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THE MZANZI SHOW Malaika
Bongani Nchang speaks about the early struggle and the success of Malaika.
The multi award winning Malaika is one of the big success stories to come out of the Afro-pop world so it is something of a surprise to learn that one of the most established chart topping groups came about by accident.
Bongani and the late Jabu were originally from a band called Stouters. The group disbanded but two original band members stayed together; Bongani and Jabu.
Wanting a new sound they approached Guffy Pulane (presently their manager) and were given the go ahead under the condition they found a female vocalist. Choir singer Tshedi was enlisted and so Malaika was born.
In 2003 their debut album went platinum and since then they have scooped almost ten awards including Best Newcomers, Best Afro Pop and Best Album of the Year. Malaika certainly seems to have the Midas touch “but it wasn’t always that easy” Bongani explains. “In the beginning we were getting criticisms from journalists, artists and people in general. Some of them used to say we’re not original; eventually they started to see the difference between Malaika and the other groups. Malaika went onto dominate the Afro-pop world both at home and internationally touring London, Australia and Canada to name but a few.
The loss of Jabu has greatly impacted on the group emotionally however speculation has grown over whether they will find a new band member. However Bongani insists Jabu will never be replaced and as he so rightly declares “he is still part of the group in spirit”. Malaika’s highly anticipated album will be out in September.
The multi award winning Malaika is one of the big success stories to come out of the Afro-pop world so it is something of a surprise to learn that one of the most established chart topping groups came about by accident.
Bongani and the late Jabu were originally from a band called Stouters. The group disbanded but two original band members stayed together; Bongani and Jabu.
Wanting a new sound they approached Guffy Pulane (presently their manager) and were given the go ahead under the condition they found a female vocalist. Choir singer Tshedi was enlisted and so Malaika was born.
In 2003 their debut album went platinum and since then they have scooped almost ten awards including Best Newcomers, Best Afro Pop and Best Album of the Year. Malaika certainly seems to have the Midas touch “but it wasn’t always that easy” Bongani explains. “In the beginning we were getting criticisms from journalists, artists and people in general. Some of them used to say we’re not original; eventually they started to see the difference between Malaika and the other groups. Malaika went onto dominate the Afro-pop world both at home and internationally touring London, Australia and Canada to name but a few.
The loss of Jabu has greatly impacted on the group emotionally however speculation has grown over whether they will find a new band member. However Bongani insists Jabu will never be replaced and as he so rightly declares “he is still part of the group in spirit”. Malaika’s highly anticipated album will be out in September.
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