Blak Kalamawi

BIO

Artist Bio
SATMA NOMENEE 2013 ~Best Reggae Song.(Ndinje)
BLAK KALAMAWI THE SON OF KING SELASSIE.

Born 03 March 1988. Growing up in Zwelethemba, Worcester Western Cape, South Africa, Blak Kalamawi, sang from the age of 5 in junior school church choir. At the age of 10, he sang in the intermediate choir as a lead vocalist in the Gospel Group (worshipers of god) which was managed by his aunt. From age 11 Kalamawi could play keyboard and was a lead singer at the same time.

At 15 Kalamawi and was writing hooks for hip hop songs and started to do hip hop with Bongani belu aka ROYAL. They started a group, JAHGEMENT YARD, which consisted of 7 members. The group had REGGAE HIP HOP Style in it. Kalamawi was one of the hook writer for crew. Songs like (black woman)the solo version of the song made the name Blak Kalamawi in Cape Town late 2007.

The year 2008, Kalamawi was now on his own as a solo artist. Kalamawi at that time was banging PETER TOSH HALL in site c.The Rasta youth went strong with his career and met Ayanda Tywaku a producer and the owner of the PURPLE BEATS RECORDS, based in Cape town, khayelitsha. Early 2010 the mix tape ZWELETHEMBA was released by Purple Beats records, the mixtape was a huge progress for Blak Kalamawi.

2010 saw the soccer world cup being staged in South Africa and Kalamawi was doing a songwriting course in Cape town at the School of Songwriting and was booked to be part of the singers along with a Brazilian band and other local stars around Worcester. Blak Kalamawi was now on radio interviews on local radio stations, he had met with the Radio DOC, from BUSH RADIO based in Cape town. Radio Doc linked him with TYRON HERMAN a promoter and sound system owner.

Kalamawi Was booked for the opening, of the Jamaican Artist – Turbulance, a Reggae superstar who was visiting South Africa. The son of king Selassie gave an outstanding performance that blew South African audiences away.From that performance reggae massive putteth their faith on the youth. This is the same year he recorded the “BIG TUNE”- titled Ndinje meaning the way I am and she's in love with the Rastaman. Recorded at BOOM ROCK RECORDS, by SOV.

Ndinje was another story that impressed promoters, radio dj's, and reggae followers. In the Middle of 2011, when Lioness Productions SA, was promoting the worlds renowned Reggae Artists – Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica – Blak Kalamawi shared the stage with two living legends. Lioness Productions was taken by the youths performances among other artist.

2012 saw him traveling to Johannesburg, for the first big Reggae Concert around jozi town – ANTHONY B Live in Johannesburg, featuring Best South African Reggae Artists, like Nkulee Dube, SATMA award winner Nathi B, African storm sound system, ~Jah Seed and the Admiral ~ Blak Kalamawi was the only Cape townian artist representing western cape at large. An outstanding performance that South Africans will never forget.

Kalamawi was awarded best upcoming reggae/dancehall singer in cape town in July 2012 by the Cape town Reggae Awards. Late in 2012 Kalamawi opened for CAPLETON Live in Cape Town.

Blak Kalamawi is now working on another single titled AMAXESH' ONKE meaning (all times) recorded at his own production Buv Hood Records – Unlocking the getto sounds, currently working with upcoming artist around his community Zwelethmba location.

2013 saw him traveling back to Johannesburg for the Reggae/Dancehall Winter Warmer event by Lioness Productions SA, with other local artists.

He was nominated for the SATMA (South African Traditional Music Awards) 2013, for best reggae song- ndinje.

He featured on the Konfrontation Time Riddim by Riddim Yute Productions

Kalamawi is still going strong , this time releasing Ndinje EP 2013 featuring songs likemna nawe, money me want and jah never fail I yet.
2018 made a Featuring with EMTEE the Hustler,
2021 Blak Kalamawi Has been Performing Live on Festivals such as Cape Town Reggae Sunsplash 2021 and the Other Like Bob Marley Festival in Cape Town Saldanha. Same year that released the Afro Dancehall tune "I love you", "Work and Dance" and "She in Love with the RastaMan" was realised this year of 2022 and the song took Blak Kalamawi to Reggae on the River in George 27th till 29th May 2022 Outenikwa.