Bongeziwe Mabandla (ZA)

Bongeziwe Mabandla is a South African singer-songwriter and guitarist from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. Singing primarily in isiXhosa, he creates a mesmerizing blend of Xhosa folk music, indie folk, and electronic textures that has established him as one of South Africa's most acclaimed contemporary artists. His warm, emotive voice and intricate guitar work draw from the maskandi tradition while incorporating modern production techniques. His albums "Mangaliso" (2012), "Iimini" (2017), and "iimini" (2023) have earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple South African Music Awards. Mabandla has performed at major international festivals including WOMAD, Primavera Sound, and Afropunk, bringing South African musical traditions to global audiences. His music transcends language barriers, conveying profound emotion through melody and rhythm that speaks to universal human experiences.