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SPECIAL VALUE: Bongeziwe Mabandla is releasing his debut album, Umlilo.

 From a very young age I loved to sing, but I had a strange voice so I didn't always believe I had a future as a singer 

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The Tsolo-born star is best known for playing Mazizi on Tsha Tsha and best remembered as Andy on Generations. He is now moving in music circles.

"From a very young age I loved to sing, but I had a strange voice so I didn't always believe I had a future as a singer," Mabandla says.

"When I arrived [in Johannesburg] to study acting at Afda [arts school], I was doing music as a sub major.

"My music teacher called me aside, and said 'I saw you play the last time and I wasn't sure but now I am, there is something special about you'. That was all I needed to hear. I quit acting as a major. But it would be years later [that] I finally got a record deal."

Now signed with Sony Music Africa, Mabandla's musical focus is in a genre he likes to call "urban African traditional folk music", with hints of hip-hop and soul.

Mabandla says after he released a demo tape, titled Umlilo, he decided to release his debut album under the same name.

When asked about the story behind Umlilo, Mabandla says it was all about "the tears that propel you forward".

"The album is about my life and the things I struggle with," Mabandla explains.

"So, the topics vary from a song about my mother to a song about the inequality in our communities. I wrote a lot about my inferiority complex and my need to feel valued."

The official launch of Umlilo may be pending, but what is certain about the album is that it is due to hit music stores from next Monday.

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Thu Jun 20 11:58:38 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 22, 2012

Mokwepa

Bongeziwe Mabandla is Mgcomeni
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Aug 22, 2012

Coldcurry

Never had of this guy but i was sure it was mqomeni
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Aug 22, 2012

VENDALIOUS

i don't know this guy but i'm sure his Zulu
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Aug 22, 2012

californiaqueen

or maybe VENDA
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Aug 22, 2012

Lendy

He is Xhosa DUH!!!!! he was acting in Tsha Tsha
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Aug 22, 2012

Intomb'omxhosa

okuhle kodwa Bongeziwe.
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Aug 22, 2012

VENDALIOUS

@californiaqueen

Thank you and we also big.....know watta mean
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Aug 22, 2012

Quicky

VENDALIOUS
@californiaqueen

Thank you and we also big.....know watta mean
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dude grow up, bing hung doesnt mean a thing if you have no techniques. I d rather wive a nzwiri who knows how to shake it rather then Manginga who will only wound me for nothing
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Aug 22, 2012

zino

he is xhosa guys i remember him
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Aug 22, 2012

californiaqueen

@VENDALIOUS

Are you into me????..........Sooner or later my Mr Big will be inside you i tell you
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no need i'm doing a venda thanks

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