cover story
Trying to secure a renowned star, not only for a cover shoot but also an interview, is no child’s play. Now, imagine trying to make two of them available in one day! Luckily, TRUELOVE managed to book the much-loved or rather talked about celebrity couple, Ntombezinhle “DJ Zinhle” and Bongani “Mörda” Mahosana, before their hectic festive season schedule. On the day of the shoot, at a studio in Randburg, I am greeted by classy, black shoes – some with an over R20 000 price tag – and accessories, Era by DJ Zinhle, glistening inside their packages. I walk upstairs and I find the glam squad spreading out the make-up and hair options all over the tables and steam-ironing iconic branded outfits on rails. I immediately try to organise, in my head, how I’ll make the most of this interview. Zinhle is the first to arrive, donning a simple, short, silver sporty bodysuit that perfectly hugs her petite body. Bongani follows a few minutes later, and I allow them to settle in first. As usual, introductions are a bit awkward as you never know the energy you’ll get. But for music giants, the couple is down to earth, yet professional. A few handshakes and cups of coffee later, I approach the former Black Motion star and take him outside to the garden for a chat, where the warm air greets us, while his wife is getting glammed up.
Rebranding. Reincarnation. Reintroduction
Bongani gained popularity locally, and especially internationally, after releasing his debut album, Talking to the Drums, in 2011, as part of Black Motion – a music duo he co-founded with Thabo “Smol” Mabogwane. The duo grew up in the same area in Soshanguve, a township situated about 30km north of Tshwane, and decided to professionalise and commercialise their passion for music production. “We actually started as a group of 10,” he laughs, to my surprise. “Amajita ekasi [guys in the township] wanted to form a structure that would entertain the community at local events. But, Smol and I had a vision to make it beyond Soshanguve.” The duo went on to release hit after hit, earning the nod of industry heavyweights and fans alike. However, five albums, numerous awards and global stages later, Bongani, to the despair of fans, had a nasty split from the band that ended up in court. This caught the attention of the media. “So much has happened in the group. We started
