General Plago

BIO

Artist Name: General Plago
Real Name: Bheki Dladla
Hometown: Msinga/Keates Drift (Empofane), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Genre: Reggae, Fusion, Afrobeat

Artist Biography

Bheki Dladla, known professionally as General Plago, is a versatile and accomplished South African artist hailing from Msinga/Keates Drift in the KwaZulu-Natal province. From a young age, General Plago’s passion for music was evident. He began singing at weddings, traditional gatherings, and school choir performances, honing his craft and building a solid foundation in music.

General Plago’s journey into professional music started when he joined forces with his friend Mtu Cyril Nxele, a keyboard player, to form a local band called Down the Street. This band later merged with Mhlaba Band, a reggae ensemble, marking the beginning of Plago’s deep connection with reggae music. Determined to grow his talent, he moved to Gauteng and enrolled at Mhlakothi College while staying close to his bandmates.

In Gauteng, General Plago’s musical horizons expanded when he became part of a trio with Mtu on keyboards and T-Man on bass. It was during this time that South African music icon Yvonne Chakachaka challenged the group’s knowledge of music notation, inspiring Plago to deepen his musical education. He later attended the Wits Music Workshops (MEWS), an initiative by SAMRO, where he studied music theory and began learning guitar.

Career Highlights

• Skin2Skin Band: After three years of formal music studies, General Plago co-founded the band Skin2Skin, featuring talented musicians such as Mfundo Mocheko, Lerato Nonceba, and Xolani. The band performed extensively across Johannesburg at poetry sessions and music festivals. In 2006, they toured Cape Town, sharing stages with renowned bands like Kwani Experience, Impande Core, and F# Band.

• Solo Career: In 2009, General Plago embarked on a solo career, adopting the name General Plago. He released his debut EP, Buss It, followed by the single Rise Up, which earned him a recording deal with Rooftop Records London (in collaboration with Sony Music). Between 2017 and 2020, he released seven singles and two music videos under the label. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic halting the renewal of his contract, negotiations for future collaborations are ongoing.

• International Performances: In 2018, General Plago was invited by the South African government to perform in Madagascar and Ireland as part of the centenary celebrations for Mama Albertina Sisulu and Nelson Mandela. These performances included shows on South Africa’s Heritage Day, showcasing his music to international audiences.

• Podcast Host: In 2022, General Plago launched the Bakawal Stashan Street Podcast, a reggae-focused platform that interviews South African reggae artists and promotes their work. To celebrate the podcast’s first anniversary, he organized a music showcase, further solidifying his influence in the reggae community.

Discography

• Buss It (EP, 2009)
• Rise Up (Single, 2009)
• Seven singles released under Rooftop Records London/Sony Music (2017–2020)

Future Plans

General Plago is currently working on a new album and is in ongoing negotiations with Rooftop Records London. He aims to build his own band and embark on a global tour, bringing his unique blend of reggae, Afrobeat, and fusion music to audiences worldwide.

Notable Achievements

• Invited performer at the centenary celebrations for Mama Albertina Sisulu and Nelson Mandela in Madagascar and Ireland (2018).
• Founder and host of the Bakawal Stashan Street Podcast (2022).
• Organizer of the first Bakawal Stashan Street Podcast anniversary celebration show (2023).