Brixton’s Bonj belts it all out
BRIXTON – The singer/songwriter has so far had both local and international success and still has a whole lot more to give.
With hopes of bringing a global, polished and fresh African pop sound to the local music scene, singer/songwriter Bongiwe Mpanza, shares on her musical journey.
She recently released her latest offering, an EP titled A Journal. It’s been a project five years in the making and she is ecstatic to finally be able to share a small glimpse of who she is, her journey as an artist, and her sound.
Known by her stage name, Bonj, she describes her sound as ‘future soul’ as she incorporates pop, soul and electronic/dance elements in her music.
In her formative years, the Brixton resident attended the National School of Arts and later, while studying at the University of Cape Town, majored in jazz vocal performance at the South African College of Music.
Even in high school, when she would form bands with some friends, Bonj always knew she wanted to pursue music beyond the classrooms walls. “I got to experience what it was like to perform live and write with the band and it felt so fulfilling and gave me so much joy and purpose.” Adding it was being surrounded by like-minded fellow peers in high school that encouraged and inspired her which aided her development and attributed to her strong appreciation of the arts in general.
She has been writing her own songs for the past decade and has also had the privilege to write with other producers, “I recently started opening up to writing with other singer/songwriters,” she shared. All the while learning every day and trying to perfect her skills as a songwriter.
Bonj is inspired by an assortment of local artists such as Moonchild Sanelly, Jackie Queens, Shekinah, Ami Faku, Thandiswa Mazwai, Msaki, Sun El, Samthing Soweto and the list does not end there.
Her love for music will never wane or tire as it is the response from fans and loved ones to her music that keeps her going. “It’s seeing your ideas and dreams come to life. I get to travel, meet amazing people, create beautiful memories and be in interesting rooms because of what I do so that’s a definite pro,” she explained. Citing the hardships she faced to this point in her career served as a reminder of her endurance and resilience.
Some of Bonj’s career highlights are writing the song Ndaweni for local artist Anatii’s sophomore album, titled Iyeza. She was the opening act for international singer Sam Smith during his South Africa leg of his world tour, she got to perform at the United Nations Social Good Summit in New York and recently had her song, Ain’t It True included on the album titled Rhythms of Zamunda inspired by international film Coming 2 America.
She hopes to always showcase and pay homage to the SA music styles she grew up listening to and has been inspired by.
