Zola (entertainer)

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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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[edit] Early life

Born in the Soweto ghettos 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.

[edit] 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]. He also has a little brother called Vuma

[edit] 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.

[edit] Clothing range

Zola 7 clothing range was launched in November 2005

[edit] 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 - Umldwembe
  • Best Kwaito Album - Umdlwembe

[edit] Discography

[edit] External links

In other languages