Renowned artist, actor, and broadcaster Bonginkosi “Zola 7” Dlamini offered an intimate glimpse into his life as a musician, tracing its origins through the creation of his debut album. The documentary bearing the title of his seminal album, “Zola: Umdlwembe,” broadcasted on SABC1’s Certified Classics, a program that graces screens every Sunday.
This documentary serves as a tribute to the indelible cultural impact of the kwaito legend, shining a spotlight on Dlamini’s musical journey from its inception, with “Umdlwembe” widely regarded as a game-changer within the kwaito genre upon its release in May 2000.
In a collaborative effort involving his company, Guluva Entertainment, and Enzo Slaghuis, the musician delves into the profound narratives behind some of his most iconic songs, sharing these stories for the first time.
In his own words, Dlamini reflects on the dream that “Umdlwembe” embodied, a dream that resonates with every young aspirant – the dream of that pivotal breakthrough opportunity. He states, “Umdlwembe was my big break, and at the same time, there was Yizo Yizo, which I was selected to play. What I prayed for and wanted in my life happened, and it is what every young person wants to see.” His portrayal of Papa Action in the widely popular and controversial series, Yizo Yizo, marked a significant chapter in his career.
He goes on to express his astonishment, saying, “It was amazing for me as I come from a township [Zola in Soweto], and in my mind, I never saw this happening. But in the end, we became the generation that proved that anything is possible. It gave birth to new talents who have contributed to the music genre and brought satisfaction to the fans. I thank all my supporters.”
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In a conversation with Macgyver Mukwevho’s podcast “MacG on Podcast and Chill,” Dlamini reveals that the documentary took a span of three years to complete, primarily due to his health struggles during that time, which necessitated several hospital stays.
He recounts, “I became really sick, then I was up and about to shoot [the documentary], then I went into a coma. I came back, then went into a coma again, I come back then I [thought] am not looking good. We put it on hold [and said] we will see it in six months’ time. It was a true rollercoaster. Eventually, we compiled and completed it.”
Certified Classics has previously showcased other kwaito legends hailing from Zola township, including the late Brown Dash (Siphiwe Mpamile) and Mapaputsi (Sandile Ngwenya).
