Crosby Bolani

BIO

Siyasanga Crosby Bolani (a.k.a Digi-Analog), is a multi-talented
artist and producer, whose songs are based on social commentary. Born
in Cape Town into a musical family, he grew up in a township on the
edge of Cape Town named Gugulethu, a place known for its artistic
flair and creativity. With music a part of his family history, and
with an all consuming passion for it from a young age, he naturally
took to it as a full time career. Turned on to soul and gospel music
by his grandmother during schooldays spent in the Eastern Cape, at 15
he established his first group. Calling themselves the Def Boys, they
are still to this day regarded as one of the pioneers of Hip Hop on
the East Coast of Southern Africa.
At the age of 17, two years later, he returned to live with his family
in Cape Town. His father, an oil rig worker by profession, was able
during his travels to acquire an extensive collection of Reggae music,
music which he then introduced to Gugulethu. Infected by this new
sound, Crosby, together with his cousin Zoro, founded a new group,
Chronic Clan. In 2002, they won the South African Broadcast
Corporation’s national talent search, an award soon followed by their
first tour to Europe.
With Zoro eventually deciding to emigrate to Sweden, Crosby began to
concentrate on his solo career. Touring relentlessy internationally
and collaborating with dozens of artists from Europe, he was soon
playing alongside some of the biggest names in the Hip Hop and Reggae
arena, including such artists as Rita Marley, Capleton, Sizzla,
Gentleman, Talib Kweli and Snoop Dogg.
On August 2013, shortly after returning from a cultural exchange
initiative in the Netherlands, Crosby was robbed and shot three times.
He survived, driven by his will to live. The attack had a profound
impact on his musical career, depriving him of the ability to produce
and perform for a number of months. Upon his recovery, pushed by a
desire to create and to make use of the gift of life granted to him,
he created an electrifying 5 track showcase, The Unity E.P. Recorded
at Red Bull Studios in Cape Town, it showcased the positivity of
spirit which flows through him.
Recently, Crosby has worked with world renowned Dj and legendary
Japanese producer DJ Krush, appearing on his most recent album, “The
Butterfly Effect”. He has also recorded a 12 track reggae album in
Munich Germany with the Next Generation Band, which is due to be
released in February 2017 (titled “A Better Place”).
Despite his relatively poor background and challenging circumstances

whilst growing up, Crosby remains one of the most energetic and
positive South African musicians performing today. Through his lyrics
and action, he has been a great inspiration to many of the youth in
his community, most of whom face huge challenges in their daily lives,
the same challenges that he faced whilst growing up.
Crosby’s lyrics are honest and authentic, challenging and questioning.
He speaks about the daily struggle of poor people in the ghettos,
about nature and it’s destruction, his livity as a Rastafarian, and
his knowledge of African culture and history.
In 2018 he toured with prominent reggae artists Anthony B and Nkulee Dube,
backed by Azania Band in Mauritius and Reunion Island.
The year 2019 saw Crosby and Azania to play at a peace festival in war-torn eastern
D.R Congo followed by yet another tour with Japanese legend Dj Krush in 2020.
He has released a string of features and singles since his first debut album and has been
continuously recording new material ranging from all styles of music.

Website: www.crosbybolani.com
Instagram:@crosbybolani
Facebook:Crosby Bolani
Tik Tok:@crosbybolani
Twitter: @digi-analog