Bonj to open for Sam Smith

Bonj

Bongiwe Mpanza, known as Bonj, is a quiet person at first glance. But the minute she steps on the stage, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. Her voice is husky and strong, yet rich, seductive and incredibly entrancing. She describes her sound as a blend of electronic music with soulful melodies and groove. She aspires to make music that moves, uplifts and makes people dance.

Coming from a music-loving family, you can immediately hear her influences drawn from gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, house and kwaito.

Maramza - uWrongu feat Bonj Mpanza from Inka Kendzia on Vimeo.

Her raw, enchanting and powerhouse vocals are hard to miss at any live performance. After graduating from the National School of the Arts in 2007, Bonj began her singing career in earnest. She has performed alongside many great South African artists such Mafikizolo, Zakes Bantwini, Zonke, Lady Zamar and many more. She recently wrote a song called “Ndaweni” on Anatii’s highly acclaimed sophomore album Iyeza.

In 2009, she relocated to Cape Town and began studies in jazz music at UCT. After her studies, Bonj moved back to Johannesburg to pursue her musical career. Shortly after multiple award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Tresor signed her to his company Jacquel Entertainment Group, in partnership with Universal Music Group, after he was amazed by her live show. She will be releasing new music soon and her debut album later this year.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith first hit the charts as the featured singer on the 2012 Disclosure song “Latch”, and he released his first single, “Lay Me Down”, soon after. Smith’s next hit was on a featured role by Naughty Boy’s Bollywood-inspired “La La La”. With Smith’s vocals, the song became an instant number one single in the UK in 2013. He then released his first EP, Nirvana.

In 2014, Smith released In The Lonely Hour, his heartfelt debut full-length album, which has sold 15.8 million copies globally. The album included the smash hit “Stay With Me” a radio staple over the course of the entire year. Smith was nominated for six Grammys which he won four, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

At the 2015 Brit Awards, he won the awards for British Breakthrough Act and Global Success. At the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, Smith received three Billboards: Top Male Artist, Top New Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist. His musical achievements have also led him to be mentioned twice in the Guinness World Records. The hit song “Writing’s on the Wall”, co-written with Jimmy Napes for the James Bond (007) film Spectre (2015), and won Smith the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

The Thrill of It All, which has already sold over four million copies, sees him once again working alongside close friend and long term collaborator Jimmy Napes as well as the likes of Timbaland, Malay, Jason ‘Poo Bear’ Boyd and Stargate. The album also sees Sam collaborate with unsigned artist, YEBBA for their breath-taking track “No Peace”. “Too Good At Goodbyes”, the first single off the new album, saw global success hitting number one in the UK and Global Spotify Charts, number one in the UK and US iTunes charts and entering the official UK charts at number one making it his sixth UK number one single. “One Last Song”– a track Sam wrote as a final wave goodbye to the person that inspired his breakout debut record, In the Lonely Hour.

Smith’s latest single with Normani “Dancing with a Stranger” is currently dominating the charts in South Africa.

Tickets are on sale now from Computicket and www.bigconcerts.co.za.