelson Mandela
from prison, and South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. Through his lyricism, it is evident that Zola is proud of many of his country's unique languages including Afrikaans. Afrikaans is “a more white people's language that is unique to South Africa” according to Zola. Kwaito is a way of life that has been spurred by the modern democratic freedom South Africans have been experiencing. Kwaito relates to the old tradition of expressing political thought through creative outlets that can be observed in all societies. For Zola, Kwaito defines something different:
“For one, we are trying to find out who we are and where we fit in the role of this democratic South Africa as young people. There's no more fighting. People have to go back to school.”
Although lyrics to some Kwaito songs by Zola tend to bear strong sociological messages, the social context of South Africa
is generally not receptive to the occasionally poignant lyrics of Kwaito. Zola also recognizes that people are allowed to start their own record labels now that there is more finance coming to the South African people. In the past, South Africans went to down-town studios where they would record, and thus receive fewer royalties than they do now in their own private studios. This Kwaito artist has not only achieved success in the soundscapes that resonate throughout the globe but Zola also has a reality television show called “Zola 7”. On this show, people write to Zola and telling him their dreams and Zola helps the people achieve the. Zola is looking forward to collaborating with European artists in the future. Zola has also acted in the Oscar winning movie Tsotsi .
Zola 7 clothing range was launched in November 2005.
As a poet, actor, and musician, Zola has emerged as the superstar of Kwaito and is a man blessed with many talents. Zola grew up in Sowetan sub-township, Zola, hence his name. Though he is standing on the brink of greatness, he is under no misconception of his past or future. He is forever conscious of societies growing needs, pains and tribulations, which is why he tackles real issues that are effecting our South African people. But, Zola also doesnt forget that in all our sadness and pain we must yet again in true South African fashion rejoice and dance. Zola's previous albums have made him one of the biggest selling artists in South Africa. What distinguishes Zolas home grown sound from other Kwaito artists are his mind-stimulating lyrics reflecting a lyrical development not often found in Kwaito music.
Zola's latest music album is titled Impepho
Township
of Johannesburg
, South Africa, where Dlamini spent his formative years in Zola, sub-township In Soweto notoriously known for it high crime rate, from which he adopted his name. Unemployment
, alcoholism
, and single parent families are the norm in Zola. Dlamini's father abandoned the family, leaving his mother to care for him and his older brother and sister when they were young. Zola himself served time in prison as a juvenile for car theft.
-winning film, Tsotsi
and the movie Drum
. Zola also has a prominent role in the documentary SHARP! SHARP!- the kwaito story (2003) directed by Aryan Kaganof
.
He also has a little brother called Vuma.
superstar, and is probably the most popular Kwaito artist in the country; Lance Stehr of Ghetto Ruff records has referred to Zola as "the second biggest brand in the country next to Nelson Mandela."
Zola not only performs but also writes and produces some of his own music, signing to the independent label Ghetto Ruff
records.
Zola will be recording a posthumous collaboration with hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur
. The track will be recorded in South Africa but feature on a CD to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Shakur's death on September 13, 1996. Zola is also the owner of the music company Guluva Entertainment.
Originally, Zola was not a fan of Kwaito music, because it "had no message." He has taken upon himself to change this, viewing himself as a role model. "I want to inspire a guy from the ghetto so he can stop hanging around in the corner begging and try to get some life." In the song "Mdlwembe", which literally means problem child, he expresses his feelings about the neighborhood he grew up in. He talks about the horrible quality of life of the township, particularly the extreme level crime and violence. "Beware of the Zola boys, We do crime for money" demonstrates Zola's past and also the perpetual anguish of life in a ghetto. Today, Zola works on behalf of younger performers, helping them to be integrated into the music industry. He is a pioneer in social action and benefit projects in South Africa.
Kwaito
is branded as apolitical; often associated with the advancement of personal wealth, Glamorized gangster lifestyle, and frivolous consumption themes found in much of Jamaican Dancehall
and Rap. The Genre is associated with a new political freedom gain since the end of Apartheid in South Africa and less political strife. The form of the Kwaito
produced by Zola is in that case an anomaly in that it is very much politically charged and contains a social message.
Zola raps in isiZulu
with high usage of tsotsi
. Tsotsitaal is the vernacular slang in South Africa. This infusion of colloquial dialect with a national language allows for better interaction between the artists and the community South Africans in lower socio-economic classes who live in the townships and speak tsotsi can relate to Kwaito music differently than to Cape Town hip hop or US hip hop because of the lyrics. Additionally many of his songs describe situations of life in the townships more specifically in Soweto
On 7 July 2007 Zola performed at the South African leg
of Live Earth
.
Bonginkosi Dlamini has a daughter named Lwandle, given that name because the love he has for his daughter cannot be compared to anything, including even the sand by the sea. One of Zola's songs was written about Lwandle.
