Live Magazine catches up with Bongeziwe Mabandla on his way back from Paris, before he headlines at Rocking The Daisies

Bongeziwe Mabandla is so chilled you might just mistake him for the dude next door. Except of course that this dude next door is an ex-Generations actor – he played Dumisani’s PA, Andy between years 2006 and 2010 – an ex-YoTv presenter (think Malume on kiddies segments on SABC 1), and finally a musician who was nominated twice for his debut album, Umlilo. (Listen to and download Bongeziwe’s music here)

“I recently travelled to Paris to perform my stuff there and the reception there was amazing.” Bongeziwe says people abroad appreciate the type of music he does more, because it’s not something they hear every day. He writes and composes on his guitar – A story-teller who just happens to own a guitar is how I describe him. It’s this artistry that has seen him feature in Mail and Guardian’s list of 200 amazing young people.

Attributing his creative skills to studying drama, at 28 he has found his niche. “Music is my passion and that’s what I do full-time.” Rocking The Daisies (an annual music festival that takes place in the Western Cape) fanatics will get the opportunity to see him live this weekend. So if you’ve already booked your ticket make sure you don’t miss his performance.

As far as young people to watch go, Bongeziwe is really one to look out for – if you haven’t been already.

What are you most proud of? I’ve always wanted to be a musician and it’s taken me a long time to get here. So am really proud of the fact that I am now a recording artist.

Who is your favourite artist? I don’t have a specific genre that I prefer, but I look up to Vusi Mhlasela, Tracy Chapman and Busi Mhlongo. They sang/sing about things they believed in, and I aim to achieve the same.

Name one thing you’ll never try again? Soapies (laughs uncontrollably). It never rubs off. People still associate me with Generations even though I left three years ago.

Surely it helped to launch your career? Ya you can say that I suppose.

What’s your best childhood memory? Sitting at the taxi stop waiting for my mother to come back from work. I would run and scream in excitement when she finally emerged out of a passing taxi.

Your worst habit? Biting my nails.

What do you do in your spare time? I’m really boring hey. I love fine art so I go to art shows and exhibitions. I was at the Joburg Art Fair recently. One of my friends was exhibiting, it was cool.

Twitter: @Bongeziwe