World reggae capital welcomes SA star
HE is billed as a rising star on the international reggae scene, so it should come as no surprise that Black Dillinger will perform at the world’s biggest reggae festival in Jamaica next weekend.
The artist, whose real name is Nkululeko Madolo, is hitting Reggae Sting, the “biggest one-night reggae show in the world”, which is streamed live to millions around the world.
The 32-year-old’s manager, Otis Malema, said the reggae and dancehall artist was one of South Africa’s best “unknown” exports.
The Gugulethu-born musician was “speechless” about being booked for the festival, saying he felt blessed that his talent was being recognised.
Raised by a single mother in a rough neighbourhood, Madolo said he found an escape in music as an 11-year-old when he would watch the township’s reggae artists on Friday nights.
“We used to watch them holding the mic and try to copy what they did.”
He started writing and performing his own music in 1997 and three years later he got his big break when he opened for famed Jamaican musician Buju Banton during a sold-out performance at the Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg.
His career took off and later, a Cape Town-based promoter got him to Europe. “I was called to play a reggae fest in Wurzburg in Germany.”
The rest is history — Madolo, now with three albums to his name, has since performed at several major reggae festivals, including Summer Jam and Chiemsee, both in Germany. He has shared the stage with reggae royalty, including Luciano, Beenie Man and Shaggy.
“I had to be in exile before gaining recognition,” he said, adding that he thought reggae was gaining a following in South Africa.
Last month, he worked with the late Lucky Dube’s band to produce an antixenophobia song.
Dube is one of his idols. “I’m close to his family. We are working together to make sure his memory remains visible,” said Black Dillinger.