South Africa’s Ringo Madlingozi is expected to make his return to Botswana Craft again later this month (Friday August 26) alongside Amantle Brown for the Mascom Live Sessions. The incredibly talented Afro jazz singer makes his return to the sessions after mesmerising fans back in 2012. It will however not be his first return at Botswana Craft, having performed twice since 2012 courtesy of Barclays @ Play and Streethorn Promotions, and GIMC respectively.
A gifted vocalist, drummer, percussionist and guitarist, Ringo is also a multi-talented songwriter, and producer. He has for a couple of decades now been a household name here in Botswana, which has now become his second home. So appreciated is his music here in Botswana that he has never had to release a fresh album to get a call back. His music has proved timeless. He usually plays songs from his first album down to the last, having released his last album in 2014.
The Gugulethu (SA) born Madlingozi has released a number of successful albums which have earned him several awards, including Best Male Vocalist at the South African Music Awards as well as Best Male Artist (Southern Africa) and Best Male Vocalist (African Continent) at the Kora awards. He first attracted attention when he and his band ,Peto, won South African music competition Shell Road to Fame three decades ago in 1986. Since then, Madlingozi has built a prosperous career, collaborating with some of the best artists across the world including Oliver Mtukudzi and UB40. His debut solo album, Vukani, sold tens of thousands of copies while his 2006 offering, Love Songs, reached gold status in SA within the first month of its release. His Ringo Live (CD and DVD 2003) and 2004 album ‘Baleka’ have achieved multi- platinum status.
Amantle Brown first burst into musical charts with her single, Moratiwa. She won best RnB singer award at the Botswana Musician Union (BOMU) Awards. She released her eight track debut album ‘Sa Pelo’ in 2015 and has been slowly but surely making her mark in the local industry.
