Bonginkosi Dlamini

Bonginkosi Dlamini, aka Zola, is a South African poet, actor, and musician. He also presents Zola, a television show named for him, on SABC 1.

Early Life

Born in the Soweto ghettos of Johannesburg, South Africa, Dlamini spent his formative years in one of the roughest and notorious ghettos around, Zola, hence his name. Unemployment, alcoholism, and single parent families are the norm in Zola. His father abandoned the family, leaving his mother to care for him and his older brother and sister.

Actor

Zola become well known for his role as the notorious gangster Papa Action in Yizo Yizo 2. The character was already popular in Yizo Yizo and had been portrayed by another actor. Zola resembled the previous performer, and his performance only increased the popularity of the role.

Musician

He has also enjoyed success as a Kwaito superstar. He not only performs, he also writes and produces to some degree.

Musical Awards

He has received four South African Music Awards:

• Artist of the Year – 2002
• Best Soundtrack – Yizo Yizo
• Best Music Video – "Ghetto Scandalous"
• Best Kwaito Album – Umdlwembe

At the Metro FM Awards 2001, Zola won on public vote:

• Song of the Year – "Ghetto Fabulous"
• Best Album of the Year – Umldwembe
• Best Kwaito Album – Umdlwembe

Albums

• Umdlwembe

Debut album, released in May 2000 attained triple platinum status

Produced by: Kaybee

Tracks:

01. Not Again

02. Mdlwembe

03. Mavovo

04. Ghetto Scandalous

05. Seven

06. Guluva

07. Woof Woof

08. Isithembiso

09. Mzioni

10. Imali Yegazi

11. Ndodandoda

12. Ghetto Fabulous (House Remix)

13. Indodana Yolahlelo

14. Lord Of Sound

15. To You

16. Mavovo (Instrumental)

17. Ndodandoda (Instrumental)

• Khokhovula

Released November 2002

Produced by: Kaybee, Zola & Wakes

Tracks:

01. Khokhovula

02. Tshitshilami

03. Somlinda Ngengoma

04. 25 2 Life

05. Feleba

06. S'gebengu Sam

07. Qhawe

08. Sana Luwa (That's The Way Love Is)

09. Weba Fana

10. Nongoloza

11. Kwaito Fabulous

12. Kwaito Fabulous 2

13. Tshitshilami (Dub Mix)

14. Kaybee

15. Outro

• Bhambatha

Released June 2004

Produced by: Thabiso "Thaso" Tsotetsi

Tracks:

01. Intro

02. Bhambatha

03. Dont Cry (featuring Thembisile)

04. X Girlfriend (featuring Maduvha)

05. Ehlale E Zola Intro

06. Ehlale Ezola

07. Zingu 7

08. Its Your Life

09. Nomhle

10. Grey Town

11. Moroba

12. Ntandane Interlude

13. Thobile

14. Palesa

15. Mghogo

16. Kuyoze kube Nini Skit 1

17. Kuyoze Kube Nini

18. Kuyoze kube Nini Skit 2

19. Shosholoza