Bongani Givethanks

Bongani Givethanks, born Bongani Glen Sibanyoni, is a luminary in the realm of contemporary music, hailing from the vibrant township of Mabopane in Pretoria. His artistic odyssey is a testament to boundless creativity, a fusion of diverse talents, and an unyielding commitment to music as a conduit for storytelling, spiritual expression, and social discourse.

Versatility Unleashed:

From the inception of his journey as a self-taught pianist, Bongani's artistic evolution burgeoned into a kaleidoscope of musical exploration. Beyond the piano, his ardor for the arts led him to delve into sound design and music production, sculpting a versatile skill set that encompasses roles as a vocalist, composer, songwriter, bandleader, producer, and entrepreneur.

Collaborative Ventures:

Bongani's musical tapestry is interwoven with a diverse array of collaborations. Engaging with groups such as New Dawn, Rhythm Kulcha Afrika, and collaborations with artists like Fakazile Nkosi and Khan Khaliii, he has traversed musical genres, embracing Neo Soul, Gospel, House Music, African jazz, and alternative music. Each collaboration is a testament to his adaptability and the ceaseless exploration of sonic possibilities.

African Creative Music:

Bongani's artistic metamorphosis culminated in the inception of his own band, crafting a genre he dubs "African Creative Music." This groundbreaking fusion seamlessly blends South African jazz, mbaqanga, traditional melodies, and electronic elements. The result is a sonic signature that testifies to Bongani's boundary-pushing spirit and his avant-garde approach to genre amalgamation.

Performance and Recognition:

Gracing the stages of renowned festivals such as Smoking Dragon Festivals, The Music Imbizo, Market@TheSheds, OSS Music Festival, and Black Labone, Bongani's performances are marked by a distinctive blend of cultural influences and contemporary soundscapes. His music resonates across diverse audiences, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who experience it.

Community Engagement:

In acknowledgment of the imperative to preserve live music and nurture budding talents, Bongani initiated THEJAZZINJECTION. This transformative movement orchestrates music workshops and community-based performances, extending its reach to places like KZN Utrecht, Seleleka High School in JHB Soweto, and Mabopane, becoming a catalyst for musical aspirations in these communities.

Mvumo Productions:

Beyond his role as a musician, Bongani dons the hat of a director at Mvumo Productions, a distinguished music production company in Pretoria. This platform serves as a nexus for artistic creativity, professionalism, and the realization of various productions. Noteworthy projects include album releases for Jazzed OUT Trio and collaborations with poets such as Xitha Makgetha, as well as theater productions like Tokologo Season 1 & 2 and Letters Of Hope The Musical.

International Collaborations:

Bongani Givethanks's exceptional talent knows no borders. His participation in a 15 Years compilation album by the German record label Jazz & Milk led to a collaboration with the seasoned Brazilian Jazz Trio Caixa Cubo on their recent album release, "Agora." Additionally, Bongani completed a music residency supported by the U.S. Government called OneBeat, a program uniting global musicians for collaborative music creation and arts-driven civic engagement.

Discography:

Bongani's discography is a sonic voyage through his diverse influences and creative prowess. From the evocative...