Bongi Mvuyana Interview
Describe Bongi Mvuyana in sentence?
Bongi Mvuyana is a South African alternative soul singer-songwriter who expresses honest emotion musically.
At what age did you know you can sing?
I was about 10 years old.
Please tell us about your album? And what is the title of the album?
The album is titled “Dopamine” and it explores the happy and dark sides of love. It is an expression of my experiences, a therapeutic outlet I use to share my thoughts with others in the quest to help them relate and work through their journey with love.
Who did you work with on this album?
My band, Ade Omotade, Osas Odion, Mothusi Thusi and William Dewar were fundamental in the composition of my songs, and Tiago Correia-Paulo from 340ml produced the album. I worked on some of the songs with the likes of Neil Engel who is a great horns player. I also had the absolute honour of working with Malie Kelly and Ryno Zeelie on vocal direction and production.
When you are writing songs what inspires you?
Real experiences, memories, emotions and literature.
Describe your sound?
My sound is a fusion of soul, jazz, traditional African music and international alternative genres.
Who is the best producer you have worked with and why?
Tiago Correia-Paulo. He’s got an incredible outlook he really takes music to the next level.
What is the inspiration behind your music?
I’m inspired by the music I listen to. I listen to a lot of music from around the world and new ideas always inspire me.
How did you ended up in the music industry?
I’ve always wanted to be a musician since I was a child so it’s no accident that I’m making music. I studied music in high school and started a band 2012 in which I was a lead singer. I got signed as a soloist towards the end of 2012.
Which one do you prefer performing live or being studio?
They both have their charm. Being in studio allows me to create in a comfortable environment where I am free to express myself. Being on stage allows me to connect with people in real-time through my musical expression.
If you had an opportunity to sing for anyone in the world who would it be? and which song would you sing?
A crowd of 50 000 people! I’d sing 6AM, with the opportunity to have Pedro from 340ml on stage with me as he is featured on the song. 6AM is my favourite song on the album.
How do you feel when some magazines are saying you’re person to watch out for?
It’s gratifying. I’m always grateful when people (in media) have good things to say about my music because it’s something I create and share with the sincerest intentions.
Name two things people don’t know about you?
I am a great cook and I love epic films.
What is the biggest challenge you feel the youth is facing today? What steps do you think can be taken in solving that challenge?
In the quest to find economic freedom and self-actualisation, we are losing the essence of our values and what humanity means. We need to be a source of inspiration for each other as peers. Our peers have the most access and influence on who we are, our decision-making and actions, and it’s vital that we start inspiring positivity, humanity and vision in each other. It’s time that friends are really honest with each and have the backbone to tell and show each other the difference between right and wrong.
What does it mean to be a woman in the 21 century?
Being a woman in the 21st century means that we have so much of the world’s opportunities in the palm of our hands, which then gives us a responsibility to seek greatness (by greatness I don’t just mean wealth) and inspiring a better society for everyone to live in. We need to start shaping and influencing the way society do things, thinks and change perspectives on equality. Women still haven’t realised the full extent of equality, and there are still women who are living under dire circumstances across the world. By equality I am referring to career, social influence and decision-making, economy, safety and many other issues our voices are still not heard as clearly as our male counterparts. Many people think that to empower a woman means to bring down the man, but on the contrary, equality is as much a responsibility for men as it is for women. A man who is able to empower is an honourable man, and as a woman I want to inspire that ideology in more men too.
We will be voting soon what does voting means to you?
Being part of a democracy is a very important thing to me. I understand the full extent of the crippling nature of our previous regime and being able to have a voice about which ideals and values can govern what is lawful in our country is an invaluable gift. It doesn’t just determine who comes into power, but also how we are able to live our lives.
What is your advice to young people out there?
Hold on to your values. Being cool and socially acceptable should never blind you from who you really are and what you can and cannot stand for. As the saying goes, if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.
