The first time I was introduced to this artist was on Twitter. I was seeing tweets from people and other popular artists in the same field, who were complimenting her on how beautiful her music is. I took some time out to do my research and found out that she is something special when it comes to this music thing.

Bongi Mvuyana is a singer/songwriter from Pietermaritzburg who’s been causing a huge buzz in the industry with her soulful music. She is signed to Vth Season which is the same label that has superstar rapper AKA.

“I remember performing at a gig once with my band and after I was done, I was approached by someone who stated that they liked the performance and would like to have a word with me. That’s how I actually got to meet the guy who signed me to the label right now“.

Bongi has definitely been meeting great people throughout. After her separation with her previous band due to differences in vision, Bongi met up with Ade who’s a drummer for a band named The Fridge. Ade introduced her to the rest of her current band members and since then she has done exceptionally well with delivering good music back to back.

Bongi’s latest singles I Wonder and Gold have already been attracting attention. Watching her perform these songs I’ve noticed how she would drift away into a different realm while singing. A lot of musicians would give you the same impression on stage or on camera, but there was something special I saw in her performances that made her stand out from the rest, that made her genuine.

“I write songs from the heart. I write music based on my life experiences and everything surrounding me at that moment. Me drifting away when singing these songs is because usually I would envision that particular moment. I’d experience some form of nostalgia and just sing my heart out.”

After taking a sip from her drink she stressed that the most important aspect of her music is HONESTY. I too think being honest and true to who you are when writing music is the best ingredient an artist can add in the process of creating soulful jams like Bongi’s.

“Honesty is a big deal for me. I hate dishonest people with my everything, I think I get that from my mother. My mother and I have a way of sensing dishonesty in people. That’s another reason I’m very open and honest when writing my music.”

Her music also had me rocking side to side reminiscing about my past relationships. Well that’s a good thing because clearly her music can stir ones emotions and have you feeling some type of way. Speaking of emotions, Bongi is currently working on her album which is also called Dopamine, which features production by super producer Tiago Correia-Paulo from the popular band 340ml.

“Tiago is working with me in the production and direction of my album. He is a very talented producer and I’m honoured to be working with him on my project. My band and I are also hands on with the production and I love that about my current team.”

After she mentioned that, it struck a question about her previous band, was that the reason of the separation maybe?

“My previous band and I separated because one, we didn’t see eye to eye in terms of our careers in the music business. They didn’t want to be in the ‘light’ and wanted to stay as the small band they are. Where else in my case I do have dreams of touring the country, winning awards and touring Africa too when the times arrives hence the separation.”

She continued to state that,

“Look, in bands there will always be differences. Even with my current band we sometimes don’t see eye to eye with some ideas but we reach a conclusion and move on. You have to surround yourself with people who have the same vision as you in order for you to reach your goal.”

Those are some of the trials and tribulations Bongi faced during her journey in the music industry. Regardless she didn’t let that set her back and she still carried on pushing her passion. Her fans are steady anticipating her album and wondering when will it be available and how far along is it. I decided to address this with her and let her know that hey ‘we outchea waitin’ for that album bae‘.

“I’m a perfectionist so everything I do has to be perfect to me and the team first before the masses. I don’t want to give the fans something they won’t like or love. The album is being worked on, I just don’t want to talk dates and stuff yet but trust me it’s going to be beautiful.”

With Bongi Mvuyana putting in so much in her craft and her buzz growing tremendously, she is on her to becoming something great. Keep your eyes and ears on the loop for this talented musician who’s going to wow the music scene with her art.

Words: @Thy_Black_Hippy

Photography: @Ric3hard