Bongani Nkwanyana

Bongani was born on the 31 July 1962 at eMkhumbane, Cator Manor, in Durban. Like many other black families during those dark days of apartheid his way; also forcefully moved to KwaMashu in 1965 as a result of the notorious "group areas act".

His musical pedigree is extensive and impressive. Exploration started at a tender age in '1974 when his father bought a set of musical instruments end started a family band. Thereafter Bongani's professional debut as a bass a bassist with a KwaMashu based four-piece outfit called “Stax". Qunta Mbhele was the band leader, the late Mandla Masuku on the Saxophones and Wake Mahlobo the drummer. In September of 1984, 'Stax' won the n Lion Lager Talent search show" and this marked beginning of a great era for both the band and its individual members.

Bongani Nkwanyana later moved to Johannesburg 1986 in search of growth opportunities where he became a member of music group "Casino" which became a resident band in many night clubs in tand around Johannesburg. This period became a very important milestone for him and exposed this great bassist to various styles of music, local and international, while honing his live perfomance and playing skills to a razors edge.

Bongani has performed with many well-known and established South African musicians including the likes of Busi Mhlongo, Wendy Mseleku, Tu Nokwe, Mercy Phakela, All Katt, Mbongeni Ngema and many more... His muusical career has seen touring far and wide - countries as far away as Germany, with many tours of Swaziland, Botswana. Senegal, Namibia and others.

Bongani Nkwanyana met the late Sipho Gumede who was impressed with his playing that he asked him on the spot to join him as his backing bass guitarist. Nkwanyana played with, from that day on, right up until the day Gumede passed on in 2004.
Sipho became Bongani's greatest mentor and his music is heavily influenced by Gumede’s style of composition and playing. He featured prominently in the majority if Sipho Gumede's hit albums released under Sheer Sound, and all of his live events.
It must be said that although Sipho Gurnede t s-musical tapestry is re-painted somewhat by the talented Bongani Nkwanyana, this man has put his own interpretations, colour and touches into it and has truly made it his own. The musical style (much longed for and missed by many since been grown, re-invented and improved in many instances for a new generation and dispensation of the present age.
Vocally accompanied tracks, up-tempo danceable ‘pop’ numbers as well as ballads, instrumentals and gospel songs find a home on this ali encompassing and well-rounded album ‘Ithemba Lami’. All it takes is one solid listen to this resounding release to become a convert to all that has been said here, and to realise that this ‘newcomer’ is undeniable massively talented in his own right and deserves the credit and the recognition he has been workinh his entire life towards – all of this the album itself embodies...