Bongeziwe Sipho Samkelwe Mabandla / 30 / Singer Songwriter
‘iimini’, what’s the meaning behind the album?
iimini means days. The album references different dates in the lifetime of a love relationship from the beginning to the end. With the title I wanted to acknowledge those memories and experiences. I documented a relationship at its crucial parts and marked the different moments of this. I wanted to show the good and bad parts of a relationship and what it really means to be in love.
You’ve been in the industry for about 8 years now, how important is consistency and originality to you?
I came into music very late. I was studying to be an actor when I fell in love with music. I look at the past 8 years as a huge learning curve for me. I have learnt so much about writing, composing music, live performing and the business side of music. I have wanted to show with each album that I am growing and changing.
What does your craft mean to you and how do you preserve it?
I have put a lot into being a musician. I have always wanted to be good at what I do. For me, I’m at artist first. I want to make art that evokes emotion and feelings. Creating moving art has been the biggest motivator for me, it comes before anything else.
Amongst other songs, ‘Zange’ made big waves, (it still is)…what inspired you to write it?
Zange was written about falling in love and how that feeling can make you feel like life is worth it. I wanted to capture the fuzzy feeling of how it feels to be in love. I wrote the words to the song at a time when I met someone and they completely changed my life.
Live performances or studio sessions?
I like both. I love how a song comes together in the studio- it’s so fascinating. I like live, but it can be unpredictable. The funny thing is when a live performance goes well, it’s the best feeling ever. I’m hoping to fall even more in love with performing live as I get better at it.
Favourite country to perform in and why?
South Africa is really important for me. I write music in Xhosa because of the pride I have about where I come from. I write music to inspire and empower my people and to stand for a culture and language that was at times disregarded by history.
Africa is bursting at the seams with musical talent, what drives you to keep going?
I love what I do. I respect creating work that takes time and effort. I love figuring and working out difficult things. The people that love my music are such an inspiration and a sense of encouragement to me to keep me going even when it gets difficult. I think I’m doing something from a real and honest place and I think people are looking for that kind of music that connects them with their inner world.
What would you love to be remembered for?
My kindness and compassion, and for songs that made people feel connected.
Any upcoming exciting news you’d like to share?
I’ve been really happy that iimini has come with so many visual aspects. There are still a few more visuals to share which I am really excited about.
Follow Bongeziwe Mabandla!
Instagram: @bongeziwemabandla
Twitter: @Bongeziwe
Facebook: @BongeziweMabandlaOfficial
-Bridgette Makhela
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