Gwara gwara originator DJ Bongz embarks on his Afro Tech journey

After dominating the house music space for more than two decades, Bongani “DJ Bongz” Dlamini is making a major shift in his career, venturing into the Afro Tech genre. 

Over the years, the multi-award-winning DJ and producer has showcased innovative sounds and dance moves. Now as he steps into a new era, releasing Awung’Fanele featuring songstress Nomfundo Moh, he wants to show the world he is a man of many talents. 

“In the industry, one has to reinvent themselves. I started making music for South Africans. In the past two decades, I have been making music for South Africans and other countries. If you look at how things are playing out now, older DJs are moving to Afro Tech. Zakes Bantwini moved from house music to Afro Tech, same as Shimza and Sun EL,” he told TshisaLIVE.

“As a legend, you can't be doing the same music and music for South Africans only. The time has come for me to also move to where everyone else is moving to. My fans know my music and they always say I never disappoint. Every time I drop a song, it becomes a hit. That's why some have gone platinum, and I have won awards.”

Bongz is halfway through concluding his Afro Tech album and says he plans to have artists such as Msaki, Cici, Sky Wonder, and Nomcebo on it. 

“I am working with a number of people, I want to feature all the songstresses in South Africa. I am like their older brother, someone who produced hits back in the day, so I know who I need on this album that's coming out soon.”

With a career spanning more than 25 years, DJ Bongz doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. 

He has a lot planned for the rollout of his album and says he wants young and old to recognise his work regardless of naysayers.

He's among the 60 artists set to grace the stage at Kings Park Stadium outer fields on July 2 for the Cotton Fest.

“I saw people asking why I was switching to another genre and performing at Cotton Festival. Yes, the festival is a hip-hop festival for children, so I was confused at first as to why I was booked for a hip-hop show because I am a house DJ.

“You can't stop people from commenting on what they want. The event is about culture. The fact the event is being held in Durban, I had to be part of Cotton Festival and show support for Riky Rick and the event.”

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