A local DJ with an international mindset has sets his sights on becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
Bonginkosi Hlongwane, better known as BokkieUlt, is a music producer and DJ who got his big break about seven years ago when he won the RedBull campus clash. He is also the current reigning champion of the Gauteng Carnival. To date he has performed on numerous stages such as Spring Fiesta, MTN Bushfire, and he has toured across the continent to Angola, Mozambique, Swaziland and Namibia.
BokkieUlt latest release, a track titled Stoute on which he features DJ Maphorisa alongside DJ Cuebur, and singer Yasirah Bhelz, has been a hit on the music scene this year. He is currently working with the legendary Mahotella Queens, who are remaking Solomon Linda’s original Mbube. “The purpose of this initiative is to give some of the proceedings of this song to Solomon Linda’s trust,” he said.
His stage name comes from letters put together from his name while the ‘Ult’ stands for Ultimate. His stage name simply means ‘I am the best at what I do.’ He has been recognised on such platforms such as Pioneer DJ Global, who on their Twitter page praised him for his outstanding DJ skills. “I was beyond ecstatic, it’s so important to never give up on your dreams and always strive to be a better you, as you never know who’s watching.”
Together with the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, BokkieUlt has trained and empowered 50 women to become professional DJs and producers. “Our industry is male dominated so we need more female professional DJs who can be seen as good professional DJs and not just as good female DJs.” His efforts do not just stop at empowering women, he is also a mentor to the winner of SA’s Got Talent 2015, DJ Arch Jnr.
BokkieUlt has grand dreams of performing at the biggest festivals both nationally and internationally. Another one of these dreams is one day being able to work with American singer and actress, Beyonce.
With his inspirations being Black Coffee and Martin Garrix, there is surely no stopping his future success.