Mfana kah Gogo's career ready to take off

Not too long ago Sipho Mbonambi, who is famously known as Mfana kah Gogo, was just like anyone else fighting to make his music dream come true.

The internet sensation, whose music has gone viral on Tik Tok platform, was easily elevated to superstardom, thanks to the music application. The 17-year-old who took Tik Tok by storm with his popular songs such as Bopha, Hlal’ethembeni and Kusazoshuba, is ready for his career to take off.

Born in Zwelibomvu near Kwandengezi, Mfana kah Gogo has bypassed the long process of searching for a recording deal, but instead have companies chasing for his signature. Following his popularity and massive views of his videos, talent scouts and recording companies began competing for his signature.

The race of who gets him first ended last week when Sony Music Africa signed the young talent. As a result, the singer is dropping his first single under Sony tomorrow titled Jabula, an inspiring song that encourages people to have fun while there is time for that.

Speaking to TimeOut, Mfana kah Gogo is still pinching himself in disbelief that he clinched a recording deal and ready to officially launch his music career. Since he signed on the dotted line with Sony, he has been overwhelmed my mixed emotions because everything just happened too fast for him.

“I am happy and scared at the same time. Everything just happened for me at same time. I never thought this time I would have signed a recording deal and have my music ready to be released. Few months ago, I was just enjoying singing on Tik Tok for my fans. I was just enjoying singing and exploring with different sounds and God made it happen for me,” he admits.

“Since people saw my music on Tik Tok, I received a lot of offers from different companies. I had to sit down with my team and decide what will work for me because offers were just coming. I am excited that my single will be released this coming Friday [tomorrow].”

The young singer, who has been singing since he was six years old in church with his grandmother, uGogo uMaMbonambi ,did not only attract recording companies, but also stars of the industry are interested in collaborating with him. Among the people who wanted to collaborate with him are DJ Maphorisa and Major League.

The Tik Tok star set himself apart from other artists on this app with his detailed lyrics that speak about ordinary life and his grandmother’s life lessons. He says the name Umfana kah Gogo came from his friends and people from his village because he was always around his grandmother. He was given the name at a young age but it has stuck with him until now.

The amapiano singer is so talented that he turns anything to a song and he does not have to write the music down. His music is inspired by his own life, life in general while touching on the good and bad that is happening in the world.

 “My music is a reflection of my life and how I was raised by my grandmother. God is good for protecting me and those who are happy, so that people can be.  I have so much respect for my grandmother, she also raised her six grandkids who some are orphans and made sure we get everything. I will never forget that she used her pension money to make sure we get everything we want,” he shares.

Now that things have opened up for Umfana kah Gogo, the star cannot stop praising his grandmother, who is known in the area for loving church and helping people.

 “My biggest dream is to build my grandmother and the rest of the family a big house and make her happy before God takes her away from us. I would have not been where I am today if it was not for her and her teachings.”

Mfana kah Gogo, who is doing grade 11 at Fundinduku Secondary School in Tafelkop, near Groblersdal in Limpopo, started out singing gospel at church. Since his uncle was a hip-hop singer, though he never became famous, Mfana kah Gogo developed interest in the genre. He says it was only in December that he started singing Amapiano music. Since then he has composed songs that can fit in two albums.

“I was in grade 2 when I started singing at church. I used to sing alone or with my grandmother. Because my uncle was a hip-hop singer, I developed love for hip-hop and began writing songs. Since December I have been composing songs and my friend Mshekzin has been creating beats for me. I have a list of these songs readily to be released.”

Since he is still at school, the singer plans to balance both school and singing by focusing on his studies during the week and do music on weekends. He says his family, fellow learners and people in the village are excited as his career takes off officially this weekend.

Fact File:

Favourite musician: Dali Wonga

Favourite actor: Masoja Msiza

Favourite music: Piano

Favorite author: Gcina Mhlophe

Favorte TV show: Your TV land