Bonginkosi Dlamini, aka Zola, is a South African musician, actor and presenter. He also presents Zola 7, a television show named for him, on SABC 1.
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Early life
Born in the Soweto Township 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. Until, he got old enough.
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. He also performed the score and played a role in the Academy Award-winning film, Tsotsi and the movie Drum [1]. Zola also has a prominent role in the documentary SHARP! SHARP!- the kwaito story (2003) directed by Aryan Kaganof. He also has a little brother called Vuma
Musician
He has also enjoyed success as a Kwaito superstar. He not only performs, but also writes and produces to some degree. He signed to the independent label Ghetto Ruff records. Zola will be recording a posthumous collaboration with hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur. The track will be recorded in South Africa but feature on a CD to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Shakur's death on September 13, 1996. On 7 July, 2007 Zola performed at the South African leg of Live Earth. Bonginkosi Dlamini Now has a Daughter & her name is Lwandle. He gave her that name because he say the love he has for his daughter can not be compared to anything even the sand of the sea.He even wrote a song about her.
Clothing range
Zola 7 clothing range was launched in November 2005
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 Scandalous"
- Best Album of the Year - Umdlwembe
- Best Kwaito Album - Umdlwembe
ZOLA 7 ROKS
Discography
- Umdlwembe (2000)
- Khokhovula (2002)
- Bhambatha (2004)
- Ibutho (2005)
- skoko(2007)
External links
- Zola's Official Homepage
- Interview with Zola on NPR's Talk of the Nation (March 7, 2006)
