Sebone Rangata aka King Bzorobzarabza

BIO

Sebone Rangata aka King BzorobzarabzaSebone Rangata is an artist and writer from Botlokwa in the Limpopo Province. He is popularly known as King Bzorobzarabza - the King of the BZWANYUBZ TRIBE, a movement he started 2 decades ago that promotes pride in your uniqueness and originality. Sebone has always been the different one within his community as he was always drawn to ancient knowledge and sounds. At Botlokwa at a time where Christianity was ruling the community, he fell in love with the Djembe and Dinaka so much the community thought he was crazy. His love of indigenous culture and music led him to Joburg where he believed he would be better received.

After completing his senior certificate, he worked at the Katlehong Cultural Centre and was later introduced to the Africa Cultural Centre by Director Mike Manana. There he was part of a training program and also Performed in Carnivals and taught children and youth choirs and groups. He was then spotted by Joanne Radus who was impressed with how he was working with the children and youth and introduced Sebone to Drum Cafe. For years, he worked with Drum Cafe and travelled nationally and internationally with them.

Over the years, Sebone performed as a singer and indigenous instrumentalist for a number of bands including Tu Nokwe Band, Sechaba, Camagwini and Biko'sManna a famous duo act of two kids that happen to be his . He also performed as a stilt walker in a number of carnivals and events.

In 2007 he joined a training program by Nokwe Creative Development Foundation heade by Tu Nokwe. The program encourages artists to broaden their horizons and take up leadership roles as service providers in the Music Business; Entertainment Logistics, Marketing, etc. This brings about holistic development, sustainability and restores dignity in the arts industry. Later the organisation cast him in a number of its heritage productions and projects as a performer, teacher, facilitator and indigenous instruments manufacturer. He is also part of the research team for indigenous instruments in The Isihlahla Sobuntu Heritage Program.

In 2021, Sebone wrote and produced his first one man show titled, Babuyile Bomma, Directed by Kgafela Oa Magogodi; supported by Concerts SA. This one man show includes the music he composed and stories about the lessons learnt from the elders.

BZWANYUBZ TRIBE - INDIGENOUS BRAND
Originally started of as a band that performs and records African music and later grew as a brand. Sebone Rangata wanted a name that is unique, tribal, and catchy. At that time, there was a need for a street lingo that signified freedom, assertiveness and pride, because township youngsters believed that if you spoke with the American accent, you were superior to the rest. He then created the SBZOROBZA lingo which immediately became popular. More and more people where opening up to this idea of free expression in the new lingo. As a result, many people in the Gheddo (Townships) can now bzabza (speak) the lingo.

The music of the BZWANYUBZ TRIBE writen by Sebone Rangata, emphasises good moral values based on the concept of African pride. ‘As different as we all are, music is our meeting place where we can enjoy what each individual has to offer’, that is why the BZWANYUBZ TRIBE collaborates with various bands and musicians.

The music of the BZWANYUBZ TRIBE is light hearted, fresh and rhythmic with melodious intricate harmonies. This tribe has a bright future and is the first indigenous band to be influential to the young generation. It is passionate about the restoration of our ancient wisdom through song, poetry and storytelling. The BZWANYUBZ TRIBE is here to spread the message of humility and the spirit of togetherness as the Zulu saying goes: ‘Injobo enhle ithungelwa ebandla‘- meaning working together and sharing ideas joyously.