South African musician and guitarist Bongeziwe Mabandla has announced his global tour after winning a Metro FM Music Award over the weekend.
Mabandla continues to ascend to new heights of critical acclaim within the musical landscape.
His folklore dedication to lost love AmaXesha stole the spotlight as it won a coveted Metro FM Award for The Best African Pop category. He competed against the likes of Inkabi Zezwe, Lwa Ndlunkulu, Nomfundo Moh, and Zonke kin the category.
Mabandla first came to the attention of music fans with his 2012 debut, Umlilo. Working with composer, instrumentalist and producer Tiago Correia-Paulo, he has since released a trio of albums – Mangaliso (2017), Iimini (2020) and his latest, amaXesha (2023).
Modern miracle accolade
Umlilo saw Mabandla being called a “modern miracle” by Radio France Internationale (RFI).
Speaking to Sunday World on Saturday, Mabandla said it was his first time being nominated for the awards.
He said he stays consistent with his craft by putting in a lot of hard work.
“I do not think there is a proper recipe for staying consistent, I just try to figure it out as I go,” said Mabandla
After winning the award, Mabandla humbly accepted this honour, recognising the collective effort that has propelled him to this pinnacle of success.
“I am deeply thankful to my incredible fans who have stood by me on this journey. Your love and encouragement inspire me daily. And I am truly blessed to have you in my corner,” he said.
See dates for his global tour:
21.05 Häkken, Hamburg, Germany
22.05 Yuca, Cologne, Germany
23.05 Kantine Am Berghain, Berlin, Germany
28.05 Ante Festival, Winterthur, Switzerland
01.06 Bushfire Festival, Malkerns, Eswatini
07.07 Metropolis Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands
18.07 Valkhof Festival, Nijmegen, Netherlands
21.07 Cabane Bambou, Saint-Tropez, France
01.08 Midzomer Festival, Leuven, Belgium
03.08 Wilderness Festival, Oxfordshire, UK
06.08 Mühle Hunziken, Rubigen, Switzerland
