Unplugged with Bongeziwe Mabandla | Interview

Bongeziwe Mabandla is a multi-award-winning South African singer-songwriter and one of the leading voices in the emerging Black Alternative scene, celebrated for his distinctive blend of folk, African songwriting traditions and neo-soul that places deeply personal lyricism at the centre of every track. A three-time South African Music Awards winner who has also claimed a Metro FM Music Award and a Feather Award for Best Musician, he has steadily built an international following through sold-out headline shows across Europe, the United States and South Africa, as well as powerful appearances on platforms such as COLORS Studios. His most recent release, the introspective Ndingubani (his fourth collaboration with longtime producer Tiago Correia-Paulo and featuring Cameroonian artist Blick Bassy), explores themes of identity, healing and resilience, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller.

In this exclusive written interview, Bongeziwe Mabandla opens up about the personal journey behind the album and the creative process that continues to define his evolving sound.

Listen to ‘Libambe Lingatshoni‘ while you read the interview:

Hey, thanks so much for sitting down with us today – what’s been the absolute best part of your week so far, music aside?

The best part has been all the sleeping I got to do as I grow older. I totally cherish sleep and I think it’s because I went to Spain and I had to wake up at 3am to get to the airport on time so after that I was just day dreaming of napping

Which genres best describe your music, and is there any particular reason you chose to create music in that genre? 

I think my music is fundamentally folk, I mix a lot of genres as well. It’s the genre that came most naturally to me.

If someone wanted to understand the real vibe of the band / you as an artist beyond the music, what’s one story from your everyday life that says it all? 

I’m very basic. I guess I love being alone spending time thinking and appreciating other artists. My days are very different. I have gotten used to not being sure what the next week will look like, I adapt now. Constantly being on the road makes you able to be comfortable with changes.

What’s the wildest creative risk you’ve ever taken in the studio that actually paid off in ways you never saw coming?  

I think experimenting in general. My music has changed a lot from the acoustic sound it started off as and those were big changes and there were a lot of risks involved. I want to believe that my audience wants me to evolve and try new things and they accept that about me.

How often do you hope to release new music? 

Usually every 3 to 4 years

What is the date of your next planned single/EP/Album release?

I wonder. We are thinking of doing some remixes for my new album “Ndingubani“. Maybe a remix album next at the end of this year. I would love to be more involved in this process and find the right songs for the right producer.

What is your main platform for distributing and promoting your music?

I distribute my music on all platforms but Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp are my go-to. I love promoting my music on IG

If you could change one thing about the modern music industry overnight, what would it be?

I think it would be the appreciation of slow and emotional music. I have always loved songs that are not pop and that is something I loved about music.

Do you see AI as a threat to musicians, a helpful collaborator, or something else? How do you plan to keep your music relevant as the industry changes rapidly because of these tools? By embracing AI, avoiding it, or taking a different approach?

I haven’t used AI yet in a deep way in my work but would love to see if it could help with some of the issues we face in the studio. Small things that can have huge implications.

What is the single biggest challenge you currently face as an African artist?

I think for me it’s the belief that African music must be dance music. I intentionally make this kind of work because I want to believe there is space for it.

What core themes were you hoping listeners would connect with in your latest track?

Mostly hope and nostalgia. I wanted people to think about their own lives and where they came from and ultimately get to be in a place of hopefulness.

What is your dream collaboration whether it be local or international and why?

I have a lot of dream to collaborate with a lot of artist in South Africa – Samthing Soweto, Ami Faku, Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa, Zoe Modiga, Sjava, Jabulile Majola and many other artists and internationally – Tracey Chapman, Tems, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West and many more.

What does your creative process look like when you head to the studio to work on a new track? 

It’s different I think. I usually start off all planned and get looser and playful later.

If you could revisit one decision from your artistic journey and do it differently, what would it be? 

If I could do things differently I would have started music a bit earlier. I had a 3-4 year wait while I was trying to make my music better and I feel I should have just took out my music the way it was, I wanted to reach that point of perfection which never really came so I feel I wasted those years doubting myself

What is your favorite song that you have made and are there any special moments with that song you can share with us? 

‘Libambe’ is my favorite song in the album and it all started in kuGompo in the Eastern Cape while we were sound checking. I started playing something and the guys in the band joined in. I recorded a bit on my phone and that’s how the song was born.

What’s one unexpected influence, maybe from outside music, that keeps showing up in your work? 

I think films can influence me a lot. I’m always searching for something to move me either a human truth, a conversation or a line from a film that just feels perfect. With this album I was inspired a lot by songs I have listened to throughout my life

What’s one fun or ridiculous moment from the studio or road since this release that still makes you smile?

From the album – is the time I would pass out in the studio while recording. I

would walk in with so much energy and after a few hours pass out on the studio floor and sleep.

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