:
At the Metro FM Awards 2001, Zola won on public vote:
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n musician, actor and presenter. He also presents Zola 7, a television show named for him, on SABC 1
South African Broadcasting Corporation
The South African Broadcasting Corporation is the state-owned broadcaster in South Africa and provides 18 radio stations as well as 3 television broadcasts to the general public.-Early years:Radio broadcasting began in South Africa in 1923...
.
Cultural Influences
KwaitoKwaito
Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s. It is a variant of house music featuring the use of African sounds and samples. Typically at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music, Kwaito often contains catchy melodic and percussive loop samples,...
is a South African urban genre of music. It emerged post-Apartheid amidst the numerous political and social changes that were occurring in South Africa. These changes included the release of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing...
from prison, and South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. Through his lyricism, it is evident that Zola is proud of many of his country's unique languages including Afrikaans. Afrikaans is “a more white people's language that is unique to South Africa” according to Zola. Kwaito is a way of life that has been spurred by the modern democratic freedom South Africans have been experiencing. Kwaito relates to the old tradition of expressing political thought through creative outlets that can be observed in all societies. For Zola, Kwaito defines something different:
“For one, we are trying to find out who we are and where we fit in the role of this democratic South Africa as young people. There's no more fighting. People have to go back to school.”
Although lyrics to some Kwaito songs by Zola tend to bear strong sociological messages, the social context of South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
is generally not receptive to the occasionally poignant lyrics of Kwaito. Zola also recognizes that people are allowed to start their own record labels now that there is more finance coming to the South African people. In the past, South Africans went to down-town studios where they would record, and thus receive fewer royalties than they do now in their own private studios. This Kwaito artist has not only achieved success in the soundscapes that resonate throughout the globe but Zola also has a reality television show called “Zola 7”. On this show, people write to Zola and telling him their dreams and Zola helps the people achieve the. Zola is looking forward to collaborating with European artists in the future. Zola has also acted in the Oscar winning movie Tsotsi .
Zola 7 clothing range was launched in November 2005.
As a poet, actor, and musician, Zola has emerged as the superstar of Kwaito and is a man blessed with many talents. Zola grew up in Sowetan sub-township, Zola, hence his name. Though he is standing on the brink of greatness, he is under no misconception of his past or future. He is forever conscious of societies growing needs, pains and tribulations, which is why he tackles real issues that are effecting our South African people. But, Zola also doesnt forget that in all our sadness and pain we must yet again in true South African fashion rejoice and dance. Zola's previous albums have made him one of the biggest selling artists in South Africa. What distinguishes Zolas home grown sound from other Kwaito artists are his mind-stimulating lyrics reflecting a lyrical development not often found in Kwaito music.
Zola's latest music album is titled Impepho
Early life
He was born on 24 April SowetoSoweto
Soweto is a lower-class-populated urban area of the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa, bordering the city's mining belt in the south. Its name is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships...
Township
Township (South Africa)
In South Africa, the term township and location usually refers to the urban living areas that, from the late 19th century until the end of Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites . Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities...
of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, South Africa, where Dlamini spent his formative years in Zola, sub-township In Soweto notoriously known for it high crime rate, from which he adopted his name. Unemployment
Unemployment
Unemployment , as defined by the International Labour Organization, occurs when people are without jobs and they have actively sought work within the past four weeks...
, alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
, and single parent families are the norm in Zola. Dlamini's father abandoned the family, leaving his mother to care for him and his older brother and sister when they were young. Zola himself served time in prison as a juvenile for car theft.
Actor
Zola become well known for his role as the notorious gangster Papa Action in Yizo Yizo 2. The character was already popular in Yizo Yizo and had been portrayed by another actor. Zola resembled the previous performer, and his performance only increased the popularity of the role. He also performed the score and played a role in the Academy AwardAcademy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
-winning film, Tsotsi
Tsotsi
Tsotsi is a 2005 film written and directed by Gavin Hood. The film is an adaptation of the novel Tsotsi, by Athol Fugard. The soundtrack features Kwaito music performed by popular South African artist Zola as well as a score by Mark Kilian and Paul Hepker featuring the voice of South African...
and the movie Drum
Drum (2004 film)
Drum is a 2004 film based on the life of South African investigative journalist Henry Nxumalo, who worked for the popular Drum magazine, called "the first black lifestyle magazine in Africa." It was director Zola Maseko's first film and deals with the issues of apartheid and the forced removal of...
. Zola also has a prominent role in the documentary SHARP! SHARP!- the kwaito story (2003) directed by Aryan Kaganof
Aryan Kaganof
Aryan Kaganof is a South African film maker, novelist, poet and fine artist. In 1999 he changed his name to Aryan Kaganof.-Filmography:...
.
He also has a little brother called Vuma.
Musician
Zola has enjoyed success as a KwaitoKwaito
Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s. It is a variant of house music featuring the use of African sounds and samples. Typically at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music, Kwaito often contains catchy melodic and percussive loop samples,...
superstar, and is probably the most popular Kwaito artist in the country; Lance Stehr of Ghetto Ruff records has referred to Zola as "the second biggest brand in the country next to Nelson Mandela."
