Odwa Bongo: SA’s latest jazz sensation
He’s still working on his first EP, but already the buzz around the one-time choirboy with the golden tenor is enormous
THE prestigious Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School honed Odwa Bongo’s vocal talent. He won the choir’s best tenor soloist award in 2010 and represented the choir as a soloist in South Korea.
He went on to finish his education at Bridge House School and completed his performance Diploma in African music at the University of Cape Town last year.
Since then the singer has been performing at clubs and festivals around the country.
Tonight spoke to Bongo to find out what his plans are and to give his insight into the state of jazz in the country. How would you describe your sound? My music is very experimental, However, it is African grounded.
As much as I try to explore different sounds or genres, I make sure the African sound is dominant. My music is influenced by jazz, African music and classical music. What made you decide to go into the jazz Afrofusion route instead of a more classical route? I am a free-spirited human being who always goes against the norm. In classical music, this is not possible. African music allows me to explore on a much greater scale and to bring out what I feel without my creativity being judged. Jazz, as free as it is said to be, has its flexible restrictions, which I enjoy. Although my first introduction to music was classical, I have always felt more in sync with African music and jazz (which was introduced to me in 2012). Why have you decided to do the independent route? It’s not easy to get signed. I could not wait until I am signed because I am hungry for the music industry. Going independent was my only option to start my career. Also, being independent is teaching me a lot about the music business, it forces me to know the ins and outs. Tell us more about your single Confused.
Confused is my first single, and speaks about overwhelming love in a relationship. Yes, I am talking about my relationship. I received too much love so that it confused me and the relationship did not end well. Who are your main musical inspirations? Simphiwe Dana, Mthwakazi and Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground). How has being classically trained influenced your approach to making music? The vocal techniques in classical music have helped me shape the way I use my voice so I don’t damage my vocal chords. The choir sound (which is always in my head when I compose) in my music comes from being classically trained, as well as the harmony structure I use. Who are local artists you would like to work with and why? Simphiwe Dana, Zolani Mahola and Mthwakazi. Because they are my idols, I love the music they make and their music is relevant. I believe if I could work with one or all of them we would create magic, and our voices combined would be a healing power. With artists such Masego bridging the gap between jazz and popular music, how do you think this influences young people’s relationship with jazz? I think it’s a great thing because the youth is starting to view jazz in a different way and also jazz starts to feel inclusive of the youth, whereas before jazz was for our parents to enjoy. Now the youth is not embarrassed to say, “I listen to jazz”. Young people are falling in love with jazz and this is because of the fusion that has been created. Why do think millennials and Gen Z kids aren’t so interested in jazz? Because hip hop has been advertised so much more to them and I think they have the mentality that jazz is for older people. Perhaps hip hop artists make themselves more available? Or the music industry is just not advertising Afrojazz enough. Describe the moment you decided to become a musician? I’ve always known that being a musician is what I wanted to do. My parents have always supported me and still do. When I took this decision I was very excited that I’d finally be doing what I love. It was never hard for me to make this decision. However, I didn’t know that doing what you love comes with repercussions. The music industry is all glamorous on the surface, but behind the scenes, it is nasty!
But here I am surviving and going strong. I can only go stronger. What are your future plans? I’m working on my EP which I will hopefully record and release this year. Impiliso is my project that I’m working hard on at the moment. On June 16, I’ve been invited to perform at Artscape’s Band Stand. I’ve also been invited to perform at the UJ Arts Festival in August.
I would like to do a number of collaborations, of which one is going to happen in September.
I don’t want to say much about my future plans, because obstacles are always waiting. So for now, that’s what I am going to reveal and for more, you should follow me on Twitter (@odwabongo), Instagram and Facebook (@odwabongoofficial). What can people expect from an Odwa show? Expect to be healed and serenaded by good music that speaks to the soul. In my show, you will experience honesty and vulnerability and see Odwa Bongo for who he really is. Most importantly, you can expect to have fun and a great musical experience.