Zola 7 Biography
Bonginkosi Dlamini (born 24 April 1977), best known by his stage name Zola 7, is a 44-year-old South African poet, kwaito musician, writer, and actor. The effort, time, and talents have made his music evergreen.
He hails from the ghetto part of the country and voices his experiences through music. He tries to motivate and encourage the able youths to work out their success no matter where they are from.
The famous Kwaito singer was raised in the slums of Soweto. With his talent, perseverance, and love for what he does, he rewrote his story.
Profile Summary
Name: Bonginkosi Dlamini
Other Name: Zola 7
Born: 24 April 1977 (age 44)
Place of Birth: Soweto, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Wife • Spouse: Sibongile Nkabinde (ex) Thato Matseke
Years Active: 2000-date
Occupation: Musician • poet actor • TV presenter • Radio presenter
Genre: Kwaito
Label: Ghetto Ruff • Guluva Entertainment
Known for: Godsent Angel
Net Worth: N/A
Background
He was born on 24 April 1974 and his parents named him Bonginkosi Dlamini. He was raised in the notorious township of Zola in Soweto. He adopted the name of the place he spent most of his childhood days.
The lifestyle of the people living in Zola revolves around drunkenness, lack of jobs, and single parenting. He was raised by a single parent too, his father left him and his siblings.
His mother took up both responsibilities and catered for himself, his elder brother, and his sister. Bonginkosi was arrested and went to prison as a juvenile after he was found guilty of stealing a car.
Career
His real-life experiences have contributed to taking him to where he is today. For instance, as an actor, he stole the heart of many viewers of the television series Yizo Yizo. Zola played the role of a notorious gangster Papa Action in season 2.
He was also cast in the 2005 Award-winning film Totsi and also in the 2004 movie Drum. Another notable role he has played on-screen is in the 2003 documentary SHARP! SHARP!- the kwaito story.
He played a minor role in the daily drama series that started production in 2013 Isibaya. Zola also landed a minor role in the popular television series titled Zabalaza. He presented on the SABC1 television show Zola 7 for eight years (2002-2010).
He was also the presenter of the Mzansi Magic broadcast television show Utatakho produced by Connect TV. On the docu-reality show Hope with Zola, Bonginkosi is the host. Zola is a veteran Kwaito artist and is prominent for releasing many popular songs.
He is also writing his music and is signed to the independent label Ghetto Ruff records. He owns a music company called Guluva Entertainment. Through his music, he talks about the way of life of the township, especially the horrible experience. He also trains young and upcoming performers in the music industry.
He also raps in the Bantu language of the Zulus isiZulu and also uses vernacular slang in Tsotsitall. In July 2007, he held a performance at the South African leg of Live Earth. The veteran media personality is also a part of the online station pioneered by Sbu Leope (also known as DJ Sbu) called Massiv Metro.
Personal Life
Zola 7 was married to Sibongile Nkabinde for 16 years. They became husband and wife in a traditional wedding. He had three children with his ex-wife who came public on the issues that did not make their marriage work. She told Sunday Sun that she was married to Zola for 16 years.
As his wife, she had to tolerate all his misdeeds. After getting married to her, he left her within Dobsonville, Soweto. She would only visit him on weekends or once a month sometimes. Zola 7 made headlines that he was “set to marry” Thato Matseke.
The couple later formalized their marriage after they lived together for 3 years. House In 2016, reports by Daily Sun covered that he sold his houses in Melville. The house was sold primarily to support UJ students with accommodation. He also owns and drives cars of luxury including BMW Z4, Hemi V8, and Chrysler 300 C.
Although Zola is leading a comfortable life, he remembers to give back to society. He is a source of inspiration to many who hails from a humble beginning.
Social Media
Although Zola is not proud, he flaunts his possessions on social media. Most times he appears dressed in swagger jeans and tops. He wears clothing accessories that are not easy to come by. His gold chains, rings, and others speak some Rand.
He also shares pictures and works about his work in Massiv Metro among others. Want to see his fleets of cars, on Instagram, Zola shares pictures of his cars.
Awards
Zola is a four-time recipient of the South African Music Awards (SAMA).
- Artist of the Year in 2002
- Best Soundtrack for Yizo Yizo
- Best Music Video for Ghetto Scandalous
- Best Kwaito Album for Umdlwembe
In 2001, he bagged three Metro FM Awards;
- Song of the Year for Ghetto Scandalous
- Best Album of the Year for Umdlwembe
- Best Kwaito Album for Umdlwembe
Net worth
Zola 7 is a veteran South African kwaito musician and has been in the industry for over twenty-two years.
He has inspired many who nearly lost hope and made them believe that they can also make it. Zola 7 is worth around yet to be estimated by Forbes.