Zola not only performs but also writes and produces some of his own music, signing to the independent label Ghetto Ruff
Ghetto Ruff
Ghetto Ruff Records is an independent South African recording label specializing in kwaito, hip hop, and rhythm and blues. Currently, Ghetto Ruff Records is home to some of South Africa's most prominent kwaito artists including Zola, Prophets of Da City , and Ishmael.-History:Ghetto Ruff Records...
records.
Zola will be recording a posthumous collaboration with hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
. The track will be recorded in South Africa but feature on a CD to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Shakur's death on September 13, 1996. Zola is also the owner of the music company Guluva Entertainment.
Originally, Zola was not a fan of Kwaito music, because it "had no message." He has taken upon himself to change this, viewing himself as a role model. "I want to inspire a guy from the ghetto so he can stop hanging around in the corner begging and try to get some life." In the song "Mdlwembe", which literally means problem child, he expresses his feelings about the neighborhood he grew up in. He talks about the horrible quality of life of the township, particularly the extreme level crime and violence. "Beware of the Zola boys, We do crime for money" demonstrates Zola's past and also the perpetual anguish of life in a ghetto. Today, Zola works on behalf of younger performers, helping them to be integrated into the music industry. He is a pioneer in social action and benefit projects in South Africa.
Kwaito
Kwaito
Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s. It is a variant of house music featuring the use of African sounds and samples. Typically at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music, Kwaito often contains catchy melodic and percussive loop samples,...
is branded as apolitical; often associated with the advancement of personal wealth, Glamorized gangster lifestyle, and frivolous consumption themes found in much of Jamaican Dancehall
Dancehall
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. Initially dancehall was a more sparse version of reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably,...
and Rap. The Genre is associated with a new political freedom gain since the end of Apartheid in South Africa and less political strife. The form of the Kwaito
Kwaito
Kwaito is a music genre that emerged in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 1990s. It is a variant of house music featuring the use of African sounds and samples. Typically at a slower tempo range than other styles of house music, Kwaito often contains catchy melodic and percussive loop samples,...
produced by Zola is in that case an anomaly in that it is very much politically charged and contains a social message.
Zola raps in isiZulu
Zulu language
Zulu is the language of the Zulu people with about 10 million speakers, the vast majority of whom live in South Africa. Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa as well as being understood by over 50% of the population...
with high usage of tsotsi
Tsotsitaal
Tsotsitaals are a variety of mixed languages mainly spoken in the townships of Gauteng province, such as Soweto, but also in other agglomerations all over South Africa...
. Tsotsitaal is the vernacular slang in South Africa. This infusion of colloquial dialect with a national language allows for better interaction between the artists and the community South Africans in lower socio-economic classes who live in the townships and speak tsotsi can relate to Kwaito music differently than to Cape Town hip hop or US hip hop because of the lyrics. Additionally many of his songs describe situations of life in the townships more specifically in Soweto
On 7 July 2007 Zola performed at the South African leg
Live Earth concert, Johannesburg
The Live Earth concert in South Africa was held at the Coca-Cola Dome, South Africa on 7 July 2007.-Running order:*South African Drum Cafe Team - unknown title...
of Live Earth
Live Earth
-Background:Founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Live Earth was built upon the belief that entertainment has the power to transcend social and cultural barriers to move the world community to action...
.
Bonginkosi Dlamini has a daughter named Lwandle, given that name because the love he has for his daughter cannot be compared to anything, including even the sand by the sea. One of Zola's songs was written about Lwandle.
Musical awards
He has received four South African Music AwardsSouth African Music Awards
The South African Music Awards are an annual award ceremony, run by the Recording Industry of South Africa , where accolades are presented to members of South Africa's music industry. Winners receive a statuette is called a SAMA. The event was established in 1995...
:
- Artist of the Year - 2002
- Best Soundtrack - Yizo Yizo
- Best Music Video - "Ghetto Scandalous"
- Best Kwaito Album - Umdlwembe
At the Metro FM Awards 2001, Zola won on public vote:
- Song of the Year - "Ghetto Scandalous"
- Best Album of the Year - Umdlwembe
- Best Kwaito Album - Umdlwembe
Discography
- Umdlwembe (2000)
- Khokhovula (2002)
- Bhambatha (2004)
- Ibutho (2005)
- TsotsiTsotsiTsotsi is a 2005 film written and directed by Gavin Hood. The film is an adaptation of the novel Tsotsi, by Athol Fugard. The soundtrack features Kwaito music performed by popular South African artist Zola as well as a score by Mark Kilian and Paul Hepker featuring the voice of South African...
(2006 Motion Picture) - Impepho(2009)
- Unyezi(2011)
External links
- Zola's Official Homepage
- Interview with Zola on NPR's Talk of the NationTalk of the NationTalk of the Nation is a talk radio program based in the United States, produced by National Public Radio, and is broadcast nationally from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Its focus is current events and controversial issues....
(March 7, 2006)