Odwa Bongo is a distinguished South African contemporary uHadi instrumentalist and vocalist, celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional isiXhosa music with contemporary sounds.
A graduate of the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Bongo was honored with the prestigious Dean’s Merit List Award for his academic excellence in Music Performance.
Recognized for his artistic influence and cultural advocacy, Bongo was named one of South Africa’s Top LGBTIQ+ creatives by The Wire, powered by Celebrity Services Africa, alongside notable figures such as Rich Mnisi, Thebe Magugu, Muneyi, and Desire Marea.
Odwa’s musical journey began with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, where he was awarded the Best Tenor Soloist Award and embarked on his first international tour. His vocal talent was further acknowledged when he was named the Standard Bank Schools Big Band Vocalist at the Standard Bank National Arts Festival in 2012.
Driven by a deep love for his culture, Bongo has been featured on national television, including SABC1’s Youth Culture documentary series and the UCT-powered documentary Umbulelo. His commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social cohesion through arts and culture led him to collaborate closely with the Cape Cultural Collective.
Bongo’s musical versatility has led to collaborations with esteemed artists such as the late Dr. Madosini, Camagwini, Zolani Mahola, Morena Leraba, and Koleka Putuma. Notably, he featured on Kechou and Dumama’s internationally acclaimed album buffering juju, contributing to a tribute track honoring South African music legend Madala Kunene. The song was widely celebrated by global audiences, music bloggers, and vinyl DJs.
With a wealth of experience in intimate musical performances, Odwa launched the uHadi Experience, a project dedicated to restoring dignity and respect to South African bow music. This initiative first gained significant traction in Cape Town and was notably showcased at the 2022 WOMAD South Africa festival. The project also sparked meaningful academic discussions in university music classes, bridging the gap between traditional music and modern education.
The success of the uHadi Experience expanded to prestigious stages, including performances at The Artscape Theatre and The Baxter Theatre. Odwa continues to captivate audiences with his recorded works, including the singles “Nomathemba” and “Qula Kwedini”, available on all major digital music platforms.
Odwa Bongo stands as a powerful voice in South African music, honoring cultural heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
